"Family," Sylvara repeated, the word seeming to hit her hard. "I haven't had family since Mother died. Not real family. Just... just revenge and loneliness and—" She cut off, crying harder.
The women immediately surrounded her with hugs and comforting words, creating a protective cocoon of acceptance and support.
Satou watched with satisfaction. This was exactly what Sylvara needed—acceptance, community, people who cared about her for herself rather than for what she could do for them.
As the feast continued into the night, the crowd gradually began thinning. Children were carried off to bed by tired parents. Older residents made their excuses and headed home. Warriors who'd drunk too much were helped back to their quarters by more sober friends.
Eventually, only the core group remained—those closest to Satou and those too stubborn or drunk to leave yet.
