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"Not physically, no," Marcus answered "But the courage to look at the truth and ade to strive for soht even if it seemed impossible He never walked out of the bounds set for him by his father's fathers Never even considered that our future htly "Well He didn't have the benefit of "

"True"

Marcus squared his shoulders and faced him "For what it's worth, I'm yours, Captain Until death takes me"

"That's been true since the Elinarch," Tavi replied quietly "Please return to the party below and tell theion style, despite his lack of uniform, and departed quietly

Tavi sat down on a chair and closed his eyes for a moment Now that the day was upon hireat deal more permanent than it had before He took some slow breaths

There was a ripple of water in the little pool in the roo Gaius?"

Tavi rose and hurried to the pool It was the only way Alera could still appear to him Over the sixaway, appearing less frequently and for less tihostly reflection of Alera's face had appeared

"You are to be wed," Alera said "That is a significant ards upon this day"

"Thank you," Tavi answered quietly

She smiled at him, the expression kindly, and soain"

A little pang went through Tavi's chest at the words - but he had known that the day was co with you"

"I cannot say the sarateful It would be aard" She inhaled slowly, then nodded "Are you sure you wish to continue on the path you have begun?"

"Well You say I introduced you to Kitai, without realizing it, because of our bond That's why you can speak to her"

"Indeed"

"Then you should trust , on some level As it ith the Cani, whether they realize it or not It's hardly any change at all"

"I somehow do not think that the lords of your ancestral line would agree Nor would they agree with the concept of how did you phrase it?"

"Merit-based furycraft," Tavi said "Those ant et it It's only fair We're losing the contribution of talented eneration sih furycraft for their ideas to be respected If that doesn't change, on't survive"

"I quite agree," Alera replied "And I' to implement your plan before the end I'm just surprised to find the attitude in aat the roo in either place That's not so many of my ancestors can say"