Nadezdha wasn't sure what to feel as she emerged from the hut and offered Nythra the borrowed cloak. She had composed herself, at least, and changed clothing. She felt a little foolish, and a mite resentful. Some reptilian fragments were being disturbingly active of late:

Embarrassing. The Lindwurm was understandable; you were being chased by a dragon. But to lose control of your bladder in front of an *animal*? A Rashemi Spirit? Disgraceful. Weak.

"Nadezdha, I didn't realized you'd be so frightened," the young Hathran murmured gently. "I have introduced him to many young unproven, and many foreigners. He is often grouchy at first, but-"

"I didn't want to meet him!" Nadezdha sputtered angrily. Then she considered the scene, and what it must have looked like to anyone watching. Grimacing, she lifted a hand to rub the bridge of her nose. Had the spirit's anger been a real and palpable effect? Or simply a product of a hyperactive imagination? If Nythra hadn't felt it, then it was difficult to say. "I... I shouldn't shout. I'm sorry."

Nythra shifted and then rested an apologetic hand on the Mulani's shoulder. "Why don't we go find Sheilaktar," she suggested. "We could get dinner, and then perhaps... knit?"

Nadezdha had no idea how to knit, but it sounded much safer than ruminating on anything The Reptile saw fit to comment on. She wondered if all witches were skilled in hand to hand, and if she might convince Nythra to spar with her that she might work off the jitters in her fingers. Alternatively, perhaps Sheilaktar herself would.

The duo wound their way through the festival, asking after Sheilaktar's whereabouts until eventually they were directed to one of the lodges.

Sheilaktar was conversing with one of the berserkers, a tall creature with shoulders much broader than hers and a mane of untidy and shaggy blonde hair. The two were standing very close, grinning and sharing inaudible banter.

"There she is," Nythra noted. Nadezdha grabbed her arm to restrain her. Nythra glanced to her.

A few moments passed. The berserker grinned and gestured off with his chin. The Hathran smirked provocatively and followed. The two disappeared together into the back rooms.

Nadezdha stared blankly off after them for a moment. Then her shoulders slumped and her face stretched into a painful wince. The day seemed set to disagree with her at every turn.

"Ah," Nythra realized what they had narrowly avoided interrupting. Sheilaktar needed all the love she could tolerate!

"I don't suppose there's any chance they're simply going to sip coffee and ruminate on the migratory patterns of common songbirds?" Nadezdha muttered.

Nythra looked at her in surprise. "No, I would definitely say he's her favorite."

Disappointment was etched into the Mulani girl's face, substantiating rumors about her sexuality. "Right. Well, then. I believe you said something about knitting."