That not so good look only seemed to get worse as Graham looked at Arden, with a deep wince that made his practically want to curl up into himself. "Achaka," he started, but then Triumph, who he didn't even notice at first, if there needed to be any more indications of his current mental and emotional state, let out a few of those cheery chirruping squeaks of his and Graham blinked at him for a moment.

Blinked again.

Shook his head and gawked.

"Triumph!" he called out excitedly and immediately, dropping to his knees, went to cling to him and buried his face in his fur. Hopefully, it just seemed like a normal hug, and one he was going to hold for a while until the next bout of tears passed enough that he could lift his face. "Where were you? I'm so sorry I didn't come find you sooner, I've been so busy..."

Sniffing, running a hand over his damp cheek, he then looked up at Arden. "Thanks for bringing him to find me instead, Arden."

Carefully, he pulled himself to his feet, although his jand remained dutifully in Triumpj's fur.

"I'd have been in real trouble if I didn't have a mount for the Duel of Speed tomorrow."

And then everything Achaka had sacrificed for him would have been wasted...Graham sucked in a breath, filling his chest and squaring his shoulders with resolve, and slowly let it put.

"Where was he?"