Jhessail’s smile upon seeing her mother is equally as warm. She holds onto her mother’s hands, finding comfort in their strength. In difficult times, Morwenna has always been to her as shelter in a storm. She has no closer confidante.<br/><br/>“As well as can be expected, mother,” she says. It is not the answer she wants to give; it is the sort of vague, polite reply she would have given anyone. There is more she would say – her fears for the House of Tol Galen; her determination to protect it, all of it – but elven ears are sharp and Enastril is standing too close for her liking. Even the magical means she knows for holding a whispered conversation may not be private enough.<br/><br/>“And you? How fare you, mother?” she asks.