Dawn was glad that Raven was back to normal. She did not want to dwell on how odd he had acted. So, she pushed it aside and acted like it had not happened.
It was easy to do. It had only lasted a little while and then he acted like it had been nothing as well.
As they were preparing to get moving again, Dawn noticed that Mem seemed to be preparing to leave them. For some reason this surprised her. She had actually liked the young elf a little.
"You are leaving?" As she approached, Mem had looked up and smiled.
The broad grin made her seem highly approachable. "I plan on going with you a ways, but I do need to be returning back. My people need me." She glanced over at where the kids were playing, "But… I am curious. Why are you bringing children? I mean, its no place to take a kid, battle."
"We found them while we were here. I couldn't just leave them."
Mem nodded, "If its okay with you, I can take them to my people. They would be well cared for. And taught to read, and write. More than just basic survival skills. They are Nix'Rylian right?"
"They are. But we rather like the children." Dawn spoke quietly. It was true, she had watched how everyone just adored the bright children. Especially Raven, "And they are fond of Raven."
"I can turn them into real Nirealians." Mem continued watching the children with a small smile, "Or I can look after them while you finish what you came to do and meet you somewhere with them. Just, really, a child should not see too much of battle. Lest they end up like Sylv…" The last sentence was said with a sigh.
"What does your brother have to do with it."
"Well, he isn't the best example. Already had a few screws loose. He's a bit… violent at times though." She shrugged, "Anyway, I am willing to look after the children."
Mem had a sincere look on her face, but Dawn could not answer her right then. She did trust the woman but she also wanted to keep the children.
Though, Mem would be a far better nurturer. There was no doubt about that. The girl might seem a bit strange, but she had such a lovely nature it was hard not to think she would make a really good mother.
Dawn did not answer her right then. Instead she decided that it might be best to talk with everyone about this.
Mem seemed to understand and nodded. "Well, do make a decision, little lady. I'll understand either way. Though I do suggest you let me watch them while you deal with those assassins. I would not pull a fast one on you and run off with them. Not my style."
Actually, Dawn had not been worried about the girl doing that. She might not know Mem very well, but there was something about her that just seemed trustworthy. Probably that she was a priestess. No priestess would ever cheat someone.
At least not on purpose.
Dawn left her to go check on how the morning preparations were going. It was going rather well, everyone worked together well, and Raven was being incredibly helpful getting their animals saddled and ready.
Dawn found herself watching the children as they tried to help her best friend with his work. Her thoughts were on what Mem had offered. She was torn and had no idea what would be best for these kids.
Would they be better off with Mem? Or should she just continue keeping an eye on them herself?
She let out a sigh. She had no idea. Arrion would have. She was nowhere near as good as he had been at these sorts of things.
Sure, she knew that he would have helped the children. And she knew that he would have decided according to what was best for the children. But she had no idea what that was, he would have been able to come to a conclusion quickly.
She missed him so much. He had provided such a sense of security, of wellness, in her life that now she felt far more vulnerable without him there with her. Even more than when she had been entirely alone.
Physically, she was strong, had to be in order to survive so long on her own. She might even be even stronger now after her husband had helped her hone some of her skills. But emotionally, she was far more a wreck.
She hated to think what she would be like if not for Raven. He had provided her quite a bit of emotional support. Or distracted her from her pain. She was not sure which, but it might have even been both.