[ Eruca's sabertooth tiger approaches him as if it were stalking prey. Eruca, for her part, is drawn to him for the obvious skill with which he's carving. The patterns remind her of Alistel's thaumatech, and so her mind drifts briefly back to Stocke and the others.
When he looks up, Eruca doesn't smile right away. ]
Ah, forgive me, I didn't mean to interrupt. I was only admiring your work. It's exquisite.
iv
When he looks up, Eruca doesn't smile right away. ]
Ah, forgive me, I didn't mean to interrupt. I was only admiring your work. It's exquisite.