[Alia’s wide-set eyes blink then, at last, curious and long-lashed like some strange forest creature, before her smile widens even more, somehow, every tooth on display. She holds it for a moment, the soft ripple of her consciousness reaching out, gentle as seafoam, to touch his, to form around him and identify who he is. She probes gently, not invasive, not cruel, like a child examining creatures in tide pools, fingertips prodding lightly at the tendrils of anemones and the smooth carapaces of crabs.

Then she leans back, curls her lips back over her sharp, sharp teeth, pursing them to sip at the dregs of her pink, carbonated drink.]

My visions are as changing as the dunes, but I think, perhaps – if you surprise me with your libations, your fortunes will blow in on favorable winds. [Another slurp, rattling the ice, then offering the cup.] Yes, I’m quite certain. A surprising tribute from a surprising man, and I shall tell you all I see.

With an umbrella. [A decisive nod.] A surprise with an umbrella in it, if you please.