"Son, there's a difference between kissing and making promises you know you can't keep," Janius retorted. He raised a finger, his words landing at a proper answer before he knew it. "That's all I want you to do. To avoid making promises you can't keep."

Janius breathed out and calmed his voice. "Listen, Julan, I'm sorry if this is coming off as confusing. These things are hard to relay precisely in words because they're generally learnt through experience. It's just that you're mother is worried you're going to hurt yourself." He shrugged. "I think you'll be fine, but just so we can know, I need you to answer my question. Try to think of an answer in terms of what you're definitely [i]not[/i] going to do. What promises can't you keep here? An easy example to start; you're not going to bring her home. What else?"

[hr]
Ahnasha saw figures along the trail several minutes early. Three horses walked along the path towards them. The one in the lead carried Monderyn, sitting up straight and holding a cord leading the horse behind his. That guided horse carried Fendros' mother Calia, the older Dunmer woman looking just as perfectly poised as the last time Ahnasha saw her. She was even riding side-saddle. Llarasa followed along behind them both on her own horse, not riding side-saddle but still her usual self. She waved when she and Ahnasha made eye contact.

When the three came closer and their details stood out, the formality of their clothing became more apparent. While not as resplendent and markedly more suited to the climate than what they wore to Ahnasha and Fendros' wedding day, the nice dresses, embroidered doublets, and hats with flowers and ribbons made the rest of them look starkly under-dressed.

"Greetings again, Ahnasha," Monderyn said, managing a small smile. He dismounted just as Calia spoke to a space nearby.

"Oh, my daughter-in-law is here? Ahnasha, my dear, let me finally [i]see[/i] you with my new eyes!" Calia's eyes wandered with more purpose than before, but she did not lock onto Ahnasha. Monderyn stepped up to help Calia down from her horse.

Just as well, as Monderyn's horse started to shuffle uncomfortably as Ahnasha neared.