such small hands

The leopard purrs happily as Rory scratches her chin, turning her head to give him better access, the feline side of her leaning easily into the act. Her tail, meanwhile, flits to Jigano, trying to wrap around his chest in an inclusive embrace. Pride and relief flood the girl: so far only Jigano has known her like this, and it is a weight off her shoulders to have Rory accept him too, the easy affection and wide-eyed delight soothing some of her fears. That moment of peace is not to last (when do they ever, here?). Amalia cannot help the growl that rumbles in her chest at Rory's next piece of news..She had known about the summons, or course, chased against being left out, but in the end was not surprised. Maea had always been a stranger sort, more isolated even than Amalia. That she would make such a power grab, calling to her only those she could rely on to support, taking advantage of a moment when the rest of the world was distracted... well. It is petty and low, the leopard thinks, but not entirely a surprise. Still, her claws dig into the ground, a nod of agreement accompanying Jigano's words. Curling closer against her friends, she sends a mental message to the bard: Let her have her government. We have each other. So we already win. a m a l i a You were young and you'd stare With a reverence unimpaired Searching in your dark eyes to find the stars already there