Disclaimer: Characters from the Harry Potter series are the property of J.K. Rowling, and various publishers: including but not limited to Bloomsbury, Scholastic and Warner Brothers. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended by the writing of this story.

A/N: Thank you for all the reviews! Goodness, I have the best readers out there, don't I? I hope you like this next chapter, it's been a long time coming, that's for sure. So do review when you're done!

Chapter Ten
Unpredictable Days,
Inexplicable Nights

"Are you ready, child?" Eadald asked, as he turned around from his conversation with Adeline, Inwær's heiress, when Harry stepped out into the Entrance Hall. It was Wednesday the thirty-first, the night of his birthday and he had spent the day sleeping, recovering from the last remnants of tiredness that came from assimilating, in some degree or another, the pure vampire blood that now coursed through his veins.

Smiling a crookedly fanged smile, which he decided looked bloody wicked after glancing into a mirror. He just let his mind wander as he imagined the fright he could give Malfoy by just smiling like this; Harry nodded slightly to the Clan Leader, too excited to do anything else. This was, after all, the first time he would see anything other than London or Hogwarts, and more recently, Natures Center, home of the Sprites. Not that he could say that he knew London in any way, apart from the Leaky Cauldron, that is. In the end, the Dursley's never took him anywhere, and Little Whinging was not very stimulating to behold, truth be told.

Still when Emmanuel came at sundown and woke him up, gave him some dinner and told him that they where going to Paris, France, for his first outing; the home of the European Clan, the City of Light, the Capital of Love, and a lot of other overdramatically and over enthusiastically proclaimed titles, Harry could not stay still for long. So he inhaled his dinner in a way that would have made Ron green with envy and changed into some black slacks with a forest green button down shirt along with forest green boots, which he had to test with several of the runes to get the color just right. All in all, he took what the vampire heir was wearing as a starting point. The difference being that Emmanuel was wearing a blue shirt and cream color slacks.

"Yes, sir," Harry answered the question verbally just to make sure, still smiling as Eadald looked pointedly at him, as if he were trying to convey the fact that he was trying very, very hard, not to roll his eyes heavenward.

"Good, then let us be off," the European Clan leader said after a noteworthy pause, nodding at Adeline and gesturing at the circular formation of cruor or blood crystals on the floor. When they stepped into the ring and Eadald laid a hand on his shoulder, Harry could actually feel the humming of the crystals around him, feel some sort of anticipation. It was an altogether new sensation, especially when the blood running through his veins seamed to hum in response, synchronizing to that of the crystals.

His mind and body seamed to react to it and he instinctively looked to where his own crystal was located, beneath the short sleeve of his shirt. Slowly his hand reached to the sleeve, lifting it so that the ruby that lay innocently on the arm cuff, gifted to him by the second eldest vampire, was now exposed. His senses where on overdrive as he felt the point where the crystal made contact with his skin and he could literally feel not only the flow of blood in his veins, but the gentle flow of his blood inside of the crystal. It was a feeling that distinctly reminded him of the first time he held his wand; it was a feeling of warmth, a feeling of focus, and once again he could not help but think about the similarities between the two types of magic. His attention was brought back, however, when Eadald spoke once more, his dark blue eyes observing him closely, "Excellent, let your instincts guide you this night, Emissary, and learn what they have to teach."

And without a moment to respond and in the space of a heart beat, Harry Potter and the two European Clan Leaders disappeared from the Manor Home of the Eldest of the Vampire Nation, not to return again during that summer.

-
- o -
-

The feel of the crisp night breeze and the silver of moonlight filled Harry with a sense of freedom he had never experienced. All his senses seamed to have sharpened after arriving in France and allowing his instincts to teach him, to guide him; his link with nature was taut against the emotions that were layered within him, his heart was pumping while his own blood hummed in response to some ancient tune. His personal magic seamed to coalesce into a feeling of such utter completion that it was hard to even attempt to express.

From his first evening, some two weeks past, under the unorthodox and completely unpredictable instruction of Eadald and Emmanuel, Harry had learned more and more about the vampire race, their habits and about himself personally, that he could have ever dreamed off. All the preconceptions he had acquired from both the Muggle and Wizarding world about these beings had been completely and utterly shattered, if not bent out of proportion, as he saw and experienced first hand how they lived, how they acted and how they used their very own type of magic. A type of magic so vastly different and yet completely similar to wizarding magic that perplexed him, yet still managed to make sense.

