Arrow Lake lux aurumque

oh, Sadiq! he had grown so much since she'd last seen him, and yet he'd hardly changed at all. she leaned into her brother's embrace, taking in his scent, the solidness of him. whispering murmured greetings, joyful, breathless —

and then Takiyok was on the scene and she felt as if her heart would burst. Taki, she managed, and pulled the young woman close, shuddering with tears. i feared you were dead. terror rose up within her, remembering the news she'd have to impart. 

not yet. not yet. 

without my family, i might as well have been, Tahani softly remarked, shaking her head. her little sister smelled of babes, of new life. . . you are a mother? she asked, pulling away to stare at Takiyok with a face full of hope. can i meet them?