Rakinen shrugged, slamming his journal shut and stuffing his writing objects back in his pack. "Oh well, it was worth a shot."

Then his brow furrowed. "Hey, Irena... I'm not sure why they're intent on sniffing you, but... we were told that you and Jerrick were, well, together -- that's why we're here talking to you now, and you seem to know what's going on, so obviously the rumors weren't wrong. Were we misled? It's nothing to be ashamed of if it's true, at least I couldn't care less. Maybe we should have a contest to see who can try to hide things from me the least, that would be a nice change of pace."