Meesei felt that Gallus was likely painting himself in a better light than his mates would were she to ask them the same question, but she could not fault his statement that he never shirked his responsibilities. He was, indeed, a reliable leader. If he were not, she would not have selected his pack to join in this mission. His answer did help her to understand his attitude towards it all, however. 

To Gallus' question for her, Meesei shook her head. "No, I cannot say I have. That is not to say I have never had bad experiences with love, but I was not in a leadership position at the time. My only experiences with it come from before my father died, while I was still training to become Treeminder. The last person I was involved with romantically was that farmer who I mentioned back in Senchal. Her name was Dar-Veeshala, and...I did care deeply about her. My memory may be biased, but she was the most kind, and simply gorgeous woman I had ever met. She had rose-red scales, intense amber eyes, and the most vibrant blue feathers on her head. She had a rather...firm build from her work, and not to mention a nice, shapely tail." She said with a chuckle. "I can hardly even recount how much time time I spent with her. More than once I was punished by my father for neglecting my studies to be with her. She was not trained as a mage herself, but she had such interest in my craft. I started teaching her how to use it herself, which my father did approve of. One of the best ways to learn is to attempt to teach another. Veesh was...caring in matters of love, passionate in matters of lust, and altogether my best partner up to that point. The problem came when she wanted to go farther than I was ready for. She asked me to marry her, and it frightened me. I ended up breaking off the relationship, and part of me has always wondered if that was a mistake. I have no doubt I would have been happy with her, though I suppose if I had accepted, I would not have come to serve lord Hircine. Perhaps fate had a hand in my decision?"

---

Revisiting such painful memories was obviously not something La'khay enjoyed, though she did appreciate his sentiment once he learned of her sordid past. She turned her head towards him and gave a smile, albeit a forced one. She ran her hand across the top of his head, while shaking her own lightly. "Thank you, but even if that were possible, it would not be necessary. La'khay has accepted her pain, and she is happy with who she is now. She doesn't want to change it. Love is good for those who want it, but La'khay likes the freedom she has. She has kind, caring friends, and any partner who wishes to join her in bed. This one does not want to be tied so strongly to one person. Her pride and her friends are enough for her."