"She's a fair bit larger than an elephant," Daine warns, because it seems only fair to make sure Sam knows what he's singing on for. "Not as big as her ma, though, so it could be worse. She was big enough to pick me up with one forepaw, just about. Kit's just big enough to count as grown."

But he seems more excited than frightened, and she smiles, tentatively pleased on Kitten's behalf. "I think she'll like having new folk to meet, though. It'll probably be the most excitement she's had today." And the most she's likely to get, gods willing.