At the compliment and the smile, Sam beams even as he shakes his head. "I pride myself on being quick back on my feet, but I'm not as new as the others with me. Two years and some change is enough time to get used to just about anything."

But Sam does watch as Aster continues to eat, and very obviously seems quite happy with that reaction if nothing else. Their comment about not choosing to be in Abraxas has Sam hesitating, if only for a brief moment.

"Oh, the comfort is appreciated, believe me. Between us, I've probably felt the most comfortable here than I have anywhere else we've been so far. You- and the other draconae- you have a real community here. It's fantastic."