trees!” Ikari called from across the room.

  Rivan swivelled on his seat. “If you're going to listen in you might as well do it politely...” his voice died away as the entire hall stood and shuffled across the commons. Timo sat opposite amidst the gathering Nym, a faint smile upon his face.

  Rivan raised a sardonic eyebrow.

  Timo grinned. “You get used to it.” He looked about as the last of the bound settled themselves like a kindergarden class waiting for story time. “Well, come on then...?”

  Rivan laughed, shaking his head. “Very well. Are we all sitting comfortably...?” much nodding of heads “...then I shall begin...”