The Children of the Night, as he preferred to call them, where a vastly independent lot, bound by a noble moral and ethic code that astounded Harry at the beginning, but later started to become more and more logical as he discovered what fueled it. Vampires were, after all, the keepers of history, either by word or blood; they where the chroniclers of evolution and the offspring of the past. Each Clan kept an immense amount of factual, historical information within their archives, which, coupled along with the vast intuitive knowledge gained from the blood of different individuals, human or not, made for an unparallel understanding of the past, which in turn gave them a clear insight of the present and even, rarely, some of the future. Indeed, their moral code was based on experience and fact, which made it nearly infallible.

Night Folk or Vampires where instinctual beings with an internalized awareness of all other creatures due to the fact that in their blood flowed the living history of the planet, or as Muggles would term it, a complete genetic map of all evolution. It was something that did not endear them to the rest of the world, and their very existence and purpose was questioned and found threatening to those looking for power. Since they where ostracized first from the Muggle and then the Magical communities, hunted and executed, the knowledge that they possessed and imparted was lost to all other species, and thus disease spread and creatures perished. For extinction is the result of ignorance, negligence and carelessness. Without them to oversee life and evolution the world was flung into unorganized chaos and disorder.

Indeed, because of the prejudice of the world, the fear-based stupidity that now rules, and the unobtainable desire of domination that some acquired, leading to the segregation of all communities, even the vampires where affected. Just as wizards and witches lost their course, just as werewolves lost their control, so have The Children of the Night lost their complete command over life's essence and thus their place within Earths balance has been threatened.

Little by little, more then a thousand years ago, Vampires lost their willing donors, who gave of their own blood so that their life and history could be recorded for prosperity, so that the map of evolution could be maintained, so that Vampires could help them with their knowledge, with their past and with their place in the present. Now, however, they just drank blood from humans to keep themselves alive, for survival. A shadow of their former glory, now they just took what they needed more out of habit than to fulfill their purpose; more to maintain their magic than to accomplish their task in natures balance.

Harry just shook his head, wondering how it all came to be this way. The world was on the brink of ruin, and it was his task to pull it back and restore the harmony that once prospered. And even if that task seamed daunting now, it placed his conflict with Voldemort into perspective. Step by step, either by gentle means or forceful methods, he would re-establish the severed links of Earth's Society. This was his promise, this was his vow.

And as the breeze caressed his face and the silver moonlight highlighted his features, a wave of something unrecognizable left him; Like a feeling of purpose, of intent. And in this wave that none but one could feel, was his vow recorded, and his heart acknowledged. A distance away, some indecipherable amount of time later, an ancient power stirred, and a heart did beat for the first time in centuries.

A call had been answered.

-
- o -
-

"It is time," Eadald told Harry the next day, as the suns last rays quickly diminished upon the horizon, when the Clan Leader met him in the small entrance hall of where they were staying for the last few days, "are you ready, child?"

"Yes, of course," Harry answered almost absentmindedly, not even bothering to ask what they were going to do and where they were going to go. Over the past week and a half he had given up on his curiosity, since it was never satisfied. Eadald or Emmanuel just took him out to someplace at dusk and until midnight, where they talked or ran, or did any number of things to help tune his new vampire instincts, to help him learn by action and reaction what his limits were. Indeed, sometimes he didn't even notice that he had learned something until it was pointed out for him.

Now he walked in the same graceful, predatory manner, and was more aware of his surroundings then ever before. They had discovered many things about the nature of the Vampire essence that was now a part of him, starting with the fact that he didn't need a drop of blood but that which was willingly given. Unlike the Children of the Night, who needed at least a couple of mouthfuls a week, both to keep their magic and to maintain their abilities, he didn't need the constant consumption. And he was happy for it.

"Then let us go," the Elder said as he slipped a knee-length coat on, his voice bringing the young man to the present, "the night is young."

"Yeah, the night might be young, but you are anything but," Harry responded cheekily, as he stalked out the door, looking forward to the nights activities.

"Why you brat…" Eadald muttered before calling out, "get back here!" smiling all the while and closing the door to the house where they were staying at.

