So protective of a miniature version of the creatures that doomed them all, Daud could comment, but doesn't. Instead, he turns to watch the small drama playing out on the rail, Mercy turning her head to eye the sneaking cat warily out of the corner of one eye.

"He'd just come back home even if he strayed," Daud answers, after a moment's thought. "You'll have trouble finding disguises that'll work when he grows bigger."