Sabine and Ma'tanza's magic contest turned out a little different to what either expected. Sabine had not studied magic specifically for as long as Ma'tanza had, but learning from Meesei gave her a different approach than expected. Both put on an enjoyable show, but Ma'tanza was the winner. Sabine was not hurt by the friendly competition, she had enjoyed herself. If Ma'tanza had challenged her on her more primary talents, such as alchemy, then the competition would have been much more fierce.
While the magic contest was a small spectacle in and of itself, the board game turned out to be a new and fun experience for those who hadn't played it. It involved a mix of luck and strategy that made for some enjoyable moments, but it was not so involving that they could not chat while they played. Sabine was not shy about asking about Bheja and S'nishi's relationship, but did not delve too far into uncomfortable details out of courtesy. In turn, she answered questions about herself and Peiter, whether Peiter liked it or not, but limiting to the same courtesy. After a short while, the group even invited Ciinriel to join in.
As time went on, the focus of the clan was shifted from a tense waiting game to a complete mobilisation. The daylight hours were filled with physical work that kept everyone busy. Structures were torn down, supplies packed away, rudimentary senche-drawn or hand carts were constructed, and the floor of the forest was beginning to transform into a caravan.
Throughout this time, Tzirret found the hard work helped keep his spirits up and his negative thoughts distracted. When he socialised, he mostly did so with Qa'habi, Bheja, and Ma'tanza, as well as M'ibasa when he tagged along. Whether Peiter's advice did or did not help, Tzirret found himself getting used to the sight of Ma'tanza after a short enough time. As for keeping up appearances, simply not having the impression of an over-anxious coward certainly helped Tzirret's confidence, making him seem braver than usual, but his new friends soon learned that he tended to place more emphasis than required on innocuous things. Still, having more friends that were of his age kept him happier than ever.
Sabine and Peiter's relationship continued to bloom as the days went on. Although various duties kept them apart at times, they were still inseparable where they had the spare time and were less adverse to public displays of affection. Though the nights did not give them as much time, the rooms still gave them privacy to be intimate, but some nights were preceded by other activities. They had another two sword lessons where Sabine was showing some promise, but still not quite the talent. Other nights, they would stay in and Sabine would give magic lessons. It just so happened that the night Peiter had successfully channelled a light spell for the first time was a night where Sabine had found the time to talk to La'khay beforehand. The reward was something more than a kiss. It was such a surprise how well it worked that Sabine had trouble keeping quiet during the act.
The rest of the packs had taken their breaks gratefully, but they were glad to get to work. They had made some friends in the clan as well, but filling in the days was not always easy beforehand, especially with children and a wamasu to take care of.
As for Gallus in particular, he had been intending to check up on Tzirret since he had been looking so depressed in the preceding days, but had been busy with the planning effort. Now that he had some breaks in the evenings, he was surprised to find him in high spirits. He assumed that whatever issues he was having was due to prior loneliness and left him to it, assuring that he was always available to talk...even though he was busy most of the time. Speaking of being busy, the pressure and chaos of this packing effort was taking as much a toll from him as it was from Meesei.
While Meesei meditated, Gallus lay back on his bed with his hands behind his head and his legs crossed, staring awake at the low ceiling. There were many complications that could delay them the next day. He wished he was better at turning down such worrying thoughts. They had been in this state of silence for roughly half an hour now. Gallus could see Meesei still sitting up in the moonlight. He decided to speak up.
"Now we both can't sleep," he commented, soundlessly whistling a sigh. "I can only imagine how much Ri'nakhad is nibbling his claws. I guess he must be used to it by now."
Some further seconds passed and Gallus propped himself up on his hands. His neck and chest were tight with the stress and he needed to sit up to take some full breaths. While doing so, Gallus spoke while looking at the wall in front of him, "Do you mind if we chat for a bit? I need to get my mind off things."
Ever since the day that La'khay and Tzirret had properly clarified their relationship, Tzirret had only sought her out once more to mate. It was strange to try without the proper attachment, and Tzirret definitely found that he did not find the experience as gratifying, but it was mating all the same. His hormone-addled mind did not seem to require romantic attachment. This experience was clear in its borders, but it reminded Tzirret of another opportunity that he had thought previously given up; personal and private conversations with La'khay. Even if she was not ever going to be his partner, Tzirret still regarded La'khay as a friend and mentor. Her advice meant a lot to him, especially when Gallus did not have as much time.
As it was, one day before the clan would begin moving, Tzirret found La'khay yet again. The difference was, however, that the main motivator for Tzirret was not just his libido this time. He had some matters he wanted to discuss with La'khay.
They laid in a quiet spot in the forest, away from the clan as usual, after having spent an hour or two in each other's arms. Tzirret had his head on La'khay's shoulder and his arms around her body, but he now had a clear enough mind to talk. He spoke in a hushed tone to her, "La'khay, Tzirret has been thinking for a while. You mentioned that there are people who might mate for fun. When this one first met Ma'tanza, he almost tried pursuing that, but...he mentioned it to Peiter and was reminded of something. He...had been thinking that romance came from mating rather than the other way around. And what Tzirret has been looking for all along was not to mate, but a mate. He thinks he made that mistake with La'khay, and he is sorry." Tzirret added on in a stammer, "N-not that I do not enjoy this, but...you know..."
