Mother Virgo crossed the room, her orb dissipating as she moved out of the dark hallway. Garren had placed his bowl back on the table and hastened to his feet. Ash, on the other hand, seemed to tilt his bowl up further and slurp more audibly

“Hey, watch it-” Ash snarled as he got yanked to his feet, broth sloshing down his front. Garren pulled the neckline of Ash’s cloak straight and patted his shoulder.

“Hello, Mother. This is my apprentice Ash, from the Isatum clan.” Garren introduced his companion. Mother would have known he was an Isatum without being told, none of the other clans had maroon markings like this Leo did. It was unusual, however, to be able to convince them to be able to wear so much human clothing. His grey cloak and human boots tucked into pants hid his pelt almost entirely. Ash’s big yellow eyes looked anywhere rather than back at Mother Virgos glimmering ones.

“Headmaster sent us here to…” Garren hesitated slightly as Mother’s eyes moved from examining Ash and turned to him instead.

“To talk.” Garren finished. A lump had formed in his throat and he looked away from Mother’s scrutinizing gaze.

Then, Mother smiled. The orb above their heads changed from white to a rosy pink glow. Ash and Garren both snapped to look at her, a warm feeling coming over the room, and the bowls on the table in front of them instantly full and steaming again.

“I know why your here…” Mothers raspy and deep voice seemed to sink into Ash’s mind, soothing all the anxiety he felt before. He could feel Garren’s always stiff frame relax next to him.

“And it’s OKAY.” Mother Virgo gestured to their open chair, and took one herself, her eyes and antlers glimmering in the rose gold light.