“Sometimes I wonder, sister,” I say, drawing out the words. “How sacred is this grove, really, if only us two know of it?”

Tia’s smirk fades into a soft smile. “I hardly think it matters if they know of it consciously or not.” She raises a hoof to her chest, letting it rest upon her heart. “They know it in here, and that is what truly matters.”

“And yet we return, as if to remind ourselves.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see her stiffen.

I open my mouth, hesitantly at first, but continue nonetheless. “But for what purpose?”

“To pay our respects.”