Nami could only blink and wring her hands. She picked over her words carefully, not wanting to offend.

“Does it…doesn’t it come from the gods themselves, the rule that guests should be made welcome?”

“Perhaps. And perhaps, a long time ago, an immortal made it up to suit her own ends. And perhaps these new stories come from people who are still alive today, and whose families are gone.” Ina’s eyes were golden.

“I don’t understand.”

Ina beamed. “All I am saying is I’m grateful for your piety, Nami. You have provided me with everything I need.”

Ina was tall, much taller than she had been when she came, and her mouth was much wider. Her hand closed around Nami’s neck.