She was stricken, but not shocked; Lhurriel had guessed as much, when both she and Raymond had gone a-hunting for information, but neither had revealed anything particularly informative. She'd had her suspicions, that it had to be bad - if there was no information, that was always bad, because anything better always leaked rumors. She'd tried to swallow her bitterness, then.<br/><br/>It didn't make it any easier, this affirmation.<br/><br/>She had to stare down at her clasped downs, blinking rapidly against hot tears.<em>Ah, Amery...</em>And it was almost her birthday, too. One more week. Amery had promised to be back in time, with a promised dinner and a night entirely hers. A few of the men around the table looked away uncomfortably, not wanting to see her cry if they could help it. The man sitting to her right clapped a gentle hand to her shoulder; when she looked up, her pained eyes met with a ghostly gray, sympathetic.<br/><br/>"It is a loss for us all, Lhurriel, though I imagine hardest for you." At her questioning glance, he smiled. "Amery talked of you and Raymond, of times," he murmured softly. "I am sorry." She almost cried, then - almost broke down. Sorrow seemed to have hollowed out her chest.<br/><br/>Lhurriel took a deep breath and finally looked up again when she didn't feel as if she would burst into tears. "I would not ask their names of you," she finally said quietly. "I accept your judgment, but I could not promise that I would not go after them myself." She stood abruptly, staring across the table at Amron. "I would ask your leave to return to the Fountain District for the day, to return tonight. I've a few things to take care of, before I can remain for the remaining daylight hours."