Significance sighed and picked up another grape, then put it down. Xe stepped over to one side of the room, clasping xyr sleeves behind xyr back, gazing out at the wall. The wall bore no window or tapestry or anything worth looking at. “There are many here who do not approve of Farflung’s ways,” xe said. “On the surface our peoples may be similar, but Margaux, for one, with her love of architecture, certainly feels that…well. Here at Eldergrove, we use ancient technology and preserve knowledge of the old times: we seek the things worth protecting. Farflung forges forward. Pushes boundaries. Uses new technologies. A lot of people here hold them in contempt.”

No amount of strawberries would win Orfeus’s silence. She said hotly, “The only real difference is that they’re not hypocrites who cling to the past. There’s more worth in one lab in a tiny corner of that city than there is in a whole library in yours.”

O’Hallow turned, blinked blue eyes at her. “I agree.”

“… Oh.” Orfeus ran out of steam. “Well.” She rallied, and leaned against the narrow pillar carrying the fruit bowl, stepping hastily away when it rocked. “It’s nice to meet someone sane here.”

“Oh, neurotypes,” O’Hallow said dismissively, and flicked xyr fingers in the air. Orfeus grinned. She found herself liking xem. That didn’t mean she’d trust xem an inch, but at least it was a change. “The others in the council don’t trust you, but I’d hate to be so small-minded. If you happened to have any news from Farflung, any technological advancements … I’m most interested in physical modification…?”

She wished she could give xem a different answer. “I’m afraid I don’t know much of the technical side of things,” Orfeus said regretfully. “Of course I could if I wanted to, I’m sure I’d excel at it, but that’s not my area of interest.” She leaned forward and confided, “I get by mostly by befriending talented and skilled people.”

Significance nodded and grinned. Elders really were unfairly beautiful. Xyr hair flowed like a waterfall. “You’re doing well enough at that,” xe said.

“It’s been a few weeks since my last visit,” Orfeus said. “If you lot get sent information as often as fresh fruit, your knowledge will be more recent than mine. I suppose I could drop by the Hub there, if I learn anything of use.”

Significance O’Hallow tilted xyr head, hair flowing. “Mm, if you wish to. You know I do have my own agenda and interests,” xe said. “Yours just happens to align. I’m sure you know better than to be trusting.”

“Please,” Orfeus said. “I know better than to trust beautiful people.” She gestured at herself.

“Wise,” Significance agreed, without seeming to notice the jest.