After hearing everything that Hiritus had to say, Gallus stood up again and began pacing around the cell and looking at the floor in thought. After another few moments, he pursed his lips, ran a hand through his hair, and closed his eyes. "That would be impossible. That would bring the entire clan down on us."

Gallus' tone implied that his protest was more out of risk than possibility. He hoped that playing hard to get for a moment would solidify Hiritus' trust in him. He just needed his acted personality to be convinced that it was worth it. In Gallus' real mind, he already knew how he would get proof. It would be much easier than immediately apparent.

[hr]
While Tzirret enjoyed Ma'tanza's closeness, his attempt at a reassuring smile was not particularly effective. "This one will not be at the front lines either, but..." Tzirret released the rest of his breath with a bit of stress and looked down at the last of his food, "He was ordered to go with the warband. That means that he will be in the battle."

Tzirret wanted to soothe Ma'tanza's nerves, but he didn't know quite how to do that when he couldn't even soothe his own. "Tzirret will, um..." There were few ways to be honest, "...T-try to stay...out of trouble." He stammered.