He watched her attentively, his eyebrows raised like he was genuinely interested in her perspective--which, of course, he was. Not only was she a valued member of his team and a friend that he considered himself close to, but she also hailed from somewhere completely different. Had a completely unique perspective. He found what she had to say fascinating and if he didn't agree with it, at least he was able to see the influence.

"Perhaps it doesn't," he supposed. "And I'm not so naive to suggest trying to change their minds. Any prejudices they have were surely developed over years if not decades, even from childhood--what good could we humans do in changing that?"

It was a bleak thought, and Gareth sat back against the cold stone wall. In the distance, back down the hallway, the distant sound of the fire crackling could be heard. If any of the others were talking, or even awake, he couldn't tell.

"I understand too," he said softly. "I understand hate a lot better than when I was with my teacher: I may have disliked her at times, or even despised her at the worst of it, I never hated her. Not until Zelly got hurt, and now I hate--" he clenched his fists, caught his breath for a moment and held it-- "now I hate whoever did this to her. She shouldn't have to go through all of this. It's not fair."

"And I hate anyone that threatens her."