"I wish that we could, but there's no way to make them immune or resistant to magic the way that we are. They're very good at what they do. Against a blood mage, they would be a weapon to turn on us, not to mention the things they might suffer." There was also the fact that mabari were very choosy in those they picked for their bonds, and it could become a matter of conflicting loyalty if a Templar stepped out of line.

He was highly curious about that expression, yet held his question. Sometimes being surprised was preferable. His gaze followed her as she moved about. He enjoyed this as much as he had the boat. It was a novel activity, cooking with another somewhere that wasn't a barracks and where he hadn't been put on the duty as they did with all recruits.

He smiled, leaning slightly against the touch, and glanced at her. "I don't think you have to worry about that." He didn't think he had to worry about it, either. He trusted her to respect his integrity.