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You give him the best advice you can: "We might be able to go see the whales after this. Or maybe you can talk to the whales tomorrow at the ceremony. Talking to Ichtare, the council leader, might also help. It's been a long time since the whales have given out new gifts, but they might feel more obligation toward the human who rescued the Eternity Orb. Definitely use that to your advantage."

"Thanks for helping me," says Flynn. He casts his eyes downwards. "It's nice to be with someone as understanding as you." You startle. Does he mean that Tephra's not as understanding? Is Flynn really that alone down here?

"If there's anything I can help with," Tamru says, "let me know."

"Actually, there is," says Flynn. He turns to you in the sand. "Do you mind if I ask Tamru some questions in private? I figured we'd just go off a little ways, or you could hop back in the water. I promise we won't be long." He blushes. "I have some questions about the more practical aspects of living here."

Tamru shifts his weight. "That sounds like a good idea. Kavitha, do you mind?"

The humans wanting to talk to each other in private is a fair enough request, but there's an aspect of it that makes you feel nervous when you're on uncoordinated legs with nobody else nearby. A part of you wants to say no, especially when you're so vulnerable, but then that really wouldn't be very fair to them. They just want to talk out of earshot. Really, they shouldn't even have to ask for your permission.