Darin wasn’t sure what to tell Ridahne. It wouldn’t be fair to her to expect her to reveal her secret when Darin was averse to revealing hers. Besides what good would it really do? Even though it meant people would avoid them attention would still be on them. Besides who knew? They might be asked to leave Lihaelen. That would not be good. Darin didn’t want to even think about what the trees would do if she left before staying for at least a little bit. She didn’t think that they would be happy with that. They might not let her leave. She didn’t want that to happen. She couldn’t let that happen.

She whispered back hoarsely, “They are alive Ridahne. They think, not like us, not like animals, but they do feel. They have lives. Astra is their home too.”

Darin had not been surprised that the trees had spoken to her. Then again, she had always known that plants were living things. She had known that long before she had taking over the work at her farm. As small children all of her peers had been taking out into the fields to sit and watch and listen at various times of the year. They had been taught to respect all things that grew in Astra. She was willing to bet that Ridahne and the people of Lihaelen had similar understandings even if they were slightly different. All the living things in Astra, people, animals, plants, lived in a sort of balance. Good people knew that. She wasn’t sure bad people did.

Before she could answer Ridahne in regard to telling the Azurei’s story to the people another voice rang out, “Warrior Torenzi,” Darin’s head flipped around to see Mr. Armin, “If you wouldn’t mind the Council of the Seven Winds has asked that every outsider that has entered Lihaelen in the last day or so attend to them immediately. So, if you and your apprentice would come with me.” He eyed the blades warily, “I’m sure that this could be settled peaceably.”

Darin wasn’t so sure about that, but the man that had been advancing stopped dead in his tracks as the aide appeared. There were no bows. It was clear that this Council had reacted pretty much instantly to either the trees moving or the message that was carried on the wind. Darin looked around the room and realized that the instant reaction provided some level of calm. People weren’t so wary. They relaxed as they realized that their government had things under control. Going with Mr. Armin might prove that they were willing to cooperate if people were advancing with scowls on their faces. Darin knew they couldn’t stay her without a fight. They couldn’t get back inside without a fight. The only way to get out of this without a fight was to go with Mr. Armin. She just wasn’t sure what Ridahne would think of that.

Darin hissed lightly, “Ridahne. We should go.” She switched to Eluri, “We don’t want trouble, do we?”