The tears ran down Fendros' smiling face so fast that he only now thought to wipe them off with his forearm. That was when he remembered to put away his weapon. The entire situation had him feeling clumsy. Not a desired impression he wished to give as the new champion. But Meesei remained a friend and packmate. He gave up and sat down mext to her, holding up his knees with his elbows.

"I won't pretend it'll be any easier," Fendros responded. "I won't let you shirk the credit you are due, however. You saved us. You saved all our lives. Over and again." He looked at the grass in front of him. "And those you saved, I'll be relying on their help. We shall do our best."

Fendros glanced out of the corner of his eye. "How much do you know about what happened after you...well, after you cast your final spell in the battle?"