“Pity isn’t what I feel for this city,” he corrects evenly. An odd civilization, perhaps, but no doubt the Matriarch would say the same of his home city if she could see it. But they were thriving to outside eyes, and there’s no criticism to argue against that point.

“Only mutual curiosity. I’m sure something can be arranged where healing is concerned. You’re correct that the Outpost has been established in the past few months, and I believe the proximity is advantageous to both parties.”

Another pause, that same curiosity winding through him again.

“...You said the infection here is growing into the walls. How have you fended it off in the past?” The moss, he assumes, though he wishes to hear confirmation.