Lucien swallows his mouthful of pastry and introduces Val to the surrounding picnic.
"Everyone, this is Valgereth. My business associate, and I would like to think, close friend."
"HELLO VALGERETH!" the villagers call out, greeting him back in perfect, cheerful unison, a chorus that seems to catch even Val slightly off guard.
"Why aren't you dead?" Val snarls at Lucien.
Lucien pouts, wounded by the words. "Not exactly a warm good morning, Val. Especially after you nearly executed me yourself last night."
