Broken Antler Fen I hear the wicked get no rest.

Ibis was pleased that her story had a positive effect on her daughter. It was a wonder that Lilitu would choose to accept the tale without pulling at the threads which wove it; but that made Ibis happy, too. She would not have the capacity to explain everything; it hurt too much in thinking of Okeanos, and the distraction was short-lived anyway. Lilitu's question nearly took Ibis' breath away. She steeled herself as best she could, holding the last piece of her family close.

Papa will find her. Before he was your papa he was a great adventurer too. He saved me, you know. Another story for another time, perhaps. And he'll save Arielle too. They'll come back to us one day and we can throw a big party for them. It was difficult for Ibis to voice these things. Her tone became somewhat constricted, and she had to look at the ground a moment to collect herself, blinking away a build-up of tears as one might banish an illusion.