Another step forward, and Vayan's ears flatten back against his head ... and then, slowly, begin to lift. "And my apologies," he says, flat but ungrudging, "for the damage to my host's property, and for the risk of harm to his people. And for his warriors' assistance against those who sought our deaths, even to assaulting us outside these very doors -–" just the slightest hissing emphasis on those last words –- "we are grateful. Ahm willing."

"Ahm willing," murmur the few of Vayan's guards who remain.