The Scarlet Eagle wrote:"Indeed. And humans too, replies Anaximander with a neutral tone, heavily hinting at what would have happened to the poor owner of the creature responsible for their Wolfdog demise. Anyway, we're counting on you two to make us proud, adds the Emperor to his wife and her bodyguard. Show them that the Imperial Guard Cavalry has some guts to sell! he says with a smirk.
-You bet we'll do, replies Aliciawith a matching smile and a wink, mirrored by Anna.
At that, Razia giggled.
She had not missed the hint, but she ignored it. Of course, no one would be happy about the demise of a pet, but one should not overdo it.
"You'd be surprised to know, how much guts the Horsearchery Team has - and how much Aurelia cultivates these guts.", the explained, "At times, they seem more like show-horsemen, but then you see them and their skills in action on a tournament field and you can't help but cheer for the team, yelling your lungs out for your team. Or you see them during the practice runs for receptions of guests of state and believe, that you just stumbled back into the Middle Ages."
Al-Zahir reached into his jacket. "Would anyone mind, if I were to light a pipe?", he asked into the round, the Kyrenaians giving him the go-ahead, before he looked at the guests.