Regardless of Pel's state, Sina maintains the hug, shifting her head so it rests against the older woman's shoulder.

"One of our clan," she begins, pauses a beat, then continues: "Mirsedis. One of our hunters, born to Clan Rogelan. As I hear it told, they were poisoned by the shem'len of the village nearby." She speaks softly, reverently, her small voice tinged also with affront. "She saw her family die. Only she and her father were left, and he..." She hesitates then adds, "did that."

"She came to join us when I was little. She is one of our best hunters, but hateful. Ruthless. ...one cannot come back unchanged from witnessing such a thing." Sina lifts her head, her eyes raising to meet Pel's. "I'm glad his death did not kill you, too."