I was suddenly very uncomfortable with how much of my body was being treated to the head nuzzling of the giant cat, but there was nothing much to be done at this point. My matrons were then taken and presented to the various creatures to obtain their own mounts, all except Risavis who relaxed, sitting and leaning up against Irsivir.

"I don't know how to repay you for the service of these... partners." I caught myself. I had noticed that 'partner' was the term they used for their mounts, but I had almost called them animals. I got the feeling that wouldn't go over very well. "I admit, while I've...