"Yeah, you should have seen him, River! He was a machine! Fish after fish, Britpop after Britpop, he didn't bat an eye. Of course he had to make a show of it," Sam said, leaning over to give River a drink,"Because the one time we asked an otter to demonstrate swordplay, he got bogged up in some political guard detail."

Sam leaned over the bed where River was convalescing. The creation of the bond had taken a lot out of her and though it was a self sustained relationship, it took a high level of power to wield.

"Boys,eh?" River said, her smile feeling warm through the bond to Sam.

On one side of the bed Chip sat on a stool, holding one of Rivers wings. By the door Sela paced, like a baby otter awaiting a turn to have the attention.

"Boys, indeed. Brit was the guy who stole the contest thanks to Chip, and he was so happy. In fact, he made us come here to thank you for all of your help."

"Sam, I wouldn't say that we stole it, we won that outright without the cheerleaders we ordered," Chip said shooting a look at Sela across the bed.

"Guys, yeah I'll admit I couldn't expect that I would get lizard duty," Sela said blushing.

River perked up.

"Lizard duty, eh? That was that we used to call it when someone had to introduce the new lizard druids to the group. I felt a cloud over you all day today, Sela."

Sela gripped her wing.

"Yeah that was... well to tell you the truth because I think you would all know if I was lying now... I was devastated when I found out I couldn't just float around on my own."

River gripped back.

"Well, thanks to all you guys, I passed the practical portion of my apprenticeship thanks to the three of you, so..." River said.

Jaws dropped around Rivers bed as three otters competed for the best actor.

"Yeah, I see that I was pretty transparent here. So now that I've bonded with the three of you -it appears for life- how would all of you consider coming back with me to complete my training? I understand that there is a special dispensation for otters that want to become druids or rangers..."

She trailed off, looking expectantly. Inwardly she pushed her calm feeling out through the bond.

"Well Sam is a merchant's apprentice, I thought that she would pledge to the merchant's guild for her mandatory service," Chip said, glancing at his Raft mate.

"I'm in if you are," Sam said,"Anyone can be a merchant. How many female rangers do you know?"

Confusion and a note of pride overwhelmed the bond.

Sam reached out a paw from the front of the rickety bed, one each to Chip and Sela, completing the circle of three otters and one raven.

"They, uh... have bazaars there?" Chip said, "...and fish?"