Pema looked at both Fxeni and Sakura.
Her arms grew weak and she rubbed her forehead wearily, then finally, rested her eyes on Salem, "... Do you think Mom knew, Salem?"
"Knew what?" Salem asked.
Her breathing was soft as her mouth curled into a faint smile, her eyes watering, "What I'd have to do, eventually? Not just as a Runemaster, but as someone who wants to protect others. I think maybe... she wanted me to find the light within others, so I wouldn't lose my own. She knew that I'd have to make tough decisions. Decisions that I might not go through with if I hadn't found hope."
She lifted her head, gazing at the two, "There's still good in this world. I've traveled far and wide, made so many amazing friends... I found something worth fighting for. The risk... is worth it."
"Yes, sometimes, that requires sacrifice. But that sacrifice doesn't have to be your soul. You're a good person, Pema; anyone can see that. You're not alone here and you can't allow the choices you make darken your heart," Salem spoke, "Your mother was a wise woman, that much I can certainly attest to."
Pema nodded and placed a hand over her heart, "Mom..." She smiled warmly, then stood from the floor. She brushed off the dirt from her dress and bowed, "I'm sorry, Ms. Sakura. I shouldn't have yelled at you."
"As soon as that armour is done. We'll have a few days on the airship to make whatever other clothing we'll need with the materials the dwarves give us. I'm going to go speak with the king to make sure everything is in place bright and early tomorrow," Fxeni said as he looked over his shoulder.
"Oh, and Pema... we'll start with the training on the way there, if it still interests you."
Pema nodded, "Yeah, definitely!"