But as Eadald rounded the corner, he found the young wizard leaning against a tree, looking up at the sky, his expression one of concentration. The ancient knew that Harry was searching for something. He usually had the same expression of mild concentration when he was actively expanding his senses beyond their natural limits, looking for something beyond his awareness. Closing in on the youth, but not wanting to startle him, the Clan Leader just stopped beside him and waited until the wizard blinked and his eyes regained their normal focused state.

Still, he had a mildly confused expression on his face, his head tilted to the left. Risking interrupting the youths' thoughts he spoke up, "What is it, Child?" he asked softly.

"Do you hear that?" Harry asked in a whisper, moving his head ever so slightly, as if trying to follow a sound that has long since passed.

Concentrating on his hearing above all other senses, Eadald stood in awareness, searching for anything out of the ordinary. Moments passed as they both stayed silent, not moving to even take a breath, looking, seeking an unknown sound. "I hear naught but the summer's breeze and sway of trees, Emissary," Eadald finally, slowly, answered, gazing at the frowning wizard from the corner of his eye.

"For a moment, I thought that I could hear a heart beating, however faint, but then it was gone…as if…" he stopped and looked at Eadald, his voice close to a whisper, "as if it where but an echo, or a dream."

The Clan Leader just made a thoughtful sound before turning around to face him and raising an eyebrow, "Perhaps the time that we reacquaint ourselves with the Sprites once more has come, Emissary," he suggested in a slightly formal way, "maybe they will be more apt to explain this, if it bears to be explained."

Harry just nodded his head slightly, before raising his eyes to meet the dark blue ones of the Vampire, "Yes, I think that would be best. Asherah, the successor to the Sprite leadership has been coming by in the mornings and early afternoons to help teach me what abilities I have gained from their bond," Harry said in way of explanation. "I will ask her tomorrow if the Elders could come meet us at dusk."

"Excellent," Eadald said as he started moving towards the road and waiting for Harry to catch up to continue speaking, "I will see if Inwær can join us as well, since I know for a fact that Rowen will not be able to come."

"Brilliant," Harry replied, "that way I can send a message to the other Clan Leaders as well."

Eadald just raised an eyebrow and sent him a questioning look.

"You can always wait until tomorrow," Harry told him with a smirk, "unless you plan to tell me what you're going to teach me tonight?" he asked with a bit of enthusiasm, since it was the first time that he actually had something to bargain with. But faced with the vampire's now self-important expression he could only sigh and nod in resignation, "I guess that's a no, huh?" he asked, getting a smirk as an answer. "Fine, fine, don't tell me. See if I care," he finished, trying to reign in the foot stomping that his body wanted to do and succeeded into directing the feeling by just crossing his arms.

Eadald just kept walking until he reached the end of the road; here he looked around with his sharp eyes before taking off at a run, the dust being the only indicator of his previous presence. "Well," the Vampire stopped half a mile away, shouting, "don't just stand there!" before starting off again.

Harry just sighed, not knowing what to expect tonight, and struggled to catch up, before following the Clan Leader into a thick forest at top speeds.

-
- o -
-

Of all the nights he had spent with them, Harry could not see one thing that was constant. Each and every moment of company with the Vampires was a study in unpredictability, it was as if they had taken the saying of 'seize the day' and taken it to heart, then, founding it lacking, they turned it into 'seize every instant,' while later adding the not well know – Dum vivimus, vivamus – which means, 'While we live, let us live.' And live they did, for they enjoyed everything around them, and every minute of life. It was a humbling experience, to say the least.

And Harry would have been lying if he had said that he didn't take delight in every minute of it, however erratic. Yes, one night he could find himself in the middle of a very populated city in the apex of its night life; Where the sounds, smells and sensations could very well drive his now heightened senses to the brink of complete disarray and overload. All of this with the single mission of finding a very rare, not at all native tropical bird that resided in the vicinity, just by sound and smell. If anything, he learned very quickly how to maintain a single minded focus on his senses; which was, of course, the vampire's intention all along.

The next night could very well be spent in deep discussion about their culture and their magic, while the next might take him to the countryside, like last night, where his physical limits where tested and pushed. Indeed, the complete lack of order always had Harry interested in what was next, which he thought was their idea in the first place. After all, he reflected, under normal circumstances he would have been slightly adverse to the etiquette and even dance lessons that they gave him, which, mind you, he didn't notice they were teaching him at all until one night when Emmanuel put on some music at a time that Rowen had been there and they told Harry what he had to do, easing his fears when they started to explain that some of the stances that they had taught him before where used for dancing as well. Stances that while used for balance and stability, as well as helping in landings and aiding in regaining equilibrium and poise, seamed to also work for dancing.

