There was a short pause where Gallus considered Dro'cahi's words. "Hm," he concluded, "It doesn't sound like a bad idea on the surface. I mean, I can understand the rationing. That much is just pragmatic. But drilling everyone like soldiers?" Gallus shook his head, "It makes me wonder whether those decisions were made because of the war or because Ri'vashi does not know any better."

Gallus refocussed. "Perhaps we could use this as an opportunity to compromise. Ri'vashi should at least be familiar with the concept of morale. What happened the last time there was a proposal to relax this strict military structure on those who aren't warriors?"

[hr]
Apparently satisfied with that answer, Sabine's worry turned into a wry smile as she put her hand to Peiter's chest and reached for the soap they were using. "Do not think you are getting away so easily," she warned.

Cleaning Peiter would not take too long. Sabine was gentle, even with the brush, and made no hesitations in being thorough as she went. "I think La'khay and La'tahne must both be intimate people. I do not know La'tahne but she sounded similar in words to La'khay." Sabine paused before deciding that she could share her thoughts with Peiter. "Or they could be lovers," she said bluntly.

"I wonder if La'khay will let me practice magic while she paints?" Sabine asked as an afterthought.