Narsi grew predictably defensive. "I ain't afraid of lightning," she said. "I just never seen an animal make lightning with its mouth when it sneezes, alright!?"

"It's okay," Rhazii said with a laugh. "He doesn't bolt anyone unless they're threatening us."

There was little Rhazii could say to make Narsi any more comfortable, but Julan's approach was more effective, if from a a completely different angle.

"It's not cute!" Narsi snapped, clenching her fists. "And I'm not...ugh!" She growled and hesitated. "I'm not gonna give up! Move your fat tail, clown!" She stomped up and attempted to vault up onto the saddle behind Julan.

[hr]
Fendros angrily brought up a finger and breathed in before Ahansha turned around, but he pressed his lips shut and hesitated, breathing out. He did not put together a retort by the time Ahnasha continued.

At that, he turned his eyes across to the window. His arms and shoulders fell. In the intervening seconds, he made a conscious effort to adjust his tone. "I'll return in the morning." He said, his voice coming out in croaks after all the shouting. Ahnasha heard a bag being taken up and then Fendros' footsteps towards the door, which opened. He hesitated again, and the door shut behind him.