Kaleeth lowered her head nervously. "Oh, um, well...I just...I know it's stupid but..." She began, though she was having trouble saying anything coherent. Eventually, she took in a deep breath and looked him in the eye. "I can't get away from it. Ever since those fights on the ship, I can't escape the fact that I like to fight. You know how I've been feeling aggressive, ever since I was turned? You know how it hasn't really gone away fully like it does with werewolves? Having those fights was satisfying, but I think it made my beast more bold. More active. I've always done my best to suppress it, but I thought by giving in, just occasionally, I might figure out how to live with it better. But now, every time I get really emotional, I feel its pull stronger than before."

Leaning her head back, Kaleeth gave a sigh. "The worst part is, I do think it worked in a way. Every time I transformed since then, I've felt more...in tune with my beast. I felt like I could understand it better, and I was in better control, but it's also made me feel it stronger in my normal form. When I started thinking about going farther just then...I could feel it. It wanted to fight, to struggle. It didn't want to kill you or anything, but...it didn't want to be gentle. I didn't want to hurt you, so...I wanted rope. I'm sorry I haven't mentioned this yet, I just didn't want to worry you. I'm sorry." She repeated.

Peiter nodded. "It's been dangerous. I think I've mentioned before about how I really don't like the danger. My kind of adventure would be like climbing a tall mountain, visiting an exotic city, or finding some kind of natural wonder. Hunting exotic animals could also be enjoyable, but killing people, that's not my definition of adventure. The people we've killed...I can't help but to wonder how many really were [i]worshipers[/i] of Vile? I know they were all working for them, but how many were just mercenaries on another job? I'm just afraid that not all of the people we have killed, or will have to kill, are deserving of it."

---

Both Ma'tanza and M'ibasa were easily enthralled enough by Tzirret's tale to keep them interested for the hour it took to tell it. Most of the events were not about Tzirret himself, but it was an interesting story all the same. By this point, M'ibasa no longer needed to be held by Ma'tanza to feel safe, so he was able to sit by himself. 

[i]"You all went through all that?"[/i] M'ibasa began, now genuinely wide eyed as he looked up at Tzirret. [i]"It sounds like your prid- uh, pack, has been to Oblivion and back. Are you going to stay with us after we get to this other clan? I'd want to have a break after all that."[/i]