They stayed in Velos for three days, helping the people rebuild, helping the child adjust to its new reality. Then they returned to the sanctuary, bringing the child with them.
The keepers welcomed the newcomer. The people of the meeting places gathered to hear the story. And the tree that grew from the first tear added a new branch, a branch of silence transformed into sound.
Varen stood with Seong, watching the sunset.
"We have faced shadows and silence," said Varen. "What will come next?"
"I do not know," said Seong. "But whatever it is, we will face it together."