By the time the Tetimi left the following morning, Meyrin had made his decision. He stood at the inn's window and watched the pair ride away in the early morning light, guiding their horses around the glittering puddles that lingered from the rain that had begun again overnight and ceased at dawn. In his hands he held the letter he had been promised, signed by both Tetimi and vouching for his skills with a bow. The described witnessing his skills firsthand and recommended he be permitted to at least try to enter training for the Tetim Lanali.

His aunts had asked no questions since he had come down from his bedroom. He knew they didn't wish to push him toward a decision, and he knew they would not be upset with him regardless of which decision he made. They would never be upset with him for attempting to make the most of his life. They would always welcome him home if he wished to return.

Finally, when the Tetimi and their horses had vanished into the distance, Meyrin turned back to the inn to assist his aunts. They had dishes from breakfast to clean and a used bedroom to make ready for new guests, whenever they might arrive. He slipped the letter into the inner pocket of his old housecoat and entered the kitchen.

His aunt Reeya was setting out the freshly-washed dishes to dry, while Evanphira was preparing a vat of fresh water, most likely from the rain barrel, to wash the linens from the bed the Tetimi had used. Neither of them spoke when he entered the kitchen, though both smiled at him. He knew it was likely difficult for them to remain silent and not ask about his decision, and attempting to choose the best way to tell them was nearly impossible. So he drew a deep breath and simply told them, "I decided I will go to Solaris and attempt to join the Tetim Lanali training program."

Immediately, both of his aunts stopped working and stepped close to embrace him. The thought of leaving them brought tears to his eyes, but he knew that he would always regret not having attempted to join the Tetimi if he were to stay. Such an opportunity did not present itself more than once. 

"We're so happy you made the choice," Reeya said when the long embrace ended. She wiped her eyes, but she was smiling. "You have the talent, and I hope the trainers see it just like our guests did."

"And you will always be welcome here," Evanphira assured him. "If they are fools and decide you can't join them, we will be here. If you decide you don't wish to join once you arrive, we will be here. And if you want to visit us and bring your partner once you complete your training and are paired, we will be waiting then."

Meyrin smiled, though it was difficult to consider his life past the time it would take to travel to Solaris and learn whether he would be accepted or declined from the training program. "Thank you," he told them quietly. "I have a few days to prepare to leave, I believe. It's a long walk to Solaris, so I'd best not linger too long over preparations, of course."

"Nonsense," Reeya replied. "We'd never force you to walk that far. You wouldn't be in any condition to show your skills if you did that. You haven't been through the training regime for the Tetimi that would allow you to walk long distances without issue. No, you'll need to take Jako."

"I can't take your only horse," Meyrin argued. "What if you need him?"

Evanphira shook her head. "Don't fret. We were already considering selling him. There is so little need for a horse when the closest town is so close and we aren't hauling heavy carts in either direction. I'm sure he will be happy to go for a nice long ride again. The poor thing has been cooped up in the barn and that little pen for far too long lately. Give the good steed something to do."

"What will Jarrol do without a horse to tend to?" Meyrin asked, thinking of the stablehand and how few guests the inn had.

"He can come inside and help us with other things when we don't have guests," Reeya replied. By the easy way she spoke, Meyrin felt his aunts had already gone over all of this before they'd even known what choice he would make. It seemed odd to him that they would be hoping for him to leave, but he knew they simply wanted what was best for him. A career with the Tetim Lanali was certainly a future few could imagine or dare to expect. He was fortunate to have been given an opportunity to attempt to join at all.

"It seems you've planned everything out already," he told them, unable to hide his smile. "Thank you."

"Of course," Evanphira replied, smiling through the tears on her cheeks. "We love you and want you to be able to do what you are called to."

"Thank you," he repeated. "I love you both and won't abandon you, even if I am leaving."

Reeya squeezed his arm. "We know."