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Flashback

It was going to be their first party. Rowan was a very tom-boyish eight and so normally didn't indulge in girlish endeavors such as dressing up or doing her hair or wearing sweet perfumes. When she took such joy in it and delighted their mother so easily, Aislin had found herself unreasonably jealous. In telling the story to Inara, she had gazed at Rowan's portrait wistfully.

"She was adorable," Aislin said. "Bouncing around like a cricket and nearly as noisy as one. It was all Mother could do to get her to calm down long enough to finish brushing her hair. Then as I realized my sister was every bit as pretty as I was – more, really – my reaction was less than charitable. I said something horrible to her – I called her an ugly green-eyed troll and made her cry. Our brother Ru did what he could to patch things up, but we were never able to grow closer after that."

She sighed and ran her finger down the paper where Rowan's cheek would be if it were real.

"I didn't know how lucky I was to have her until I realized nearly 20 years had gone by and I didn't know who my sister was. She's found her soul mate now. My mother tells me he's a man of stature and name who adores her. Again I find myself envying her, only now I wish I could tell her how her happiness also gives me joy."

Inara covered her tutor's hand with her own. Aislin turned her hand over so their palms met and fingers intertwined.

"You will get the chance," Inara said to her softly. "You'll be able to close the circle and find peace with your sister as well as yourself."

Aislin smiled ruefully. "If you knew Rowan, I doubt you would have such confidence."

"The universe always finds a way," Inara reminded her. "Always."

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Dry and empty as HLASTONI's heart.

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