81 "I am truly sorry," announced The Hawk, "for
what happened to your mate."
82 "We believe you," the woman assured. She returned to her sisters.
83 The Sons of Purity were finished. For many generations few even
dared speak of their memory. None ever publicly tried to teach their
ideas again. There were a few families that practiced their feelings,
but there was no organized movement ever again.
84 The rest of The Hawk's reign was peaceful, and filled with only
joyous times. One of the happiest of these was when his two eldest
children came to him one day looking shy and embarrassed. "You haven't
looked like that," inquired The Hawk, "since you were little ones! What
mischief have you been up to?"
85 "Lord," announced Little Newt, "we must ask a question, and
understand that it is because of love that we ask it. If it is
shameful, tell us so,quickly, and we will never speak of it again. If
it is not, give us your blessing."
86 The Hawk put down his pen, and forgot his writing. "Speak!" he
commanded.
87 "Lord," began Little Newt, "long we have called each other 'brother
and sister,' but we are not truly of the same blood. Feelings have
risen between us that are not brotherly and not sisterly.
They are the feelings of a man for a woman, and of a woman
for a man. Lord, would it be proper, would it be Lawful for us to mate?"
88 The Hawk rose, took his son by the shoulders, then hugged his
daughter. "It is Lawful," he announced, touching her cheek tenderly,
"You are not of the same blood, and there is nothing shameful about
your love. It is blessed." He looked