"You too, Ma'tanza," Gallus gave a smile to all of Tzirret's friends. "Farewell."

The way that Tzirret was put under constant praise from La'khay and La'tahne made him cringe in embarrassment so much that he could hardly find the excuse to walk away. He tried to fight back with modest comments and glanced over at Ma'tanza over and over until Gallus walked up laughing. He bid the women to stop torturing the boy and told Tzirret to see to his obligations.

Tzirret did not hesitate, jogging up to Ma'tanza, embracing her, and passionately locking lips with her. Their final kiss lasted for all of the time they had left. When Meesei gave the order, Tzirret reluctantly pulled back and suppressed the burning behind his eyes. He pulled her into one last hug and whispered a goodbye into her ear. They separated with their hands holding for as far as they would reach before he finally turned around and caught up with the others.

Tzirret strode quietly with the others, looking at the sandy ground before him. He didn't engage with anyone at all for a full half an hour or so. When Gallus finally checked on him, he burst into tears harder than he had since he first woke up in the Bruma clanhome, many years ago. Gallus put an arm around him and gave him some understanding comfort.

[hr]
The camp that night had a familiar and enjoyable atmosphere. It was nothing like a crowded clanhome or a noisy warband encampment. It was just friends and nature. The packs and their new tag-alongs shared their first meal peacefully. Although Tzirret was quiet, he did not seem quite as despondent as he was on the road.

Gallus had been waiting for the right time to approach Peiter. Right now, with no great tasks to finish or other things to think about, it was probably the best time possible. Gallus approached Peiter from around the campfire and squat down to put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey Peiter, I've done enough blubbering. How about we go and have a talk?"