More months went by, and those in Enclosure 2 remained nervous sometimes, but mostly bored. Valencio was coping perfectly well. Carol thought it a bit strange, that he was unfazed by the fact their lives hung by a thread, and yet had gone to pieces when he was the beloved pet of virtually all the most powerful wizards of the Family of Kobi.
Hilde understood him better, and very much appreciated his unfailing cheerfulness. He was leaned on. Carol suggested he put his name up for election for the Committee, but he looked at her in astonishment. “I’m not strong enough, you know that! I go to pieces and do stupid things.” He shook his head decidedly. “You and Kaede, Hilde and the others. I’d rather depend on you any day.”
Carol said kindly, “It was only that one thing. You’re a strong person, really.”
“I think that one thing might have left me too damaged. I cannot take responsibility.”
“Thierry, Emma, Mildred, many others. You help them now, from your strength.”
“Thank you for saying so.” He wanted to look after the women, and didn’t know just how much he was doing so.