As creatures of the night, dancing was, and still is one of the preferred activities they participated in, which meant that it was a very big part of their culture, and they told him that if he wanted to represent them with any sort of believability, then he would just have to apply what he had already learned. And that was it. He grumbled slightly until he noticed that he did, somehow, know the steps and began to have fun.

Sighing softly, he shook his head, concentrating in the current time. He could say without a doubt that he had never learned so much in so little time and actually have fun while doing it. But then again, most of it was instinctual and with his previous knowledge of magic from both schoolwork and his talks with the Sprites, the Vampiric aspect of it, wielded by the use of blood, was more easily assimilated.

Closing his eyes, he focused once more on his link with nature. It was mid-morning and he had asked Asherah about a meeting between the two Eldest Vampires and the Leaders of the Sprites. At the moment he was just clearing his mind, thinking of the best setting for such a meeting to take place.

It was, after all, the first time he would have to use his position as Legatus. Millennia had passed since the last time that the Children of the Night and the Custodians of Earth, met, and it was his responsibility that all go as smoothly as possible.

-
- o -
-

Lunch passed by without his notice, and the early afternoon soon found him heading out of the house, leaving a note informing the vampires to await his call.

The walk toward the forest where Eadald had taken him last night was longer this time, but then again, his pace was more sedate and his thoughts laid elsewhere. However, when he reached the edge of the woods he took a deep breath and, preparing himself for what he planned to do, took a step forward, then another and another. His mind clear of distractions, he concentrated on what he had learned and little by little, with each step, his marks emerged and his skin became unblemished. Slowly, the plain jeans and shirt that he had on melted together into flowing forest-green robes and cloak, with white highlights, its big hood up and covering his face. As each one of his steps echoed with purpose, yet made no sound, he started to expand his awareness to begin his search.

It took him hours to find the perfect place; a hidden nook inside the massive forest. A small glade surrounded by trees, rocks and a flowing stream. Here he set to work until everything was to his satisfaction, a neutral setting where both Nature and Night met in peace. He did everything he could; his mind, magic and blood coming together alongside nature to make it as safe as he could, even with his limited knowledge.

And when all was ready and the only light was that of sunset, he released himself to nature and called to the Sprites while the marks in his right fingers and fingertips slowly turned from a silvery white to a crimson red. Deliberately he placed his shining fingertips atop his Cruor Crystal, which rested on his left arm, calling to the Vampire Leaders as the crystal glowed and the blood inside it swirled.

He maintained this position, with his eyes closed and a relaxed posture for more than a minute until he felt that his call had been acknowledged and his location noted by both.

He stood there, unmoving, for what seamed to be long moments. Before, as if waiting for an unknown cue, the small clearing slowly came to life; the flow of the stream, previously a ragged sound, seamed to ease to a gentle whirl and a small breeze started sweeping across the glade, fluttering his cloak while the marks in his arms seam to become alive, glowing a pearly silvery-white as once again he became a part of Natures Song.

With a grace only previously seen in the air while flying a broomstick, Harry slowly swept an arm across the triangular table that sat in front of him, bringing a small blue flame to life in the corner opposite to where he was standing. The table seamed to be made of a single piece of rock, held and suspended in place by three thick arm-like vines; the edges of the table were smooth and the points of the triangle rounded; made for equals, made for peace. And as the small flame seam to start flickering slightly, Harry's eyes started to glow faintly while dusk became twilight and night began to take the small clearing in its embrace.

Still, nothing moved but the flickering flame, alone in the surface of the table until a spark of light formed in the east and the flame stabilize, and with the sweep of his hand another flame came to life in the corner of that triangular table that stood to his right. This flame didn't waver however, and shined ever stronger when both Sprite Elders took their places beside the table in the same manner as when he first met them, engulfed in an orb of white light.

