A cordial atmosphere settled in on the room, pushing out the sour tension like a cool breeze blowing out a heavy smell. Gus and I were happy to listen while the nobleman and the older healer talked with occasional inserts from the knight. The cheese was hard and sharp, but I was hungry enough to enjoy it even though it wasn't to my taste. When the priest returned with a beaker of water, I happily wash down what was left.
Meanwhile, Gus kept his fingers to my elbow, the squiggly tendrils of his mind magic watching my thoughts as much as the conversation.
When I couldn't swallow anymore, I thought towards those tendrils: are you ready?
In answer, I got: There really is too many people in here. I can hardly breathe. Won't the healer lady notice? Wouldn't she know what healing magic can't d
