Both the pace that the group kept and Tzirret's glum look meant that conversation was not lively on the way back to the ships. In his mind, Tzirret was cursing himself over and over for not getting to the point quicker.

By the time they rowed back, Tzirret had calmed himself down and was able to answer Ma'tanza easily. He had time to think about which ship he wanted to be on when they were approaching. "Tzirret will go with Ma'tanza," he said plainly, "he just needs to let Gallus know."

"Let me know what?" Gallus asked from behind where they were seated.

Tzirret twisted in his seat, "This one was going to board the other ship to stay with his new friends, is that okay?"

It only took two seconds and a thoughtful face for Gallus to decide. "Sure. Do you want someone in the pack with you?"

"No, Tzirret will manage."

Gallus smiled, "Very well."

Once Ma'tanza and Tzirret had climbed up the rope ladder and Gallus, Uthri, and Meesei were rowing to the other ship, Uthri spoke up. "Our grey kitty is doing pretty well for himself, don't you think?"

Gallus nodded to one side. "Yes. He hasn't come to talk to me in a while about anything, but so many new things are happening. He needs to learn this on his own so he doesn't depend on us, but...I just hope he's not trying to bite off more than he can chew."

"Well," Uthri chuckled, "Short of getting that buxom girl pregnant, I think there is little to worry about."

"Hircine forbid," Gallus said, shaking his head and grinning. When he looked up, he spoke to Meesei, "You know, I'm aware of our priorities, but I sometimes worry that we're getting too busy for our charges. One minute, they're just as you remember, the next, they're off finding new friends on their own and exploring the world." He hummed in mild astonishment, before levelling his tone, "Is it the same for Sabine?"