And as the last rays of sunlight left the clearing and the only source of light were the blue flames on the tabletop, a rustle of leaves to the west was heard, and again with a sweep of his arm the last corner of the triangular table was lit. Slowly, the cloaked Vampires stepped from the shadows and took their place on the remaining side of the triangular tabletop. Nothing was said, not a word uttered as Harry clasped his glowing hands and the small flames blazed with life until the whole clearing was illuminated.

The breeze picked up slightly and the hood of Harry's cloak was pushed back, revealing his smiling face and sparkling eyes. "Children of the Night," he spoke, his voice soft and warm as a summer's breeze, making the first introductions, "I present you to Adrastos, Patriarch of the Sprites, Leader of his People, Custodians of Earth." And as he finished, the aforementioned slowly stopped glowing until he was clearly visible, giving a regal nod, "and Anthea, Adrastos' Life Companion, Elder of her People, Custodians of Earth." And as she too became visible, smiling slightly in acknowledgment, they clasped hands and waited for what was to come.

Without much pause, Harry began to speak once more, "Custodians of Earth, I present you to Inwær, Leader of the North Asian Clan, Eldest of all Vampires," and when he finished, the Elder lowered his hood and nodded in greeting to the little beings, waiting patiently for Harry to finish the introductions, "and Eadald, Leader of the European Clan, Second Eldest of the Vampire Nation," who, at the mention of his name lowered his hood with a nod of greetings before turning his attention to the eldest vampire, who had started speaking immediately after Harry had finished.

"Long have there been myths," Inwær spoke, marvel in his voice as he looked upon the Sprites, "of the spirits of nature, the masters of the elements and the nurturers of life. All, in one way or another depicted as separate beings or entities. Yet today it has all been proven wrong; Even within our long memories and archives your existence is but speculation and yet here you stand," he paused, his silver eyes alight with curiosity, for even though he knew through Harry's own words and actions about their existence, it was another matter entirely to meet them face to face. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Custodians of Earth," he finished with a slight bow.

Harry just smiled and waved his hand toward the Vampires, asking them to take a seat in the tall stools that now stood behind them, before taking a seat himself.

"The times are changing," Anthea remarked as they made themselves comfortable at Harry's gesture, "long have we had to conceal ourselves because of the rift between the Magical Communities, but no longer. There is hope for a better future and if we are to succeed then we must work together," she said; her voice as fresh as spring's gentle wind, "an Emissary is now amongst us and that above all else is an indication that change is indeed necessary."

"But where do we begin?" Harry asked, his voice soft, slightly overwhelmed, but not overshadowed by doubt. It was filled with purpose, yet spoke of his need for guidance.

Eadald just leaned forward slightly, capturing his attention, "This is the beginning, Child," he said, gesturing to their small gathering, his voice gentle yet full of conviction, "and it is an excellent place to start."

"It certainly is," Adrastos spoke, his voice not unlike the sound of a gentle stream, "and it is one of the fastest done by any Emissary.

"You mean to say," Inwær stepped in, sounding somewhat surprised, "that you know of previous Emissaries and their actions?" he questioned, continuing at the Sprites nod, his tone changing to one of curiosity, "Incredible! Not in any place within our libraries or stories has a Legatus been mention in any kind of specifics. They are only referred to in passing, as ages come and go, from one Clan Leader to another as one of such compassion, love and power that they were on the forefront of every golden age that the world has experienced, ushering times of such brilliance that it was the substance of legends. That a Legatus was to be considered an equal, a friend and a guide when they revealed themselves, for to go against them would be tantamount to extinction."

"What?!" Harry exclaimed, completely caught of guard from that last statement. As far as he was concerned, he could never bring about something or do anything as described by the Elder. It was a bit much for only one person to do.

"Worry not, young one," Adrastos said, his voice calming as the gentle lapping of the waves upon the shore, interrupting his thoughts, "for within that statement is the base of truth. What else can we expect when all beings work together for a better future than peace and prosperity? What else would be the result of going against one who has the ability to not only unite so many, but incite the wrath of those who are not only under his protection, but protect him as well? Who would dare oppose one who inspires such emotions as a Legatus does within the communities of the world and Nature herself?" And as Harry realized what the Elder was saying, resolution settled into him, "remember, young one," Adrastos continued, "you are not alone and will never be alone, for even if you are the catalyst of change and the center-point of union, all of those who choose to accept you as our peoples Representative to the world will stand with you when needed, whether you would have us or not."

