Chrysalis

The mage is smooth, I’ll give him that. Whoever this guy is, I really should get a name, he’s clearly got some experience in this sort of thing. Which is impressive, considering there can’t have been many meetings with giant ant monsters.

Without a hitch, taste testers step forward and go over the food. In the blink of an eye, they’ve waved little devices, taken a sip or nibble, and cast some magic over every edible item on the table.

For a fleeting moment, I wonder if they consider excessive sugar or butter to be a poison? I mean, it’s not exactly good for you. Would they declare the Colony has attempted to kill their leaders via excessive cholesterol? Let’s not forget the eggs.

However, my fears dissolve into nothing as the specialised anti-poison squad steps back from the table, bowing low, to me for some reason, then to the mage, and then to the people behind them. That’s altogether too much bowing.

[Those guys are going to have back problems if you make them bow that much,] I point out helpfully to the mage. [Better to stave off these health concerns before they become serious.]

[It’s simply a gesture of respect. I hope you do not take offence?]

[Offence? From what?]

I’m confused.

[Allow me to introduce the individuals who have come to meet with you,] the mage transitions smoothly, not letting the conversation come to an awkward junction. This guy is quick on his feet!

[Can I get your name, first?]

[Of course. How rude of me.] He goes to bow, then thinks better of it and straightens. [I am the senior Mage and Interlocutor of the Tower, Rathwyn Werilos. I am pleased to make your acquaintance.]

[Sure. Nice to meet you. Now, please introduce me to these esteemed guests.]

pleasure. There are five who have come to meet with you as the representative of the Colony. From left to right, we have Alir Vinting, Grand Priest of the Way; Cassus Moran, leader of the Dungeon Delvers Alliance of Atreum; Florence Argyle, of the city beautification committee; Georgia Wynn,

[So, not the Mayor?]

member of the

the beautification committee is actually

finely polished a jewel as possible is in the interests

The others make sense. We’ve got a bigwig priest of some sort, which I expected. They don’t like us, consider us as spiritual sacrifices offered up by the Dungeon, no less. But of course they want to come and take a look at the goods. Dungeon Delvers, of course, make perfect sense. They kill monsters for a living, I’m a monster who doesn’t want to get killed, so we have a conflict of interest. Merchants aren’t a surprise, nor is the Mayor's office. We’re here for business, so merchants, sure, and the Mayor wants to make sure I’m not going to blow up their city, which

appropriated; report any

the time to come and meet with me. I’m not used to entertaining guests, being a monster, but they are more

passes on my words using the crude means of mouth-speaking, and the five individuals… don’t exactly rush to the table, but they do approach and take a seat, reaching out for the tea and taking reserved

much, but I hope they

with a sort of semi-horrified fascination to see a giant insect monster chowing down on a nice bikkie, but hey,

to snack. [Or something they would like me to say? I mean, I’m happy to drink tea and snack

The mage smiles politely.

on their mind. I will ask them if they would

amongst themselves for a bit before the privilege of asking the first question seems

Alir Vinting would like to say that he met with a Priest that you may be familiar

not arrested, is

[Um… I’ll ask.]

A brief exchange.

how the man came to lose his arm. Apparently,

I bit it

[You… bit it off.]

he did hit me in the head first. It