[i]"I have to agree with your grandfather,"[/i] Janius added. [i]"You didn't give up when most would have. You held your own against a more experienced, and more skilled, fighter. You did fight well, all things considered."[/i] Janius tilted his head to one side, smiling. [i]"I'll be honest, son. There were some moments that I felt some doubt. But you fought through. I'm proud of you."[/i]

[hr]
"We can afford to delay things if we need to," Fendros said. "I spoke to mother. She agreed to come to the lake with Monderyn and Llarasa tomorrow to meet your family. She appeared somewhat enthusiastic about it, but you how she hides herself. She also mentioned she would ask father but we both agreed that was no guarantee." He took a deep breath. "Anyway, if we aren't ready for that tomorrow, we can postpone it. No need to take everything on at once."

Fendros stood up again, this time to dress for going out into the woods.

"I can track down Rhazii while you clean up," Fendros said. "Can you tell me where you two went?"