[ It's good to hear Shez laugh. Yuri's painted lips quirk into a small smile just for the sound. Harrowing as the Oracle had been, he's grateful it hadn't somehow managed to rob his friend of his spirit. Where so many were deeply affected by the ordeal, Yuri can admit that he has harbored concerns for those around him.

They're strong, in his heart he understands that, yet it was difficult not to worry in the wake of all that. ]

That's true — doubt we'll ever be offered so handsome a reward as our own home.

[ Though between the two of them it's Shez who is the career mercenary, they both know how to keep their eyes on the prize. They don't know the whole of what's going on here or why, but if home is on the line, of course they must fight tooth and nail. For their own sakes and all of those who can't fight for themselves, they have to succeed. ]

It's still surreal to me, and I've been here...quite a while, now. Not so long as the others, I grant.

[ But it feels long, being away from almost everything they know. It'd feel longer still, had he been alone. Privately, he can admit this to himself. ]

Going to aim to get stronger still then, or do you have another angle?