"Of course. You have given me something valuable to think about when I decide to approach your host city," she says graciously, pleased that she seems to like the knife. It's finely-made, with the Matriarch's seal carved into the handle, but otherwise it is just a knife - a memento, and an example of craftsmanship, as said.

"You must be. I cannot imagine they know exactly what you go through. Monsters are born as such, here - that is no different above or below. Do they assist you in your changes up there? Help you accustom yourselves to new forms and new magics?"