Kirima stood up, having half a mind to go after Kandel and Lotar. She took two steps and paused, realizing that it was better to let them go. She recalled Kandel's muttered comment, "It’ll take me a good while to get him out of this rage. What a day." Guiltily remembering how she had run off after the scouting expedition, the firmly pushed any thought of following the two out of her mind.
She turned to see Soran talking quietly to Rudgar. The lad had doubtlessly recieved more advice in the last several minutes than he preferred. Still, he didn't seem to realize how high tensions ran in their camp. She removed the pot from the coals on the fire's edge and tested the water inside. It could pass for tea, she decided, and filled a small cup. She handed the cup to Rudgar, who took a sip and grimaced. Kirima shrugged. It was tea, but only if you were creative.
Setting the pot down, she took a seat on the ground and spoke to Rudgar, knowing he was annoyed with their advice, but not knowing how else to help. "I realize that you did not mean to offend Lotar, and I believe he does as well," she said. "I do not know what value that pin held for him, but he will find it hard to forgive you. We are not a band of theives. We seek food and shelter for ourselves and others camped at Weather Hill. All of us have left behind our homes and kin. Why? Because those homes have been burned. Our kin are imprisoned or cruelly slain. Do you think we would join such a band if any of our families lived? You cannot stay here unless you realize this. You will be hard set to avoid further offending our leader. I hope he feels more kindly toward you on his return, for you remind me of my brother and I hope--I could not--he was..." She paused for a moment, arranging her thoughts away from the memory. "You remind me of my brother, and I would not see you dead."
She turned away quickly, swallowing the lump in her throat. I mourned my brother once. She told herself. If this lad dies, I will not weep for him again.
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