There was no protest from Gallus when Hiritus declared that he had reached his limits. "We're downwind and we've covered plenty of distance," he said, "here is as good a place to set down for the night."

Gallus sat himself onto the ground, hearing his knees click with relief after standing and walking for hours on end. He was more patient and decisive about retrieving his dinner than Hiritus was. He unrolled a map that he had taken with him to consult their next moves while he ate. It was mostly and act, given what else could happen that night.

"So, jester." Gallus spoke between mouthfuls as he looked down at the hide map, "What's the food like at your...cell?"

[hr]
Fendros raised a hand to dismiss the need for assistance. "Oh, no, no, I just had a couple of things to ask you." Fendros glanced to a nearby empty table and then looked back to Jo'rashaad. "Shall we sit?"

When they got to the table, Fendros lifted Rhazii onto his lap and allowed him to look around and chew on the end of his tail. Fendros at first spoke to Jo'rashaad with simple appreciation. "I heard from Meesei that you and S'ajira were willing to watch over Rhazii and Newt while we were on our march. You have no idea how much that means to us. Thank you."

With a pause for a breath, Fendros fidgeted a tiny amount, as if unsure if he should ask his next question. "How has Ciinriel been coping?"