Sabine actually paused and looked to Ma'tanza with some surprise, "Anatomy? Did he want to try being a healer?" Sabine resumed grinding up seeds and angled her head, "I think that would suit him better than being a fighter."

As interesting as that revelation was, Sabine did not want to stray too far from the main topic. She took another breath slowly and tried to bring the conversation back. "We have been worried about him too," Sabine said, "We tried to persuade him to stay back, but he got upset. He seemed determined to protect us, Bheja, and S'nishi. Although, when we talked to Gallus about it, we think he might have become confused." Sabine looked up, "Gallus said that Tzirret was to be a message runner. He would be with the soldiers but he was never meant to be joining the fight."

Sabine shifted uncomfortably. "Ma'tanza...we think he might be trying to prove himself. Would you...try convincing him to stay out of the fight again? He is braver than before but he is not very experienced. We do not want to see him getting hurt."

[hr]
If Tzirret were looking for someone like La'tahne to sculpt his face, he might have had a more positive reaction. However, the notion of someone cutting up his face to make him look like someone else made his cheeks tingle as if he had accidentally pressed his hand on a nail. It was frankly terrifying.

Tzirret's face remained still except for his widening eyes. He was glad that he didn't have to answer La'tahne as he turned his eyes to La'khay. He didn't really want to talk about his face right now. La'khay's question, however, did force him to lower his eyes and sigh. "No," he responded with a low voice, "They were not angry. They were just worried, Tzirret thinks." Tzirret breathed in and looked up to La'khay, "How should this one-"

"-There you are, cloudy cat!" Gallus' voice sounded from behind Tzirret. He approached with a grin and his palms turned towards the group. "I've been looking all over for you."

Tzirret turned his head curiously, but did not shift his body. Perhaps it was La'tahne's touch keeping him still. "Oh, hello Gallus," Tzirret said, still sounding unenthusiastic.

Gallus' grin did not fade as he regarded La'khay and La'tahne. "Ah, I see you two have finally met. La'tahne, La'khay," he nodded to them both in turn. "I had a feeling you would find one another in due time. How are you both?"

"You...know the gardener?" Tzirret asked curiously.

Gallus clapped a hand against Tzirret's back. "Yes," he gave La'tahne a sideways glance, "She assisted Meesei, Ri'vashi, and me with a matter of great importance. Thank you again, La'tahne. Our efforts were successful in the end, thanks in no small part to you."