( It takes a moment for her to place the conversation. ) Yes. At the time I was afraid that if the committee and the people of Kirkwall wished the forest gone and replaced, we would have to see it done.

( On the one hand, it was a relief to have that weight rested from them, that responsibility. On the other, to feel relieved seemed utter cowardice. )

Would that there were a way to spare all involved parties pain, but— the people of Kirkwall never wished for a forest, nor for magic to touch the place of their mourning.