30

The two humans walk off into a distant corner of the cargo area, but you can just hear slight whispers and murmurs. You sit very still and do your best to listen to them. Sound doesn't travel in the air as well as it does in the water, but with concentration you can pick out occasional words. It's especially frustrating how difficult it is to pick up on context because you can't feel their muscle movements or heartbeats with your lateral line.

You overhear snippets: "…hair long…" and "…greasy." You feel a little guilty for eavesdropping over what seem to be practical questions, but then the conversation gets more interesting. You overhear fairly clearly "Tephra's tail…" and you can sense some hesitation from Flynn. Tamru snorts out a laugh before giving what seems like an overly long answer. You can even see some hand gestures accompanying his talk. This also sounds like a practical question, just one of a more personal nature.

The humans glance back at you every so often. You do your best to look busy by picking through your possessions, but you're not sure how much they buy it. You're sure that Tamru suspects you're listening, but he doesn't acknowledge it, at least.

You check and pull tight the knots on your bags, making sure that they sit right on your shoulders. Then you pull out and sharpen the small shell utility knife that you keep on your belt. You holster it back up and check that the strips of the leather belt sit tight on your waist.

It's not much longer until the humans approach you. "All done?" you ask almost needlessly.

Flynn approaches you, wading into the water. "I do have one more question. For the both of you, I guess. How did you and Tamru meet?"