Aside from all those contradictions, there had actually been something faintly inhuman about his teacher that made him seem strange. Even the slightest trace of that peculiar feeling lodged a distinct sense of wrongness in the heart. Yet now, watching his teacher get along so harmoniously with the furry fellows, that inhuman feeling suddenly vanished. At this moment, anyone who judged him would have seen a person-a living, breathing person sitting there with a smile, merely a little reserved.
That was exactly what Ruger wanted.
There was no need for many words or an abundance of expressions. Just an indescribable presence, an atmosphere, a feeling-and there was a living person.
Delicious fish, unusual insect meat, different minds sparking different ideas, all paired with some strange mushrooms and dark-colored algae-the two master chefs had perfectly transformed the generosity of the Endless Sea into a delectable feast that covered the entire long dining table.
Tuzel had also built this new table with Big Silly Hum's help. The wood came from some large trees Ruger had uprooted on that enormous island while carrying out the Golden Demon's commission. The original dining table had been just the right size, but Tuzel always liked to leave a few extra seats. That was why the table had been replaced several times. In Rabbit's words, the extra seats were always there to welcome new friends; a crowded table was simply bad manners. After Ruger picked up Little Regna, Tuzel had already planned to make a new table and drawn up three versions of its decorative patterns, with Serious Mouse serving as his adviser.
There were even new varieties of fine wine that Ruger had not yet had the chance to taste. Little Fairy carried them over as though presenting treasures. This fellow was the last to arrive