Meanwhile, Mjrn nodded at Reks's words, though she still hung back as Penelo embraced him. When Penelo turned to her, she brightened a little and smiled warmly. "How could I not? You have been greatly missed, Penelo."

She glanced over to the two men with Penelo, automatically aligning herself next to Reks as the embrace ended. The two seemed vaguely familiar -had she hear their voices over the sky phone?- and she nodded politely to them both. "You have my thanks, as well. We attempt to arrive as swiftly as we were able, yet I am grateful that she did not have to wait alone." The smile lingered as she watched the cockatrice bump affectionately against Edward in response to the petting. "I see Chit has made a new friend."