Emberwood you always were

It felt like Bhediya had all of the answers, or at least more than anyone else might have access to. Yet after Ibis spoke her piece she was given a very straight-forward reply which Ibis knew in her heart was true, but that didn't make it any easier. It was entirely up to her. Gone were the days of childhood bliss where she merely had to answer to her mothers, or obey the commands of her superiors; she'd always been so good at that. Now, though, she was a leader and she felt ill-equipped for big life decisions.

The mother was right—Ibis wasn't ready.

Are you thinking about it? An obvious question which didn't have an obvious answer.

Ibis was quiet, thoughtful, and then shook her head. Starting to, I guess. She was too young for all of this; she'd never had a deep connection with anyone to the extent that her mother's had, and their union had made them great mothers together. Ibis couldn't see herself acting in that role yet. I just want to do what is right.