Cryss had assured Straven over and over that he understood completely and wasn't angry at all. Still, every time the Unicorn saw Cryss wince when he pushed a branch aside or rub his head where the bruise lay like a hard nut under his skin, the guilt overcame him and he apologized all over again. Cryss was touched by the moving display of concern from the usually businesslike and crusty Unicorn, but was beginning to worry that he'd never hear the end of it. Then, to cap off an already unpleasant day, they had met up with Mennios the Woodling, who in between sessions of furiously grooming his long brown fur had reminded them that Sa, their mutual good friend and a Wolven Priestess, was just about due for her litter.
