Pudaga started to blink more rapidly by the time Daranus finished. The end of the translation had Pudaga nodding, before he turned his attention to Meesei. When she was interpreted, Pudaga let out a small laugh and a quick sigh, looking to Haressi, then Daranus, and then Meesei. [i]"Meesei, Gallus,"[/i] Pudaga blinked and a tear ran down his cheek. He gave a tight smile, [i]"This one does not think there would be any more ways he could hope to be helped. We promise that we will not squander this second chance you have given us. Thank you."[/i] Pudaga looked to Daranus and Haressi again. [i]"And thank you as well, priest, priestess. All of you...none have been so generous in this one's entire life."[/i]

At this point, Pudaga tried standing up, but ended up bending forward slightly and leaning his hand on Daranus' desk. He brought his other hand up to wipe his eyes and sniffed. [i]"He has been given more than he deserves,"[/i] Pudaga said with strain.

T'drissi stood up from her seat as well, put F'sresa on Gati's lap, and went to put a comforting hand around Pudaga's back. [i]"You have all been most kind,"[/i] T'drissi said with a smile. She was more collected, but no less grateful. [i]"We will never forget."[/i]

"You're very welcome," Gallus said with a warm smile.

Tzirret couldn't help but grin briefly at Ma'tanza's word confusion. Still, her response was kind enough for Tzirret to pause in consideration, and then say "Thanks."

For another few moments, Tzirret stared at the altar to Dibella and his smile shrank into a nervous frown. He dipped his hand into his pocket and felt his pendant again. Perhaps this would be a good spot to try and give it to Ma'tanza? They were alone, and this was probably the only time they would be alone until they next disembarked the ships. It was ideal, really, except for the time constraint. That, and there was still an anxious tide in Tzirret's head making him reel back and forth between confidence and reticence. He felt his heart begin to beat faster. Perhaps he could wait until they got back to the ship? There's not enough time here, right? He then clenched his fist and heard La'khay's words echo in his mind. He would get nothing unless he showed courage and took the chance.

After an awkwardly long time, Tzirret finally found his words. "Ma'tanza?" Tzirret asked with a quivering voice, "Could you show me your hand for a moment?" Tzirret stepped to turn and face Ma'tanza directly with his free palm offered up. His other hand was still in his pocket.