Tzirret paused with a frown, and then brought his other arm up around Ma'tanza. He held both his hands over her far upper arm and stroked gently in sympathy. "Ma'tanza still misses them, doesn't she?" Tzirret asked solemnly, "Her old pride. Tzirret understands."

After another period of time just sitting with Ma'tanza, Tzirret turned his head slightly so he could look at her in his peripheral vision. "You know, when Tzirret lost his family, he was always looked after by Gallus, and eventually Peiter as well. He never had a M'ibasa. He never had to be strong in front of others. Ma'tanza is a very brave person, she puts on a smile because she has to take care of others, but does she ever get the chance just to...miss people?" Tzirret turned to the horizon again, looking at the last sliver of the sun. "Like...well, just remembering them? Without being afraid of others seeing it? This one almost forgot the faces of his mother and father because he was afraid of missing them. Sometimes he still has trouble."

[hr]
As per habit with a simple thrust, Gallus attempted to parry with the sword in his right hand and shot out a counter attack onto Ri'vashi's arm with his hammer. It was the easiest counter-attack he could commit to in this situation without overstepping, but it still held risks, as did any move.

"Judging by how many people believed it, I would say the impostor may have succeeded had either of you been leader," Gallus responded, "Look, it's been two years, and you're doubting yourself so much because of these complaints. There is doubt in my mind as to how well Dro'cahi would do in comparison. Maybe you simply need to keep up a command of respect? People probably still see you as young and naive, at least compared to Dro'cahi. If you make yourself out to be a mature, collected person, engage people directly, it might help. A good first step would be the council room. When you and Dro'cahi butt heads, as it were, do you cause one another to escalate? Is there one of you who loses patience first? Tell me how such an interaction normally plays out."