memories we all share

"Thank you, Mo. That means so much," Theory said, blinking back tears. She hid the ones she couldn't stop in Motif's warm fur. They had been apart for so long but it felt like a day hadn't passed. Motif didn't quite smell like Abaven yet, but she hoped that would change soon. It certainly would as time passed. They'd be able to make up for lost time as soon as this "raid" was over. Theo was sick of waiting for it to arrive. As much as it made her sick, she just wanted the whole affair over and done with. "Poem is an incredible warrior now," Theory murmured. "We could probably both learn from her." Poem hadn't spoken ill of the man she'd bargained with, but how had he treated Motif? "You don't have to answer if you don't want to," she began, "but I'd like to know... well, if you're okay? What happened when you were gone, Mo? Did they treat you alright?" she ended on a precarious note. Her voice couldn't help but waver. Theory was half afraid of the answer but she needed to know. What were their neighbors to the south like?