If she was being fully honest, Lunise would admit she was still holding onto enough frustration and shock that another hug did not quite relax her as it had previously. Nevertheless, no amount of raging would change the reality of the situation. That she would be given any further amount of time to think was fortunate.

Lunise did not turn to look at Meesei until after a pause following Meesei's reaction. Lunise gathered up all the composure she could to finally face her, mask on and jarringly so to Meesei. "Indeed," she said. "If I recall, the last time I was placed in your position, Meesei, you saw fit not to ask any permission to take your subject 'out of time' for whatever private conversation you shared. But that is in the past now. Mother? You mentioned another matter you wished to discuss? With us both?"