[ Alistair crouching to hide behind her is about as effective as a bear hiding behind a rabbit. She snorts automatically with amusement, grinning, but at his plea, she jabs backward to elbow him in the shoulder. ]

I can't, Warden. [ She snipes, making light of his not using her name as they'd settled on. ] If you make a promise to a mabari, you can never go back on your word. They can hold grudges, and they can be vicious... especially when they're hungry.

[ But, Oren isn't coming, and he never was. She'd seen to that by locking the hound away in her room until she returned. ]

I think so. [ She says seriously, glancing at him over her shoulder. ] He must have gone off for the kitchens. We'd better get moving while you still have both your legs.

[ Robyn pats him encouragingly on the shoulder, which is now closer to her level, and steps around him to continue up the stairs. ]

Does Sten get along with your mabari? [ She questions suddenly, turning to face him, walking backwards up the stairs. She knows that it isn't his, or... assumes that it'll belong to the other Cousland, just the same as hers. ] He and Calen seem to understand each other. Calen- My hound back home, that is.