[Argos disdains what he perceives as weakness -- not enough that he refuses to acknowledge Maruki, but having it advertised so obviously makes him let out a canine huff and trot forward, to walk on the far side of Venat.]

[Venat, well aware of what her familiar is thinking, shakes her head as she reaches out to pat Argos's.] Now, do not be like that. Maruki's strength lies in his heart and mind, not his body, and in those I daresay he's a match or more for most everyone you've met in our time.