Ven blinked at that, but it was quickly superseded by another reassuring smile. "Sure we will! But you don't need a name for that. We can be friends now if you want."

Beside him, Mograe made a sound that was equal parts amusement and approval. She was taking to this kid -- Hero -- more and more the longer she was with him.

"But yeah, I'm heading there, too," Ven went on, oblivious. "It seems like a pretty important place, and we have everything we need there. I'm hoping I'll find my friends, too." He couldn't even begin to guess what the odds of that were, but he would remain optimistic.