Coconut Grove the algea

Emaleth was ever willing to listen, for she was a creature of few friends and fewer words— and she listened with rapt attention to her sibling's speech, storing each piece of knowledge and insight away for later use. Much of the news was somber, heating the anger within the dark witch's breast, though she did her best to protect sweet Deirdre from discovering it— and instead murmured words of empathy and commiseration where appropriate. It was best that the mysterious woman had been cast from the ranks, though Emaleth did not voice this to her littermate, and though it was good to have alliances, the dark youth did not trust them. But to admit so would be to admit that she did not trust Deirdre, and she could not do that, so she remained quiet instead.

"We shall protect Donnelaith from those that would harm it," Emaleth promised, "For our magicks reunited will breathe new life into our forest, and the nemeton looks after its own." Their home would remain the peaceful sanctuary that their father meant it to be, but it would not tolerate those that sought to shake that.

She exhaled, the sobs gone from her breath, though she felt raw and weary. "I am not ready to return, dear heart," Emaleth whispered. "But I will be home soon." They exchanged kisses and small charms of love and luck, their goodbyes teary but less painful for the knowledge that they would soon be whole again.