After several tense moments, Zaira finally relented.
She lowered her massive body just enough to allow them aboard, though every movement made it abundantly clear that she was doing so only because Sagiri had asked. Even as Salka, N'varu, the Sandshades, and Lotaga climbed onto her broad back, the beast kept one golden eye fixed on them, releasing an occasional warning growl whenever someone moved too suddenly.
Salka glanced down at Sagiri's pale face and frowned deeply.
"You look like you're dying," he said bluntly.
The words had barely left his mouth before Zaira let out a distressed whimper, lowering her head protectively toward Sagiri as though trying to shield him from the statement itself. Despite the agony coursing through him, Sagiri managed the faintest smile.
"Don't... scare my beast," he muttered weakly, stroking one of her scales with trembling fingers. Zaira rumbled softly at the touch. Sagiri turned his eyes toward Salka.
