Dawn is almost breaking. But the work of a Hero is never done. Only now I have managed to take some time off for rest, just before Germania's Great Day begins.

But there is something that draws me here irresistibly. I tiptoe among the sleepers, and those who are already stirring for the new day, and quietly lie down beside Anna Hippon.

She opens an eye and watches me suspiciously - a tall blond warrior in armour, with the fire of the Dragon never really quenched behind my eyes. But I just look around and ask shyly: "Er... may I hold one of your kittens, my lady?"

She stares. "My mother used to keep cats for the palace mice when I was a child," I explain. "They are my first memory... but around Germania it is shameful to like kittens. People do not understand that the strength of a warrior is measured not only by his grip on the hilt but also by his ability to hold a little frail creature in his hand. Without the one, how could there be the other?"

I do not think Anna has fully followed my reasoning, but she closes her eyes again, nods with a smile and hums something, then falls asleep again clutching her kitten.

One of the others has already decided for itself. He climbs my armour, pads up to my face and sniffs at my nose. I unbuckle a shoulder guard and it snuggles under it. I smile and sneak a hand in to pet it, and after a moment it is purring trustfully. And so am I, just for a while, before my duties resume again. Guilty pleasures...

Happy Springfest, Americas! Thanks for everything!