There was a shout from a block over, and sounds of a struggle then. Artem looked in that direction, tensing. -It’s brawl between two boys.- Kes sent to him mentally. -Don’t worry.- Anara added.

Artem nodded and they continued on. There were a few other shouts, and Kes and Anara sensed that one of the boys was losing. He was suffering a beating. Kes hesitated, her harmony with Anara receding a little. She was torn. She hated standing by while a boy Tresit’s age was being beaten. Anara turned to her, their small group having paused when Kes had slowed. They were at a stop now and Anara put a consoling hand on Kes’s shoulder. Kes turned and met her wife’s eyes, her emotions plain and laid bare between them. -It’s not very out of the ordinary.- Anara told her with compassion. -Even if we helped, it would only happen again some other day.- She spoke, and Kes knew Anara felt for the boy too, but knew the nature of her society too well. -Besides, if you looked into the victimized boy’s mind, you’d probably see that he wishes he were the one giving out the beating. Not all are like that, but… the way we’re raised, feelings like that grow in us far too easily, unless we are strong and kind enough to stop ourselves for giving into them. You can’t give them that strength, or that kindness zaraya, though I know you wish it could be otherwise somehow… and… and we have our own to protect this day.- She gently reminded her.

Kes took a moment to center herself, but Anara was right. She knew she was. She didn’t like it, and neither did Anara for that matter, but it was the way it was. If they interfered with the boys, there was too much chance they’d be noticed. There were others home on that street. They’d be almost certainly seen. -You’re right, I know you are.- Kes agreed softly, reaching out to take her wife’s hand, meet her eyes again, and return to harmony with her. It helped some. -Alright, let’s continue.- They sent to Artem, who’d been watching the interchange between them with concern and curiosity, though he hadn’t spoken or tried to ask what the delay was about. They could sense he’d already guessed. Kes met his eyes a moment, and saw understanding there, and maybe still a bit of wonder at her strange ways.