Round table in Disarray
"Have a sit-down," Professor Atticus said as he ushered Tom toward a chair between the fire and where Silver Head rested on top of his pile of cushions. "The fire should dry your clothing in no time. We're simply delighted you could make it. We were beginning to worry a bit. The rest of these poor chaps had to listen to Silver Head's interminable stories and recollections all day—quite a tasking thing to do, I assure you." He winked at Tom as he gestured for him to sit.
Tom sat down with a squish, looking over at Hana. She waved again, then shrugged her shoulders as if to say, "What in the world have we gotten ourselves into?" Tom smiled back at her, wishing they could talk, but it seemed as though their host had a specific agenda and was eager to begin.