"Thank you," Tulan said. "But whenever you need me, whenever there's anything I can do for you, you can come find me."
"Mm, I know," Hesta said brightly.
The two walked on for a while.
"Did Ligo come to see you?"
"About joining The Front?" Hesta asked. When Tulan nodded, she added, "No."
"I figured she probably couldn't come either," Tulan said softly. "Things are... complicated on her end too."
"Mm, I understand."
Tulan's gaze passed over Hesta with immense tenderness. She sighed, then suddenly opened her arms and hugged Jane tightly. Hesta had not expected it at all; she froze for half a beat before wrapping her arms around Tulan's back as well.
Tulan's voice trembled. "If Liz were still here, she wouldn't know how happy she'd be..."
Hesta blinked rapidly, then gently patted Tulan's shoulder.
Tulan released her. "I've missed her these past years too... I always think of her. So often, it feels as if she never left, as if... she were still in Tanyi, in Wulian, and all I had to do was fly back to see her."
"...Me too," Hesta said softly.
Tulan took a deep breath, then forced another smile and looked at Hesta again. "I'm happy for you, Jane. You've come so far."
"What!? You won't be here tomorrow? None of you will? Where are you going?"
In Tie Xi's little house, Chloe sprang up and slammed the table, shouting so loudly that the whole house seemed to shake. Tie Xi frowned deeply. She wanted to cover her ears, but it was already too late. She shot Chloe a stern look. "Do that again and get out."
Chloe immediately leaped several steps to the side, lest Tie Xi catch her.
Only she and Tie Xi were in the little house today—Eucali had