[i]"Kaleeth told me."[/i] Zharan explained. [i]"I expected there would be some who would not take kindly to your presence here. Perhaps not him, but it also is not too much of a surprise. He is both stubborn and proud. A good hunter, loyal to his people, and well-liked, but not kind towards outsiders. But, Master-Hunter Juran has recognized Kaleeth, and now your son, as hunters, and Deerz has no right to show such disrespect. And you, my daughter, have every right to challenge his insults to your honor."[/i]

Kaleeth was not entirely dismissive of the idea, but she was also far from enthused about it. [i]"I know I can do it, but I don't know if I want to fight him. Deerz used to be my friend, and I don't know if embarrassing him would really make things any better between us. He'd probably just be even more bitter." 

Zharan shrugged. [i]"It's your choice, but I don't think you should let him believe he can just walk over you without you making him pay for it."[/i]

Kaleeth looked down with her arms crossed. [i]"I'll have to think about it."[/i] She replied noncommittally. Feeling her father's eyes on her, she quickly looked to Janius to change the subject. [i]"There was something I noticed...did you see how that girl, Leeus, was acting towards Julan? And how he was looking at her? It has me concerned."[/i]

[hr]

"I thought you were." Ahnasha said, making a conscious effort to keep eye contact with Rhazii and avoid acting [i]too[/i] ashamed. "You did do well, but...I don't know if it was fair for me to expect you to do it. My first kill was more dangerous for me; I was more afraid. I didn't make any major mistakes then, but knowing what I know now, I know that I [i]could[/i] have made mistakes easily. I wanted to keep you safe. You're serving as a scout now, or an apprentice scout, rather. I know you mostly stay within the cavern, but you do go to the surface. Anything could happen up there. I know your duties don't have you seeking out fights, or looking for the enemy, but...it could happen."

Ahnasha leaned forward slowly, placing a hand lightly on Rhazii's knee. [i]"You have to believe me; I didn't want to hurt you, Rhazii. And I don't mean physically, though I didn't want to hurt you that way either. I just wanted to make sure you were ready, and I thought the experience would make you safer. Even if it's not very likely, and not the job that you're supposed to be doing right now, there's still the fact that you are at a point in your life where you could, [i]conceivably[/i] be forced to defend yourself against someone who wants to kill you. I was worried about you, and I just...wanted you to be ready."