"It's mine to waste, either way," Aren murmurs, turning their attention back towards Kai as the baby burbles and flails. Even cheerful small children will only allow their parents to give others undivided attention for so long, and Kai's fussing is a higher priority.

Just about then, a freckled girl with yellow plaits races up and skids to a halt near Vena. She pants, "There... you... are! She wants... she wants you, right now. Infirm'ry. And, bring The Boy." An uncertain glance at Guts, in case there was somehow doubt about who 'the boy' with special emphasis could be.

Vena does not ask who 'she' is and is instantly nervous. "But we're not done with breakfast! An' what about the washing up? Was she..."

The messenger shrugs. Another girl, eavesdropping without shame, sings "Vena's in trou-ble, Vena's in trou-ble," giggling when Vena whips around to glare at her.

"I'll do it for you," messenger girl says with clear reluctance, getting her breath back. "Just 'cause you did it for me, and so she doesn't have to wait."

"If you are in trouble, trying to wait it out won't help. Not with that one," Aren tells her, swallowing another hasty mouthful.