Ita lowered her eyes as Fisher described that night. Her hands balled into tight fists, her knuckles white, and water again began to coalesce from the air. She looked up when he struggled with the words, catching the look he gave over her shoulder. Softly, she asked, "What happened?" She wanted to know. To be strong enough to know, since she wasn't when it did happen.
Ita remembered several rooms. No one knew if the traps and wards still worked after the alchemist's death, so no one went into those rooms. That's why she never could have friends over.
Looking up, Ita smiled sadly. "You know I can't abide bullies, Daddy. But I have a lot to learn. I will be here for a long time." Her smile was sad because she couldn't listen to her father's request. He should know better. She had fought in school, and been suspended more than once, because she couldn't abide bullies. And she had done so totally knowing, understanding, and accepting the consequences. Riden and Streva had known and been proud of her for that.