Deciding they would enjoy a little older company and a less hectic pace for one night, Saehressa and Hrilleae broke away from the usual team gathering to dine alone together for the evening.

On the cusp of reuniting with llhaesa – now less than five weeks away – the mums of llhaesa and Jahrae had much to anticipate, a need to share mutual excitement, and occasionally, reminisce. The mission itself left the team with a baseline constant excitement level, where the spirits of all were high.

Over dinner of baked amahrazr, an eggplant like vegetable but a bit larger in size, Saehressa sat her fork on the edge of her plate facing away, and changed tangents from stories of the past to an observation on the present.

“Hrilleae, I look back at Jahrae since she literally first landed at my feet, and I marvel at how she has matured, developed into a world leader, this team’s unquestioned leader, a woman confident in life, who knows what she likes and dislikes, and where she wishes to go.

Jahrae then was barely into adulthood, in awe of llhaesa in many ways. Now we see our daughter ready to take llhaesa on in equal terms, and Goddess of Arrhazon, that will be a sight to see!” Saehressa paused, her mind envisioning what she had just outlined.

Hrilleae raised her wine glass as if in a toast to Saehressa’s statement, then taking a small sip before speaking. “I smile every time I think on Jahrae as a teen versus the Jahrae of now, Saehressa. When she initially showed interest in llhaesa, it was because she knew Djellrin and I were activists working for equality. When we talked on various events we were involved with, or if we brought her to an event, she was generally disinterested and bored.

Jahrae heard us talk on llhaesa, and in sort of a pre-emptive strike, she went on the Athenaeum in search of information on llhaesa – so she could toss it back at us in rebuttal. It all changed when she read llhaesa’s bio, and then saw her imagery. My daughter was smitten from that information.

When llhaesa came to meet with us a couple of months later on Nenseru Woods, Djell and I laughed our arses off, seeing our wide-eyed daughter on the verge of setting there with her tongue hanging out. Ah, life is glorious when so smitten!”

“And incredibly, it is obvious she loves llhaesa more now than she did at twenty.” Saehressa observed. “I do as well, absence leaves me yearning for my daughter, but also I yearn to keep her safe. I have to be careful with that sentiment, neither I or anyone can box llhaesa in; she lives life to its fullest, come what may.

I relish the thought of llhaesa seeing the Jahrae we know, the one in charge, the one that projects presence just as llhaesa does. When they meet, I suspect their physical connection will be as anti-matter meeting matter…stand back.”

Hrilleae laughed, her mind picturing the stealth wedding of llhaesa and Jahrae, how they thought themselves clever, only to later learn all four parents were there in hiding, witnessing the marriage. “The day we sprang the news of our being at their wedding on them was one of the funniest things I have ever witnessed.

They helped each other grow, though given Jahrae’s younger age and lesser maturity, think she learned so much from llhaesa. She liked how llhaesa saw the world, and in truth, Jahrae felt somewhat embarrassed about our activism; with llhaesa as the ultimate activist, this validated her family, it validated what she believed inside but wished to hide from public view.

Moreover, she helped llhaesa, one reluctant to follow her activism from that level to actually being in a position to lead. Fifteen years is a lot of time, especially in terms of maturity. I share your expectation on the meeting, and think what we saw in their two years was a warm up to what will unfold going forward.

I look at Jahrae – even ignoring she is a stunningly beautiful human being – she is so stately in appearance and in her bearing. Cutting and colouring her hair exponentially increased that impression. When Jahrae walks into a room, people stop what they are doing, and refocus their attention toward her. Jahrae is someone who earned her place in life, and she channels it towards the good.

Not in a million years could I have guessed this result when she was fifteen.”

“Jahrae always struck me as someone who knows what she wants, even then, Hrilleae. Neither Jahrae nor llhaesa ever wavered in their total devotion to the other – and here we are, after fifteen years of separation, and it is obvious the level of devotion remains infinite.

I know my daughter, and know her emotions will be near to bursting at seeing Jahrae, but llhaesa will use that emotion to drive herself to incredible heights.

Think of it… when we finally return to Arrhazon, the entire world will stand and cheer, Jahrae and llhaesa are the first couple of our world.”

Jahrae, having just walked into the more formal dining room in search of her mums, interrupted their conversation. Jahrae asked if she might set with them for a moment, and both readily assented.

“I am sorry to interrupt your dinner conversation, but thought you might wish to hear the latest news. Llhaesa is back in the care of someone more favourable in outlook, and she is in an undisclosed location in order to keep her and family safe.

The video host we saw last week, remember Jamila Karenga?” Both Saehressa and Hrilleae nodded affirmatively, and then Jahrae continued.

“She has met with llhaesa and conducted an interview. The interview will air tomorrow.” Jahrae’s smile seemingly brightened the dimly lit room, one carrying an evening dining ambiance.

“Jahrae!” Saehressa called out. “We are going to see actual video of llhaesa?” At this, tears welled up, quickly creating streaks on Saehressa’s face. “My daughter…seeing her after almost fifteen years, after thinking her lost, this is so incredibly wonderful!

Jahrae, would you mind if we all gather and watch in your suite?”

Jahrae nodded, adding, “I was going to suggest that very thing. It will be far more comfortable. Given the timing – usually around when we stop for the day – I will arrange for the catering of some light foods for the team.”

Hrilleae, sensing her daughter’s excitement, also sensed another emotion: apprehension. “Jahrae, I sense concern, what is it, dear?”

“Mum, I have dreamed of this day, and well, if I am being honest, more than dreamed. I do not know how I will react. We are both older, what if she does not have interest in me now?”

“Jahrae, of course she has interest in you!” Hrilleae moved to reassure her daughter. “If I were to hazard a guess, she loves you more now than ever before. From llhaesa’s perspective, she too dreams of you – you know this from your Aailhra encounter – she just had 14 years of time removed from the equation. You yearned over the entirety of that time; she dealt with a different issue – reclaiming body and mind.

Take heart, Jahrae. The love is there, the devotion is there, and I strongly suspect your relationship will be stronger now than it was in the first two years.”

Saehressa, the flow of tears stemmed for now, concurred with Hrilleae’s sentiment. “Jahrae, from Aailhra and from a lifetime of knowing my daughter, the love is there, of that I have no doubt.

We talked earlier of how your relationship playing field has changed.” Saehressa lovingly smiled at her daughter in law, pausing for a few seconds. “You have grown so much, Jahrae. You are every bit llhaesa’s equal in life, and that makes your marriage so much for the better. You were a wide-eyed teen when the two of you met – now you have led a world through revolution – a world that reveres you.

You are on first name terms with our head of government. There is not a place on Arrhazon you can go and be anonymous. You head several important foundations, all of which do great work, render a great service to Arrhazon.

We both look forward to seeing the two of you connect on a wholly different level in life!”