Seeing how reserved Pearl was behaving, the Watcher sighed. He could not blame her - she was someone who had already suffered the cruelty of this world, so she was wary of being hurt again. It was only natural.
"What I mean to say is, I am aware of the fact that you have not been exposed to the matters of Mount Decius, despite the presence of such an accomplished grandfather. Allow me to introduce you to these matters.
"Please, take a seat and make yourself comfortable. You too, lad. I can see how close you both are, not to mention how close you are to your own breakthrough. There's no need to keep these matters a secret."
River went and sat besides Pearl, taking note of the fact that Cliff had not appeared above the Watcher's head. Had he finally met someone he didn't dare appear in front of?
