Steven frowns, though it's pretty much expected. He pats Lion on the mane, telling him that he'll he back in a minute, and gets up to go greet Peridot himself. He's still carrying Bud, though, who makes a few sleepy Fomantis noises while trying to cling to him with her mantis arms.

He knows she's just tired, but it's still a little awkward. She's been too exhausted for them to unpack much of what happened together, and he's not even sure if she wants to.

"Tasting... some dirt?" he asks, conversationally. Or an attempt at it, anyway.