Why, my original misconception would have been thoroughly vindicated, Miss Oriphi! Clearly, you collect flowers for the altar before it's anointed in fresh blood. [ He jerks his bow across his neck, as if a ceremonial blade. ]

And I would set about convincing you that I would make a terrible sacrifice. Authority figures find me troublesome—the mortal kind, anyhow, though I can assume the same extends to gods. [ He wags his bow back and forth vigorously. ] No, a pure maiden or a strong warrior would make a more appropriate offering.

[ A pause, before he loops the topic back around. ] Naturally, I must wonder ... if you are drawn to nature, what is your sister's magical inclination?