Thorantilth took a moment to have more of his tea. He did not act as if he were in a hurry, though Kaleeth had alluded before to the fact that he likely had many other responsibilities to attend to. [i]"She has lived for as long as the Hist has willed her to live. She was in quite fine health until the most recent cycle of the moons. I believe the Hist has decided that it is time for her memories to return to the root. It is good that she will be able to add one last memory of you to that collection, Kaleeth."[/i]

Kaleeth smiled, having finished most of her tea by this point. [i]"Well, I don't know if memories of me will be too useful to the Hist, but it will still be nice to speak to her again. I will also make sure our son has a chance to come see you, Thoran. I'm sure there is a lot you will be able to teach him. As long as my father will allow him out of his sight long enough for him to visit. He did actually seem pleased to see Julan. I really wasn't sure if I should have been expecting that."[/i]

There was a single, slow nod from Thorantilth, and a few seconds of silence before he spoke. [i]"I suspect your father was much happier than he let on to see you again. And though I [b]certainly[/b] doubt that he gave you this impression, I also suspect he did not mind you being there as well, Janius. Zharanthixil is a harsh man, shaped by a harsh life, but he still experiences love, respect, and compassion like the rest of us. He is just adverse to showing it, to the point of outwardly denying it."[/i]

Kaleeth started to stand up, appearing briefly uncertain of how to respond. [i]"I...hope so. I really don't want to make my father any more unhappy than he already was. Maybe just spending some time here with him will help. Thank you for all of your kind words, Thoran. If there is anyone in the village as wise as Reanaseer, it would be you."[/i] Kaleeth took Janius' hand, ready to go on their way. Speaking to the Treeminder had improved her mood, but that mood was still only a thin barrier to the uncertainty and despair that had recently been poured onto her.

[hr]

Gwindir nodded and opened his mouth to speak, but his words were quickly overshadowed by S'nashi's enthusiasm. "Oh, without a doubt. There is nothing I have wanted more since meeting my new son than to meet the people responsible for raising him into being such a fine young man."

S'nashi finally turned her attention away from Rhazii long enough to give Fendros the same tight hug that she had given to Ahnasha and Rhazii. "I understand that your family owns their own vineyard? You know, I have always felt that winemaking is an almost...romantic sort of business. Beautiful and majestic fields of grapes, the class and respect that comes with making such a refined and elegant product. If I am being entirely honest, I don't [i]personally[/i] understand why you would prefer to run a hunting shop, but I can see where you got your business acumen."