In the operating room, the surgeons are prepared to start working on Stavarus. They keep glancing at the flickering monitors - the internal workings of Stavarus are hardly the same as for a human. They look at each other with some worry.

"If we screw this up, we're in real trouble..."

"You can say that again."

A third surgeon is staring intently at the monitors. His brow is furrowed in confusion and disbelief.

"You two... you need to look at this."

The two other surgeons look at the screen. They can see Stavarus' insides slowly moving. On closer inspection, it looks as if they're trying to repair the internal damage on their own.

"Wow... that's bizarre."

The surgeon nods.

"Well, by the looks of this, this job won't be as hard as it might have been. We just have to fix up the worst wounds... the rest he should probably be able to handle himself."

Carefully, the surgeons begin to manipulate the lasers used in the surgery, first sealing the wounds on Stavarus' back first, then continuing onto the lesser injuries on the rest of his body.

Beneath the glow of the lasers, Stavarus' eyes suddenly begin to open. One of the surgeons spots the movement.

"Damn! He's awake! Stop the lasers immediately!"

With a deepening whine, the equipment it shut down. Stavarus gives a groan of pain deep from his chest... it sounds almost feral, and causes the surgeons to back off slightly.

Stavarus speaks, his eyes squinting in pain

"Uuuugh... what is this... place? I feel as though... my entire body... had passed through the fires of... Inferno..."

The bravest of the surgeons approaches cautiously, hoping to explain the situation...

Meanwhile, back in the main hall, Soul Reaver sees Kalana standing nearby. He walks up to her, and bows to her. Though he remains formal and serious, his eyes nonetheless betray a hint of happiness at seeing Kalana alive again.

"Kalana. I am relieved and not a little surprised to see you once more. I was certain that you had already left us and passed to the Other Side. I am... glad to see I was mistaken."

He then turns to face Jihon's wife, Lisette.

"And you must be Lisette."

He bows to her as well.

"I am honoured to meet you, m'lady. Your husband has been a loyal companion to us, and your son has great potential as well."

He gives a slight smile.

"Though I do admit we all have our rough edges."

Soul Reaver's head turns towards Clutchfiend. He gives a small nod.

"Good to see you are with us again."

However, his gaze continues to wander, passing over the occupied Keseno and coming to rest on the newcomer, Deravon. The kindred looks lost in thought, and his expression does not inspire confidence.

Perhaps now is not the best time for that introduction.

Soul Reaver instead turns away and walks towards the food-hall. He gestures at his companions that perhaps they should follow him.

"I would rather welcome a rest right now..."

Soul Reaver heads to the table in the dining hall. It is laid out with piles of steaming food, which is almost mournfully untouched so far.

Soul Reaver seats himself carefully and pulls up a plate. He loads it with meat and vegetables, and begins to eat.

"*munch* I may not HAVE to eat... *munch* ...but it that does not make it unpleasant in the least..."