Book One, Chapter One, Post Twelve

Málean lifts a slice of beef to his mouth. Seeing that no one else is eating, he carefully puts it back down and engages in conversation with his neighbor, enthusiastically trying to explain the details of exothermic evaporation and its implications on short term kinetic motion. The man, an elf of the woods listens to Málean, nodding. At the very least he seems interested in the topic... even if he doesn’t understand it fully.

Terrence also notices that no one else is eating and stops chewing. He sits chagrined, his mouth stuffed with potatoes.

Tyrects is brought a raw, skinned rabbit, still warm. It seems the waitstaff is paying attention to his unique food preferences. As his meal is set before him, he lets out a guttural, low, reptilian version of a cat's purr. However, aware of the spectacle he has made of himself, he waits for his companions to start eating before he touches his meal.

Quiberron finds himself a seat at the table near Tyrects and Rallaak. He is fascinated by all the different races and places represented around the room, and is making furious mental notes for his manuscript. He is especially interested to see a Pale Elf, as he cannot recall one ever coming to the library where he grew up. Given his recent unusual (and undoubtedly frightening to some) travelling companions, he is not at all disturbed by the elf’s presence, but he does wonder what could have brought him here. He brings his attention back to the host. Speculating on why he arranged this gathering, Quiberron does his best to recall the history of the Fennix house.

Under his breath, Tyrects asks Quiberron, "Can I eat yet? The meat is still warm."

When Quiberron doesn’t answer (he is far too lost in thought) Tyrects gets restless watching his rabbit get cold and the juices running out. He seizes the animal in both sets of talons, rips it in two, and swallows one half whole. He smiles slightly, then nods at High Lord Fennix.

Humored, Lord Fennix’s eyes glimmer as he smiles in return.

Quiberron suddenly realizes that all attention has once more settled on Tyrects, and he doesn’t want Tyrects to feel like he’s the only one eating, so Quiberron starts to eat as well. He’s guessing High Lord Fennix isn’t one to stand on ceremony, and besides, the food tastes so good after days of nothing but salt pork and biscuits on board the ship.

Terrence swallows his potatoes. Finally! he thinks.