It was somewhat heartening to see Ri'vashi's assertiveness return as quickly as it did. It was such that Gallus thought perhaps he was little too abrupt. However, he knew he still needed to put Ri'vashi's self-worth back in order.

"This isn't about rank anymore, Ri'vashi. It is about responsibility." Gallus spoke just as tersely as he had been, "I have it on the authority of the entire council that you are the best military leader in this entire clan, perhaps even amongst all the lycans in Elsweyr. By your position as a leader, you need to take into account that wilfully stepping out of this pivotal attack puts the clan in more danger than anything you have done so far today." Gallus lowered his voice but retained forcefulness in his voice, "What I need you to do to retain the respect that your position deserves is two things. You will do everything you can to make sure this attack succeeds and you will [i]demand[/i] that Dro'cahi teaches you to better connect with your clan. I cannot be a subordinate to one that will give up something they know they can do on a mere whim. As much as you would like to weep about the contrary, your clan needs you. Is that understood?"

Gallus mentally prepared himself to be struck across the face.

[hr]
For the most part, Sabine didn't mind where Peiter's hands wandered. Her mind was still awash with mutual affection. It was La'khay's words that took her out of the moment slightly. As easily as it dropped away, the latent anxiety of being watched formed again in Sabine's mind. With one hand, she reached to Peiter's wrist and gently directed his hand further up, a physical message to tell him not to get too excited.