As Sanria stared at the cottage, a low whistling could be heard. She turned to find Thasmudyan. She did not have the rush of emotion she used to have. It was simply like meeting an old friend - albeit one you were embarrassed to inform of your polyandry. Still, they spoke, Sanria noting the distinct absence of any questions about Nioma. He had truly let go of his daughter. She gave him a tour of the castle, inviting him to apply to the Keepers, and after a bite to eat, they said their goodbyes. Sanria checked her mental list. She could say truthfully that she was no longer in love with Thasmudyan, but she hoped that he would be part of the Keepers and remain her friend.
She returned to the cavern later that evening after finishing a bit of work. That night she spoke with Colin, determining that the two men were at odds. Colin spoke about how they should be together, and Sanria found herself thinking about the way Gilean looked at her. She had seen he and Claire together, she saw the concern on his face when she sat in the living room. She knew what it looked like when someone was holding back what they felt. She certainly thought she had seen it on Gilean's face.
Sanria offered Gilean the chance to leave, to not feel obligated to stay. The answer was a resounding no. Sanria frowned at the distress on Gilean's face and was confused. He said he loved her, wanted to be with her, that she was the mother of his children, and wanted her to want him. She felt guilty that she didn't want him to leave, but at the same time... at the same time she knew that somewhere inside of his mind, of his heart... she was his second choice.
The following day she sat at the kitchen table alone. She closed her eyes. "Leandra, I know you probably don't want to talk to me, but, I truly need your help."
The flippant acid reply came back, "What do you want, mom?"
"I need you to tell me where I can find Claire."
