"If anybody else wants their rice heated or cooled I don't mind," Kiri says, "that is not a just-my-brother thing."

Ekador tries his rice, determines the temperature acceptable, and says, "No, thank you."

Sarelle does likewise, but makes no verbal report.

"Does not taste at all like soap, nicely done, Loel."

He snorts. "Thanks."

"It's very good," Sarelle agrees, smiling. "Not that I expected any less, having watched you cook it."

"Do you cook too or do you just know what it looks like when done well?" Kiri inquires of Sarelle.

"I cook. Competently, at that."

"You sure sounded like you knew what you were talking about," says Loel. "If you wanna borrow my kitchen sometime, feel free."

"Heh. I can do a little, too, but not well enough to ever chase anybody else out of a kitchen if they're willing to feed me."

"And I'm always willing to feed people," says Loel, grinning.

"Ekador might want to try your cilantro later," remarks Aleko.

"Yeah?" He glances over at Ekador.

"Are - you okay?" exclaims Aleko.

Kiri looks at Sarelle, who will know better than she will if Ekador needs extra help with his airway.

"He is not in danger," says Sarelle.

Kiri calms down, and looks at Ekador instead.

"...What's going on?"

...Ekador is at a loss for words.

Loel raises his eyebrows. "And you are giving me this look because...?"

"I am... astonished," he says, "astonished is the word - I am astonished by the number and variety of otherwise healthy bones that you have broken in your life."

"...mm," says Loel.

Kiri manages a "disturbed" facial expression largely untainted by other knowledge.