Synopsis:
Awakening in Hickory's wagon, Hiaté finds her wounds have been treated, learning from J'Aime that Sam administered the care. Initially shocked by this, Hiaté starts to take pity on Sam upon seeing his own condition, particularly after Hickory finished with his own special brand of first aid. Offering the hamster her aid, the mouse is quickly whisked to her fashion sense's funeral by J'Aime, who has assumed her even mroe spastic alter-ego "J'Aime Bee" and commited herself to making Hiaté the talk of the town.
Though less than thrilled with her new outfit, Hiaté at long last introduces herself properly to those who'd fought alongside her, revealing herself to be of Tomedian decent after growing tired of assumptions that, as a mouse, she must be Maronite. Upon hearing of her origins, Sam grows very interested in learning more of a country so shrouded in mystery, and Hiaté offers to speak of her home in exchange for knowledge about Haron. Sam is more than happy to oblige, detailing the origins of Haron and Maron and the steep decline into war that the nations have fallen into. Him and J'Aime speak of their destroyed hometown, but state that they'd long ago decided not to blame an entire race for the actions of individuals; this mindset is why they follow the band, HamstaPowah, known for spreading such ideals. Curious about a band willing to go against two nations' views, Hiaté decides to check the concert out, much to J'Aime's glee.
"For a century, hatred has grown. For a century, a mindless war has been fought, and in this century they've forgotten what they were fighting for." - Sam (page 9)