The raw power of the emotions in your story is equalled by the elegant description. It is easy to immerse myself in this story- I can see and hear the characters- they have become quite real. The rift in Redoran is serious- I hope Serene will find the strength to heal it.... Her choice to remove herself from the Sarethi family for a time was surprising- but very much in character. Too many good moments to pick out just one- the funeral comes to mind, but so does the description of Salyn. Then there are the small touches- the funeral drapes on the strider, the aside about the problem of sitting in armor, etc. Brilliant as always.