[ Ellana needs some form of optimism. Being realistic and pragmatic are parts of her personality as well, but the dire pessimism isn't something she can embrace. Not if her world is going to have a chance. Not if her old god-not-god lover is going to possibly be convinced not to end the world to bring back an age that he'd partly ended the world to stop in the first place.

... if only she knew how strange Dirk's life was.

Either way, if he has pointers on the seafood deal, she's all ears! It's an opportunity to learn. ]

Why not? My clan traded with one of the coastal city-states in the Free Marches, but preparing seafood was never all that common for us. I'd appreciate any pointers you have to offer.