She uncrossed her legs, her gaze passing over all of them.
"My husband almost died," she repeated as though trying to get the feeling of the words," you speak of amendments so casually."
The delegates swallowed. No one dared to speak as they knew how problematic everything was.
She didn't need an apology, that would have made everything worse.
A moment of silence passed.
The old man lowered his head, lower than before. His fist clenched behind him.
"We have prepared an initial offering," he said.
A subtle motion, and one of the delegates stepped forward, presenting a sealed case.
It wasn't opened immediately but held with the ultimate care as though the components carried value beyond comprehension.
"Medical reserves, refined and preserved, " he continued, " for recovery... and future contingencies."
The case was placed carefully on the low table before her.
A second figure stepped forward next, a small parchment at hand placing it on the table.
