[Huan]

‘Indeed!’ replied Anyopâ, casting an eager glance at his own platter of savory food. He paused before he picked up his own fork and began to eat. Turning his gaze toward the west, he observed a brief moment of silence.

Noting his companion’s gaze, he smiled as he took up his knife and buttered a piece of toast. ‘We, too, have our own customs,’ explained Anyopâ. ‘It’s interesting, isn’t it how we men wed ourselves to custom to remind us of our better selves lest we lose those selves altogether or they become so thinned out in the passage of our daily lives that we cannot recall them when they are most needed.’

He laughed taking up a forkful of his food. ‘Woolgathering mixed with eggs and potatoes! I hope I have not put you off your breakfast with such thoughts so early in the day.’