He has the subtlety of a forest fire, she replied, her mental voice laced with dry amusement. His own elders are more upset with him than we are. They came to measure us, and all they learned is that they don't understand our measurements.
Lin Tian took another sip. The taste was better now.
Elder Shen cleared her throat, seamlessly reclaiming the proceedings. "Now that we are all… comfortable," she said, with just the slightest emphasis on the word, "let us proceed with the feast. The conference details will be shared at tomorrow's assembly."
Servants began to move, bringing out platters of food. The normal sounds of a banquet slowly returned, but the atmosphere was permanently altered.
