While Janius was not particularly worried about the time Kaleeth took, the wait was unexpected. He resigned himself after eating to try and meet other tribespeople who emerged to eat. Success was varied, mainly because the villagers frequently had to leave and get on with their own tasks. There was not much time to relax for the adults.

Janius contemplated finding some way of making Julan and himself useful, or perhaps at least to take Julan to see Thorantilth if he was available. He did not make a decision before Kaleeth eventually returned.

"Quite alright, yes," Janius replied. "No more bad encounters with anyone. Julan's even making some friends." He gestured a hand to where Julan sat talking with the other teenagers. "I was thinking to ask for something that needs doing. Everyone being busy around me had me thinking I looked rude and lazy." He shrugged and looked directly to Kaleeth. "How are you? How was your talk with the elder?"

[hr]
Rhazii at least followed Ahnasha's instructions to focus on his breathing. He did so with difficulty, but each breath out did ease his tension.

It took Rhazii a while to respond. His head moved in a little nodding motion. "I trust you, mama," he said through a blocked nose. His shoulders relaxed into a slump and he spoke through held-back sobbing. "I feel really bad right now. Really bad."