A youth, barely past boyhood, has slipped into the room just in time to overhear some of the talk about a quest for lost lanterns and strange sorceries, and now watches the assembled company with wide wondering eyes from the darkness of a corner. He's no warrior, but he's adventurous and resourceful, and curious as any cat.

Eventually he moves forward quietly, and touches the sleeve of the proud and beautiful woman who has been talking. "Kyoktsenanda, kuchee," he says with a shy smile, "But I would like to go with you, if you will take me?"