The Tangle the sacred smoke of juniper, and mugwort purifies the air

In the days to come, when the hurt was still fresh in his mind, Sobo would unfairly conflate all three girls with Druid, even though Heda and Witch at least seemed enthusiastic about the amulets. It was ironic that Sobo, who was sometimes crippled by his shyness, failed to recognize it in Heda. He saw only disinterest. If he was more observant, he would see firsthand what it was that made him appear unfriendly to others.

Mireille's explanation hardly soothed his hurts, but Sobo was surprised when Druid asked if she could wear it. That hadn't been a consideration of his when he made them. He thought of them as den adornments, so perhaps chose the word amulet carelessly. It would be rude to turn down what interest he was shown, however, so he imagined that he was Rosalyn. She always seemed cool and collected, not shy in the least, but channeling a sort of neutrality that made her seem far away from everything. Her emotions, impossible to detect.

I guess ya can use sap from de trees ta secure it ta itself. Ya need be still den so it can dry. Witch posed some additional questions. He turned his eyes to her. She seemed kind and warm. Why could Mireille have not befriended this one and brought her alone? Sobo thought they could be good friends if not for the others. Salt from de sea for healing of de spirit. Coal from old fire in de plains for life anew. De shell confers protection on de possessor, de way it protects de little creatures dat live in dem. He didn't expect them to understand in the least, but hoped they might keep them even just because they looked nice.

He thought he might excuse himself now and spare himself any ridicule that came in the wake of his explanation. Druid definitely didn't want him here, and Heda seemed like she didn't either. But this was all for Mireille, and for her happiness, Sobo would do almost anything. So he would remain, bear whatever they might throw at him, and make himself as distant as his mamá to endure the rest of this get together.