“Envy’s like a father to many of you, isn’t he?” Kire smiled, understanding how Sid felt to some extent about taking care of Aeron. “Aeron is an intelligent boy. He’ll grow into a fine young man, hopefully.” She turned slightly towards the fire, listening for the sound of water boiling, before continuing. “Did he lose his mother at Ziad?” she asked, taking a guess. It fit in with what Sid had just said, and with the conversation she had with Aeron yesterday. “I’m sorry.” 

She looked about to see if anybody would overhear, before she continued. “I may be out of line with this question, and you’re welcome not to answer it if you don’t want to. And it’s not exactly breakfast conversation.” Kire smiled a little, then stopped, remembering the coffee. She stood, removed it from the fire, and looked for clean cups for them to use. “Would you want one?” She poured out two, went to look for sugar, and found some honey instead. Content with that, Kire put in a spoonful and went to sit back down by Sid again, taking a sip. “Ah. A little too much water.” Kire made a face for a moment, then shook her head, drinking it anyway. 

“Anyway. I wanted to ask if you’re able to talk about it—what did Rulitus do that made everyone turn away from him? Or at least made him think he wouldn’t be welcomed by anybody here at all. I’ve an inkling it has something to do with this.” Kire gestured at her own face.