"Well, peanuts are very good," Rhyssa said with a soft laugh. "What sort of trouble does your Gutsy get into? I know my Kali sometimes steals stuff but I always give it back to the right owners. I've been trying to teach her that's rude."

Her expression settles into something serious and she nods, looking out across the rest still gathered and waiting for their parents.

"I'm not afraid, either. We can't afford to be, really. Especially now. We have to be strong, after all. It's what we're being taught, right?"