Lith kept the mind link shut, yet Valeron saw something at the edge of his father's Dragon Scales. The young boy witnessed a twisted version of the loving Thrud he knew, her smile twisted and cruel.
Then, the figure of another woman appeared. She was very tall, with long brown hair streaked blue, and wore sleek silver armor. Valeron experienced the deep feelings Lith had for her and noticed the strongest ones were nostalgia and grief.
"Phloria?" Valeron asked, the name forming on his lips for no reason. "Who is Phloria?"
"An old friend, son." Lith gave the boy a wan smile. "She's gone, but there's not one day that I don't miss her."
Valeron couldn't feel anything through the Dragon Scales, which could only mean that Lith was shutting them off on purpose, not to hurt him.
[There was no way to solve the conflict peacefully?] He asked the only question that truly mattered.
