[ Asra... beamed. He looked almost transcendantly happy, bright as a sunset over water, as he plucked up the first in his row of drinks... and tossed it back, sliding the empty glass over with Julian's.. with a faint cough and a whole-body shiver as he made a face at the bitter taste. ]

You're right. The first day... I was just a wreck. I can't tell you how heartening it is, to see you in a better state.

But it got... easier. And some things really aren't bad at all: the food, for one, there's so much of it, and so many different mind-boggling kinds, and flavors like you wouldn't believe! We'll have to go out again, just so I can show you some of the best.