Sabine didn't have an answer to Peiter. Expressing more sympathy would only trouble him more, and it was not as if she could change things back to how they were. Instead, she looked to her knees and got to the point she wanted to bring up in the first place.

"Peiter," she said in a quiet voice. "I have noticed you being really...tired, all the time." Sabine's lips relaxed to a small frown. "It took days before you got out of bed. I am the only one you seem to speak to for longer than a few moments. I have seen you, you do not enjoy training any more."

Sabine turned her head towards Peiter, but didn't lift her eyes. "I know that you are sick of people worrying, but I am not worried about your arm." She brought her eyes to look at Peiter's. "I am worried about you."

[hr]
"Oh, I don't know." Gallus lowered himself down to sit cross legged in turn, facing perpendicular to Ri'vashi next to her bed. "Recent events, life, the future. The usual." Unlike Ri'vashi, Gallus leaned forwards with his elbows on the sides of his knees. He gave Ri'vashi a small smile. "We just haven't had the time to sit down as friends and catch up. It's been strictly business in front of everyone since we marched out." His head tilted and he itched at the back of his ear. "I feel like I need a friend right now."

Before Gallus let awkwardness settle in, he straightened his back and addressed Ri'vashi with some more confidence. "Anyway, have you thought any more about joining us up north?"