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‘My dear,’ said Ozolos publicly, ‘I do not think any of this was bought from a grocery store.’

“What do you mean?” said Gema. “Where would it have come from, then?”

‘Apologies for my servant,’ said Ozolos, stretching himself over her shoulder to look at the same Methusel. ‘She is a notoriously picky eater.’

“I am not!”

‘She is also in a denial about a great many things in life.’

Gema made a face--and not entirely as part of their performance. That remark felt like it had a little too much subtext.

Ozolos didn’t stop, though. ‘‘Tis not entirely her own fault, however. Over the long years among our storied kin, there have been many figures who were infamously difficult to please at the dinner table. I have begun to think that it may instead be some strange byproduct of Rainlord culture. Or Arman culture, perhaps. I hope your masters will not be offended if she does not partake very deeply of this wonderful banquet that you have all so graciously provided to us.’

“...Arman?” said the Methusel. But he did not get the chance to elaborate, because another silent voice interrupted.

‘This banquet is not only for her enjoyment. It is also for you, her noble guide.’

Without the clear direction of audible sound waves to rely on, Gema had to look all around the room before her eye finally landed on the voice’s owner. It was Gardorox again, and this time, he was joined with someone who had not been present during their earlier encounter.

Someone quite important. Someone she’d only met once before but remembered quite clearly for the impression he’d made.

That was Nixil, the Head of the Warden’s Council--and by extension, the leader of this entire enclave.

Not many reapers within the Old Wardens were individually famous in the outside world, because they rarely ever left, but Nixil was certainly an exception. In fact, his name was one of the most recognizable in the entire world, as he was historically known to have negotiated with servant emperors across every Age.

And when they crossed him, it was often to their great detriment, in one way or another.

Or at least, that was how Ozolos had explained it to her, prior to their very first visit to this place.

On that particular occasion, it had not escaped Gema’s notice that Ozolos had seemed a little different in Nixil’s presence. Here and now, she was already wondering if it would be so again.