Redsand Canyon Out of Sync

Ruenna considered Aquene's words, and there could be no doubt that Malila had fire in her. It did remain to be seen however, if she would channel that stubbornness in a productive way, or if she would dig her heels in where she stood and and sink further into her mire pit of whining, self-pity, and blame.

"Perhaps he did," Ruenna agreed with Aquene's last point. That would go a long way toward explaining why he had sent her the little waif. 

"Listen, Aquene... I don't want you feel that her fate is on your shoulders, or like you are responsible for helping her.. earn a place here. No matter how quick a study she might be, she will still need to make her choice. She's a grown woman, not a little pup. We can help her, but we cannot protect her from the decision that a grown woman needs to face-- namely, how she expects to earn a living." 

And yet, even as she said the words, Ruenna knew in her heart of hearts that she wanted Malila to convince her to change her mind. She wanted to see Malila grow and thrive, and forge a place for herself in Mereo that was so solid, she could not be removed regardless of the choices she would or would not make.