"I didn't say Nalo succeeded, but she definitely made the right steps. New orphanage, your city's economy was the best it had ever been, but she got an attitude and it all fell apart." He shook his head and put his feet down to lean forward. "No, Ibara. He changed you. Any of your sisters would agree. You're... an empty, hateful shell of a woman. Eldryn slaughtered my daughter in front of Sharindia and who knows who else, drove her mother to insanity to the point where she took her own life. Why? Because I love Elune and wouldn't tolerate him talking down to me. I have every reason to believe he did more than just 'eliminate your feelings for those who hurt you'. Betrayal? Vyre never betrayed you! She's a fuck up for sure and made countless mistakes, but it's foolish to think she would ever betray you or intentionally hurt you. You were her heart and soul, maybe you weren't good for each other but don't talk like she wanted to hurt you." He snorted and shook his head. "I never cared about you? And on what grounds do you make that claim? Because it took me longer than planned to give you your tusks back? Because I left you alone after you banished me from your city? I loved you- no, I loved Ibara. I loved that kind, warm woman who didn't let a shitty start in life hold her down. That proud, stubborn, sexy woman  She was my beacon of hope just like she was for every person in this fucking city. Whenever my thoughts turned against me you were the first person I turned to, being near you cheered me up and I would have done anything for you and I did. I tried to be there for you whenever you needed me, but then my attention became a burden and you eventually banished me. Because I cared for you I respected your wishes and kept my distance." Ras stood up and approached her slowly. "I don't know what Eldryn truly did to you and I probably never will. But I loved you, and if you ever recover from... all of this, Ibara still wanted to be a mother."<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>