the tails of worthy (spiret anamalls)

Worthy and Devin-difrences

Worthy was not the best sailor but being out with Conor and Dawson was different. A few years ago, Conor would have had to do whatever Worthy said and Dawson, well, he'd not have had a Great Beast following him around. Neither would Conor, and Worthy wouldn't be part cat. Conor ran over to Worthy.

"Hey look, land!" he said, pointing to a shape on the horizon. A few years ago it would not have gone the same. He would have said, "Land," with a curt nod, rather than grabbing Worthy's arm and pointing, and a few years ago Worthy would have yelled orders around or scolded him for not saying earlier, but instead he said, "Yes, I can finally get off the boat!"

As they docked Shadow and Ellen were waiting along with several others from Trunswick, including Conor's family. A few years ago Worthy would have marched off with his brother just behind him. Both boys would have held their heads high and Conor would have left after them, head hanging low. This time Conor left the boat first, but not with half the dignity Devin would have had. He ran straight to his family and hugged them. Dawson was next. He ran off the boat and smiled at everyone. It was good to be home. Worthy left last. Devin would have gone straight to Ella and forced her to hug him. She would have pretended to look pleased but would have really been devastated. But Shadow smiled with true delight. Her mask was off so Worthy could tell she was truly happy to see him. He smiled back at her, then realised he had his mask on, slapped his forehead and removed the mask. She grabbed his arm and pulled him of the plank extending from the boat. He almost fell in the water and screamed. She laughed and said, "I've been wanting an excuse to visit home, but Stead has his orders and we need you back. Come on."

"Bye, Dawson" called Worthy as she dragged him to where the horses waited. Devin would never have let anyone boss him in that way but Worthy knew Shadow was stubborn and Stead even more so. Besides, Shadow would blame them being late on him. Then he'd have to deal with the consequences, which weren't normally that bad, just polishing Stead's sword for him or something. The worst consequence was when Sofa told him she was unable to heal Soama, who had been fine in the end, but Sofa had not been allowed pudding for a day. Worthy knew she didn't mind though.