[He hears her laughter ring above him, and isn't that just like her? His mind whirrs, strains to pull itself together, putting meaning to her good mood. Sciel has the great ability to take all that happens in stride, and in a way, Verso truly envies that.

But it's a good trait to wield, perhaps now more than it ever has been.

When he straightens, looking at her with the cheese cube now rescued in one hand, the shards of his facade have been neatly glued together, and he affects his usual wry, casual manner.]

You sure? I've heard the discarded dirt from the underside of everyone's boots makes for a pleasant spice.

[Yet he pauses, then reaches out to take the little toothpicked peace offering with one hand. It's nearly automatic.]

Sorry. I didn't expect to find anyone here.

[Anyone from home.]