"That is very generous of you," Christine replies, though to be fair, nearly all rifters agree to help in some capacity. It's the best way to keep from dying of boredom.

She releases the dog and moves to stand up again. Ponce is through warning the newcomer to watch herself and switches to sniffing her instead. He moves as far as his leash allows to sniff methodically at her feet and ankles.

"Are you in need of anything today? Is that why you are here at the healers', or merely visiting us?"