Mother -
How are you? What have you decided? We will be on our way to Aya soon, though I am not sure what the humans hope to find there.
I am not writing to continue what we spoke of earlier. There is something else, but I can hardly put it into words. I am happy - and a little frightened - and need advice.
The Pathfinder, Gryffon, you know already how much she has done for us, the lives she saved on Voeld. The Moshae was angry with her - spoke harsh words. She was in pain, and weary, and does not know humans yet, and I am sure she did more harm than she meant to, or even realized. I went to speak with Gryffon afterwards about it and we talked for a long time. A very long time. She opened herself to me at last and I found someone I did not expect.
She told me of her past, her home, her parents - I think I understand why, until now, the sisters have never mentioned them. We sat in her room and wept together for what we both have lost. It was painful, and wonderful, and a revelation. I think she is actually fond of me.
Would it be a surprise, my mother, if I said I thought I, too, could be fond of this strange woman from so very far away?
- Jaal
Jaal -
The shock and grief are fading. I have told the other mothers, but not the children yet. We want to share in their joy before they share in our sorrow.
As for the Pathfinder - no, I am not surprised, but I do worry for you. Try to be cautious, my dear, incautious one! You and this human are still very alien to each other. Ask questions. Many questions. And tell me the answers, I want to know them too!
- Mother