"Understood," Gallus said as Ri'vashi left. He turned back to Meesei once more. Without making eye contact, he mumbled to himself, "This is all going to oblivion by the hour..."

For the first time since he entered, Gallus displayed a chink in his stern expression. He sighed heavily and scrunched his eyes shut. "Meesei." He paused and opened his eyes to look at Meesei directly. He took a slow breath in. "I am...sorry for being insensitive right now. I'm just..." Gallus trailed off and glanced at Sabine and Marcaille. They did not stop their work. That at least made Gallus feel more comfortable expressing himself.

Gallus walked up to Meesei's bed and placed a hand on her upper arm. "I've lost someone dear to me today. One of my closest friends. For as much as you can control it..." Gallus stopped to chuckle at the absurdity of his request, but assumed a tight frown afterwards. "I would rather not lose another any time soon. But, if I do, I want you to know that it has been an honour and an experience travelling with you and your wonderful pack. You...inspired me to go out travelling this far. You continue to inspire me. I've learnt a lot. I'm grateful."

[hr]
"No," Fendros answered softly. "No, you haven't."

Fendros took another few moments of staring down and forward with his knees up. His eyes blinked over to Ahnasha where she lay. "Come here." Fendros leaned over and cupped Ahnasha's cheek so she gently faced him. "I trust you," Fendros conceded. "You're right, I...have been reacting to what I don't understand." Fendros began to shift, straightening out his legs. "I think we both need some sleep, if we can get any."

Fendros laid down beside Ahnasha and put an arm around her, laying a kiss on her cheek. "I love you, Ahna," he said, before resting his head and closing his eyes.