30

Arturo returns with a platter of food just as the owner comes into the hallway.

Trullo is a fat, black-haired woman, with a wide, doughy head and belly, a bit taller than you are in your current form. She takes you in through squinted eyes with the hint of a sneer.

"Signora Trullo," the servant says, "may I introduce Signora Struzzo, of house Giliol." He sets the platter down on the table before you as you stand to greet Trullo, then he ducks back down the stairs.

"I hope Arturo didn't bore you too much," Trullo says.