Snippet #2789000

As he saw what he had to assume was the occupant of this clock tower, John dusted off his jacket in an attempt to make himself more presentable while the rest of his crew emerged. The amount of space on top of the vessel allowed the group to spread around behind John, the Chosen Few taking the front as they watched the bird-like man approach them. Their expressions showed a considerable lack of fear or surprise from the figure's acutely avian appearance, seemingly so used to oddity that it has become mundane to them.
The man, introducing himself as Abdown, then formally welcomed the outsiders (with help from a piece of paper, likely, thought John with suspicion, a speech he had rehearsed for this very occasion) to his land. As he gestured to the cityscape, John clearly approved of an erratic architectural design that nevertheless brought him comfort for its temporal familiarity, although his smile soon faded as he took in the destruction that spoke to him of a terrorist attack. He then listened to Abdown's answers to Basalah's interrogation, eventually staring at the man for having accurately described the vessel's power source when he had only just seen it. He willingly accepted that the "Memorians" were familiar with the fantastical, because there was simply no other reason he could have gotten it so accurately.
John would bow in thanks for Abdown's brief congratulation on 'piercing the veil', and would have stated his thanks in word had the man not then continued on, break adventuring customs by refusing to ask for assistance from the outsiders since it would be rude, which was understandable. The aristocratic skeleton would lighten up at the sound of tea and crumpets. "That would certainly be appreciated, at least from my part," he said, glancing at his comrades, who weren't at home with tea but found the opportunity to unwind after the perilous journey inviting enough. With silent agreement, the Chosen Few would follow the Memorian governor down the red carpet.
As he descended, John would hear a whispered conversation behind him, unheard by Abdown;
"I may have theen too much thymbolic imagery during our time in the Thentre," whispered Jack, "but I can't help but notice that that guy'th a bird and he liveth in a cuckoo clock tower. You know what I mean, right?"
"Certainly," muttered Max. "To be honest, I'm surprised he didn't come out attached to a spring."
"This place sure is odd," whispered Fancy. "But it sure beats floating around in the Edge."
"Just you wait till those monsters come crawling out of the shadows," murmured Max darkly.
"Can't wait ter have some of them crumpets, at any rate," said Adam, effectively ending the secretive chatter.
"You had much tea back where you were from, Adam?" said Jack.
"Yeah," said Adam bluntly. "We was posh, remember?"
"Forget I athked, then," shrugged Jack.