no one dreads a family reunion

Tyrian's heart sank as he heard Poem's voice rise over the Knolls. This was it, then. Rhythm was gone. He'd known the day was coming he just hadn't thought it would be quite so soon with Valentine still going so strong. The young King took a deep breath and set off for the border with a heavy heart. He knew now that Rhythm had struggled when he was a youngster but growing up he hadn't really understood that. All he'd seen was her kindness and her mother hen ways. Any flaws she'd had had been hidden by his youthful naivety and zest for life. She'd been a gentle soul and he'd decided he would never completely understand the differences that had ultimately driven her and Valentine apart, but he'd recognized what Valentine had lost all those years ago when Rhythm had disappeared and again, perhaps more completely this time, when she'd left for Abaven for good.

He reached Poem with a somber air. A greeting seemed ill fitting considering what had no doubt brought her to his borders. That Poem had grown up into a strong looking woman was lost on him. There was only one thing on his mind; he needed to hear it. He needed the confirmation that this was it, Rhythm was gone. Tyrian searched Poem's gaze for signs that he was right. Signs that would maybe lessen the blow when she confirmed his fears. "She's gone, isn't she?"