The Rothian appeared to become distracted, staring into the nebulous violet clouds. They wafted ever closer, buffeting against an invisible orb of protection around the pair. They glanced back at Vreta while he carried on talking, narrowed their eyes. Opened them again. Their expression smoothed over.

“You two are more alike than you realise.” They laughed in a sound like autumn leaves.

“I’m learning about this ‘Institute’ of which you speak. They have been around for a long time, in one form or another. My aim, to reunite with my family, has been their aim as well for over two thousand years. An admirable devotion.” Their voice tailed off, as if distracted again.