"Of course not, and who could expect you to," she says as mild as milk while gently patting the back of his hand. Lan appears blithe and untroubled by whatever has bothered Faolan. "Come, friend, do you need a drink? I have been told that it often helps those who find themselves embroiled in conversation."

"And if I am being presumptuous by calling you 'friend', fear not, I do mean something by it, but nothing overtly or imminently harmful."