(expecting resistance and receiving none, lessa's guides set off of the ground and onto his feet to stand tall among cowering men. it'd be unwise to hope others will follow his lead to lend their own hand to those in need, human hearts fickle, but his eyes search sullen faces anyway.

nothing.

he looks to set instead for answers of his own.)

No one possesses the right to force their will on another. If they return, I will stop them again. (a no-frills promise with no room for misinterpretation: set has found, in the unlikeliest of places, a protector. they may need to carry out the will of their sect, but lessa will not allow them to intervene with the natural order; set will flow as he flows.) Drink when you see fit to drink, and I will drink with you.

...

Are you not young?

(???????????)