Undercurrent

Still maintaining the role of a warm hospitable guest, the Silver Knight boomed enthusiastically;

"Glad to have you here Mr. Xzavier, truly."

More careful than he had been a few moments ago, Xzavier didn't issue Dale an immediate reply. Instead, he merely grunted something inaudible.

Dale didn't seem to mind. As he reached out to pour out a cup of coffee for himself, he continued his attempt to engage Xzavier in a friendly chat.

"I believe you might have already heard the whispers, but you're something of a local legend around here."

Xzavier feigned surprise at the release of the information. Dale noted his reaction and pounced on it immediately to further the conversation.

"Oh yes, I can tell you for sure that this isn't a baseless fib…"