The morning after their arrival Arvid returned to the Lidar's tent and presented himself to the guards on watch. "Is the Lidar occupied? I would like to speak to him briefly, if he will see me."

The burly guards - a different pair than had stood with Olav the night before - stood aside, allowing Arvid to pass. They did not seek approval from anyone before doing so, suggesting they'd been previously instructed to permit the prodigal Kerit entrance.

Olav stood with two other venerable clansmen, discussing something in low voices. The discussion stopped when Arvid entered, and the Lidar looked up with an expression that instructed his visitor to skip the small talk. The bags under his eyes suggested he had not had much sleep.

Arvid looked from chieftain, to elders and back again, bowing his head in polite acknowledgement. "Forgive me for intruding. I realised amidst the tumult last night I forgot to convey Leif's message. He wished me to tell you that he is grand, and further that his new bride is a delight and he awakes each morning eager to spend another day with her. He bid me use these words exactly. He was very specific in that regard."

"It should be mentioned that this request was made of me before Raheera was elevated to Cave Mother, and in the aftermath I could not secure Leif's attention for any length of time."

Arvid paused to see what reaction Leif's message might evince, and whether any further question may be put to him.

Olav's face twitched as Arvid delivered the message, but, aware of the other two elders watching him, he tamed his reaction quickly. "Thank you, Arvid. I am glad to hear he is well," the Lidar said through clenched teeth.

Arvid bowed his head, watching Olav's face as he backed away. "I will be in my mother's tent if I can be of further assistance," he said and turned to leave.