Ridahne blinked quickly and leaned back as if a strong gust of wind slammed into her. She smiled. "You've been sitting on all that all night? Goodness Darin, no wonder you're stressed." She laughed lightly, but her tattooed face melted into a more sober expression. "I'm sorry all of this was put on you. You didn't ask for any of it. And frankly if you didn't feel even a little overwhelmed by it all, I'd worry for your sanity. But listen Darin," Ridahne put one hand on Darin's cheek and gently lifted her chin to look up into her own eyes. This gesture, touching someone else's face, was a very intimate thing in Azurei, reserved for family and extremely close friends. Ridahne's amber eyes looked hard for a moment as she said, "I am always working. Even when you don't  notice, even when it seems like we're relaxing or doing nothing of dire importance. I am [I]always[/I] working. To do otherwise would be a dereliction of my duty, of my sworn oath to you as your Guardian. More than that, as a Seed Chained, I don't think the Seed or the Tree would let me if I tried. I care deeply for you, Sister, but my first and foremost responsibility is your safety. If I must upset you to accomplish this, I will. Wouldn't be worth my salt as a Guardian otherwise."

Ridahne released Darin and her expression softened. "Don't worry about the Sols. They aren't used to getting stood up to, but they recognize you as an equal in terms of rank. And when no one else is watching, they also aren't always nice to one another." Ridahne chuckled. "I have a hard time being nice also. Not after what happened. Amaiera-Sol's apology to me meant the world and I won't forget it. But I also won't forget being used. Don't let niceties or formalities trouble you. As for Harai..."

Ridahne sighed, moving to look out a small window. "I don't think you or anyone else can make the right decision. I don't believe there always is a "right" decision. But there are moments when we have to make [I]a[/i] choice, and all we can do is make the best one we possibly can at the time. Maybe it won't be right, not in the end or in some grander scale of morality. But you have to do the best you can regardless. It is all we can do." She said 'we' and it was clear she meant Darin's predicament but her own past as well. "If, when the time comes, you cannot make your own decision, seek the help of the Tree, or perhaps the Seed itself. It will not choose you and then abandon you to your fate, I think. But do not ask me," she said soberly. "I know what I would do, if the choice were left up to me. But is that the best choice? Who can say? I know you have doubts about your ability to be the Seed Bearer, but I think that's partly why it had to be you. Those who desire power often don't deserve it. And I think your values and experiences bring a balance to the way you handle choices like these. If it were me, I would not be balanced enough. I would be too harsh. Too rigid. To unforgiving. I might be decisive, but I would not be as kind, not as fair, not as understanding as you are. Whatever you might feel, Darin, you have already brought honor to your house, to your village, and I'm certain Talia would be proud of you." Ridahne let that sit for a moment, then smiled dryly. "And no, you can't ruin my wedding." 

The edge returned to Ridahne's eyes a little. "And Martin...? There was once a time when it was my job to track down people, regardless of where they wandered, or how hard they tried to hide. I have been trained for many years to do this task in particular. If finding this Martin Aliceson is what you desire, then I offer my services."