Blackfeather Woods awaiting the sensation of a short, sharp shock

She resisted a wince at the retort; Maegi knew it was accurate, but that didn't make it hurt any less. She was trying her hardest, couldn't he see? The situation was completely without precedent. . .what else was she meant to do, besides grasp at straws? She couldn't very well banish Mou, nor hurt him herself.

Instead, the Melonii nodded at the suggestions, knowing that she had no room for argument at this point. Yes, she said, unblinking. I'll go tell him. Try to patch things up. Ram. . .thanks, Maegi added, a little cowed by his stern expression. Hopefully this will fix things. For now.

She gave her brother one last dip of her head in acknowledgement, then turned, stiff-legged, to walk back into the trees. It was one of those rare but brutal blows to her self-confidence, a wound that she nursed now, making a bee-line for the Altar and hoping Peryite would have wisdom for her there.