"Cousin."

"Terrence," Illene replied primly, raising her nose in the air.

Terrence chuckled, falling into step beside her. "We've adventured so many times together now, Illene, Crispin is thinking of setting up an official mentorship for inexperienced Coursers."

Gritting her teeth, Illene struggled not to respond. Biting him would have been far more enjoyable anyway. But she was a lady, she would do neither. The ground received the weight of her glare instead. It was softened, a little, as Marshal squeezed himself between them once more... She'd had to return him to the surface soon... Her affection for the hound was clouding her judgement.

When her attention returned, Illene found Terrence was still talking.

"As your mentor-"

This time Illene's teeth did snap with the speed of her response-