[ Which he does do, running his fingers gently along her fur. It's difficult to think of Celadine as a walking, talking soul even if that's what she is, though that fault no doubt lies with not growing up in a world with such creatures. ]

I am. [ Both literally and in the sense that he isn't so mad as to abandon them to their own devices. ] For longer than I may have anticipated... [ At that point, he looks back up towards Lambert. ] Whereas you, you may not be. The Ringmaster may not be inclined to demote you and kick you out but she also isn't obligated to offer you a second contract.