[ The shirtless and unkempt look is really good on Gale, not gonna lie. Xenk may be distracting himself with Tara as a subtle way to avoid ogling Gale. ]

Apology accepted.

[ Can't avoid it! Xenk turns back to smile at Gale. And stare a little, but that's fine. ]

I apologize for waking you. As you surmised, I generally awaken at dawn. But I also require less sleep than most. I hope you'll forgive my intrusion—I sought only to invite you to join me in my late morning activities.

[ He's glad to hear Tara is capable and cared for, though. Cats and tressyms deserve only the best. Xenk easily stops to allow her to inspect him. ]