Janius lifted the visor on his own helmet and quirked his lips into a sudden half-grin. "Haven't I mentioned a thousand times by now that you can commission a helmet from the blacksmiths to accommodate your fins? You know, most people just complain about the heat in these suits."

Shaking his head jokingly, Janius turned to watch Julan and Leaps. He crossed his arms. "I honestly can't imagine Leaps without his playful side. Maybe it'll taper off in a year or two but I have no idea how wamasus mature. At least the kids still get to have fun with him."

While Fendros strung his bow and did on his quiver, Rhazii stood staring into space and looking glum next to Ahnasha. He had been uncharacteristically quiet since breakfast and was shying away from eye contact. It was with some abrupt change, then, that he breathed in deeply and spoke. "Mother..." He released half his breath in hesitation. "When am I going to be good enough to join you on these missions? I'm a better shot and a better fighter than most people my age. I'm as big as an adult. Why can't I fight beside you all?"