"Indeed," Eadald continued, before Harry could talk, "you will not be a distant ambassador, but kin, family. You will forever be a part of us, for as long as you may live."

"Right," Harry said, slightly chocked up, his eyes glistening suspiciously. And the spirit of nature, responding to his emotions allowed for the three flames to grow brighter before turning them to a warm orange color. "Then I need to know how to best proceed and what to expect," he stated.

"Undeniably," Inwær said, "but it is not our place to tell you what to do. We will follow and support your choices within our societies; point out what problems may arise, what needs do we have and what you can do to help our own individual people in the whole of a planetary, unified community. But the choices are yours to make and the next step is yours to plan, Child. You alone have this responsibility and I have not met one that could do it better, for your heart and your intentions are pure and incorruptible."

"You speak as if I were your leader or king," Harry stated, uneasy with what the vampire had said, "While I am only a representative of Nature, and will be a mere ambassador between this planets beings."

"Yes, young one," Adrastos said, "but you forget that even though you are not a king or a ruler as the words describe it and the current terms portray them, you are a leader. One chosen by Nature Herself and one born with the qualities and character to guide us all into a peaceful future, a golden age from where present kingdoms are based upon," he explained, gesturing towards the Vampires.

"We know that you would never impose upon us your will, but work for the harmony of all," Anthea continued, her voice a whisper within the gentle breeze of the glade, "We know that you will always have our best interests at heart and the future of our people in mind." Here she paused and looked him in the eye, "but you also hold, above all other things, the wellbeing of this planet in your soul, and because of this you will be respected and your every word followed."

"In that there is no doubt," Eadald interceded, answering to his statement, "and you must not downplay your role as the Legatus. You hold within your grasp the will of nature herself, a power thought to be uncontrollable," he expressed, leaning forward slightly, "you alone represent the planet we all live in and I personally will follow you wherever you may lead."

Taking a deep breath, Harry shook his head, not believing what he was hearing, and not yet willing to understand what they were saying, and just decided to ask a question that had popped up in his mind since he had heard Inwær speak, "I have to know though, what have previous Emissaries done to achieve balance within the world when first they started?"

Adrastos looked pensively at him, as if trying to figure were where his thoughts directed and answering with the wisdom of his years, "That is a question to which the answer has no bearing in the present, young one. For the world has changed as the centuries pass, and what you are facing now is not what others in your position have faced before," he said, looking from him to the others and back, "you can probably sense what is needed more then I, despite my years of life, and even though I have a feeling of what that is, I will not speak of it. For it is your choice to make and yours alone, you need to have the assurance in yourself that we already have, for what I have in mind to come to pass."

Harry nodded, knowing that Adrastos was right; it was his choice to make, even if what he felt was needed was more then what others had done before him. The feeling that perhaps being an outsider was not the best position to be in if peace was to be achieved in the present times unsettled him slightly, but those where thoughts that were best left to develop. It was best if he took it one step at a time. Taking a deep breath he spoke after a long pause, "Then it is my wish to create a council where every being and their interests are represented and I ask you all to be a part of it, along and beside me."

Silence descended in the clearing at this statement as smiles and indulgent looks crossed to four elders faces. Shaking his head slightly, and after less then a few seconds of silence, Inwær spoke, his grey eyes glinting with something unknown to Harry, "I accept your proposal, and I, as Elder of my kin and leader within my people accept a place within this council," he finished formally, even as the other three said something along the same lines.

Eadald, however, spoke up after everyone agreed to form the council, a council of equals as was Harry's wish. "Now, as the first official order of business within this Council I would like to propose that a leader be selected."

Adrastos flapped his wings quickly and spoke, "Indeed, a Head must be chosen, both to lead and guide this council."

Harry was about to speak, naming Adrastos as the best leader, because of his age, wisdom and knowledge but Inwær spoke again, not giving him enough time, "And I propose that The Legatus, Harry James Potter, Emissary to both the Sprites and the Vampires be named the Head of this Council, to guide it, to lead it and to rule it for as long as it is necessary."

And in that moment, as the flames around the table burned brighter with everyone's agreement, leaving one, Harry Potter completely stunned, the first meeting of the World Council, as was later recognized, was started, and for the second time is as many days a Heart did beat, while the Sprites and the Vampires started to form new ties of both friendship and respect.

To be continued…