"O-okay," Zinnia said uncertainly, taking the note and pocketing it. She waved to Walpurgis and left with the drunken officer.

She had learned a lot in this encounter. Walpurgis was not a bad person, as she had once thought. He was also a talented healer. She hoped that they might meet again sometime, on better terms.

Zyk kept to his perch on Zinnia's arm. If he stretched out his head a little, he was able to preen her hair as he used to. He still had some resting up to do... but soon enough, he would be well and adjusted to his new body. He wanted to start battling again!