Yhelbruna spoke thusly:
"It is meaningless for us to weigh in on the suitability of a Thay-child as any witch's companion; here, that bond has clearly already been forged and set.
"Nor, under our law, has any crime been committed; for the child's status has altered with the forging of this companionship. She is no longer Thayvian, but rather now is the ward of a Wychlaran.
"I see no legal grounds for a trial;
"I do not believe I am about to watch a duel;
"So there is no challenge to be had to her status on that point: she is no longer to be called 'foreigner;'
"However, knowledge of the arcane is sacred in Rasheman, and the child is capable of touching the Weave. Regardless of her knowledge of the Art- or lack thereof- she will always have that potential. So her status must be based upon it.
"But to this, the answer is also simple, as it is written in our laws: The status of 'Unproven' exists for this reason. There are no special provisions to be had for 'strange cultures' or 'foreign teachings' or other rudimentary and gut-driven fears.
"Therefore: Should the child ever wish to be taught magic, or to practice magic, it must be done in the fashion of an Unproven; and then afterwards should she wish to progress further in learning the Art, she must pass the trials to become Wychlaran. Should she prove ambitious and unwilling to submit to our laws, she will be marked as Durthan, and as an enemy of the free peoples of Rasheman, to be hunted down accordingly.
"This is our way; and through these laws, we ensure that even strong personalities such as ours cannot stand in the way of what is right and fair in the land of Rasheman. Do we all know this to be true?"
There was quiet among the Hathran, and then nods, and murmured prayers to the goddess.
With that, Yhelbruna turned her gaze back down to Nadezdha. "Return to your mentor, girl; and know this:
"That you are welcome in Rasheman as one of our own, for so long as you keep to our ways, and to our laws, and to the words of the Wychlaran.
"Your citizenship may not always be easy to prove or explain, and thus I must advise you to not travel without escort, and to exercise wisdom and common sense when it comes to your safety.
"But in all legal manner, you are free here; you are a citizen of Rasheman; and you need never return to whence you came.
"Go and enjoy the day child; And let none bar your path out of bigotry or spite."