Elowyn stood outside the veil-cell, her hands clasped before her, watching Mia and Ariya through the barrier.

The two figures sat together in that pale, unreal light-Ariya in her stained white gown, calm as moon-glow, Mia fidgeting and murmuring as if it were normal.

Elowyn's breath hitched.

She stepped closer. Her fingers trembled.

Then she slowly knelt on the cold floor.

Her eyes softened-warm, tender, aching.

She smiled sadly at the sight of them, mother and friend, both so ...