Uriel contemplated for a moment. With all of her cumulative knowledge, the only conclusion she could come to was that Ryan's mother was Vortian, but how to explain it to a human--or, apparently, a half-human?<br/><br/>She took it step by step.<span style="color: #BF80FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"First of all, Pheris is a common Vortian name meaning blossom. Second, this tree is a Spirit Tree from Ig'zaalta, my home planet. It is used religiously as a stairway for the souls of the departed to join Sylvatier--and it wouldn't glow like that unless it's tasted Vortian blood. Furthermore, humans typically fell the trees at their grave-sites, yet there's a forest here. Vortian blood acts as a growth agent for plants--there wasn't time to cut these trees while they were still small and they're too big to be removed now. It's fairly certain that the person buried here was one of my people, and if you're certain that it's your mother buried here, then she wasn't human."</span></span><br/><br/>It was interesting, though, that Ryan showed so many human characteristics and almost no Vortian ones. Maybe his blood was blessed with some of Sylvatier's strength? That might help explain the speed with which he took to her. Poor Ryan; to be told suddenly that his mother was an alien couldn't be easy on him. In an attempt to comfort him, Uriel pulled Ryan into a position which, remarkably, was common to both their cultures. She wrapped her arms around him in a hug and pulled him close; close enough to feel the warm, steady beating of her heart.<br/><br/><span style="color: #BF80FF"><span style="font-style: italic">"It cannot be easy news, but take comfort in knowing that what you wish to achieve with me has been proven possible."</span></span>She still didn't want him as a lover. Actually, right now she felt almost like a surrogate mother to the human, but it was genuine affection that she was feeling right then.