"Mmm," Gallus nodded in response before swallowing his food. "I'm interested to see what they're like."

Gallus finished another mouthful before continuing. "It sounds like your father was a very driven man to come this far south-east with a clan. And into such an...well, I'll be frank, it's inhospitable in this rocky desert. To think that you're getting lots of recruits just like everywhere else is interesting, though. I wouldn't have expected it this far from a more verdant hunting ground." Gallus looked down to pick up more food, but interrupted himself, "Tzirret is my charge, by the way. A Khajiit lad, just over seventeen by now."

If Ri'vashi wanted to know more about Gallus' packmates, he figured that she could ask. Gallus decided to move on to other curiosities he had. "You know, you tend to be a serious sort much of the time, Ri'vashi. It comes with the leadership, I understand, but do you ever get much time to just let your hair down with others? Have a drink or something?" Gallus asked casually as he began to chew again. "Do you have many friends just to catch up?" Gallus' voice lowered as he grinned like a mischievous gossiper, "Any paramours?"

[hr]
Janius put a hand forward and tried to console Fednros' worries. "Jo'rashaad and S'ajira would be fine guardians, Fendros. Think about it; they're both parents with a strong sense of loyalty and they've been through a similar experience to you and Ahnasha, in a way."

There was a pause where Fendros didn't bring his eyes up from the table. After a long, deep breath in, Fendros closed his eyes and nodded. "Perhaps you're right. I'm just...overreacting." He looked up and around at everyone else, "They'll be fine."

Janius smiled. He was glad that he didn't set off Fendros' temper.

"Dada?"

Fendros angled his head to one side and looked down at Rhazii.

"Are you..." Rhazii was talking quietly. He seemed to be in a state of disbelief as his ears pulled back. "...are you and mama really leaving for a long time?"

With a tight, regretful frown, Fendros nodded. "Yes. For three weeks, maybe a month."

Rhazii's head turned to look between his mother and his father as his face began to contort in shock and sadness. He seemed to forget about his food as he shut his eyes and started crying.

"Oh, little one, I'm sorry. You won't be alone here. You'll still have Newt to play with, and you'll be able to make more friends here." Fendros' attempts to mollify Rhazii didn't seem to be working, even as he gave him a hug.

"I don't want mama and dada to leave!" Rhazii moaned into Fendros' chest.

Fendros began to stroke Rhazii's back comfortingly, but looked to Ahnasha with some worry. It was the first time that they would both be leaving Rhazii for so long.