Fendros' eyes drifted ahead. Beyond the creeping grief, the realisation of Meesei's coming departure made Fendros feel a fool for talking in such a detached manner. The hug that followed helped him move on to more important things.

He returned the hug just as tightly. As much as he pressed his lips together and closed his eyes, he couldn't stop himself from starting to cry once more.

"Thank you, Meesei," he said after a slow breath. "Thank you for everything you were to me and the pack. Pass my regards to Ri'vashi, and tell Do'rhajul Sabine was right about him. And...if this is to be goodbye...good hunting."