"No it wouldn't," Niall agrees readily, as Serri murmurs something aloud into Niall's hand. Serri seems to appreciate the comment and is making sure everyone knows it. "Serri is my life now; I have no idea how I ever got on without him."

Again Niall waits for Hel to finish what she's doing before the next question is asked.

Ah, he knew eventually they'd get around to that one, and it's an obvious easy answer for him.

"More. A lir's job is to protect its warrior from danger and harm, as well as to provide companionship and someone to confide in.

But most importantly they are the source of our magic.

Without the lir there is no magic, but most importantly there is no shapechange, which is what makes the Cheysuli race what it is: a race of shapechangers.

Without the lir we are as the unblessed races of our world."