User blog comment:FlinkyTheStoat/Essay:The Grey Irish Stoat? Flinky - A Character Study/@comment-3462718-20110607204216

In 'The Sable Quean, Gliv says quite clearly of the deceased Lugg, "He was my mate; I loved him, explaining to Vilaya why she no longer follows Zwilt the Shade. In Rakkety Tam, Freeta swears revenge on Gulo after the death of Shard, bemoaning his death to captain Zerig. Also, in Doomwyte'', Tala, the wife of Chigid, cares for her husband when he is injured, and avenges his murder by Tugga Bruster. This shows that even evil vermin are at least capable of caring for their mates (which they'd have to be in order to reproduce). However, one should appreciate  the fact that in all these instances the caring translates into a desire for vengeance, where in Flinky and Crinktail's instace, this is not the case.

I also wish to make note of the fact that Flinky and Crinktail's planned desertion is not necessarily an argument towards their possible villany; anybeast might be excused wishing to escape from bad company that was going to lead them to harm.