“Well, you’ll have the time to practice,” Lambert shrugs. “Since that’s the sort of thing we’re supposed to do now. Creating.”

Lambert just digs his claws in harder, intent on his work. Of all the things about Eden the Ringmaster could have warned them about this would definitely have been nice to know! Especially the branded with iron part! His own ear is still blistering and inflamed, and it keeps flicking irritably. Pushing himself to his feet, he leaves more carved flowers behind, and shakes himself out.

“If you’re thirsty, you’re going to have to get up,” he tells Childermass, tail curling lazily.