One small smile is a victory Ingress had only hoped for. She knows that the problems and worries facing her friend have gone nowhere and still must be dealt with. She knows she can only provide so much aid and support. But at least she knows that for this moment today, she’s brought Harrow a brief respite.

When the thestral finishes devouring the last bits of meat, it snuffles its way to a corner of the paddock where it can stand in the quiet and enjoy the fresh air.

“I believe our audience is over,” Ingress says.