"Well, I don't think it's poisoned, but that wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong about that. But...what occurs to me is that they have to want something. I don't think they would pull people into this world without needing something from us. So I think the food then becomes a bribe."

He glances down at his plate, prodding a piece of fish with his fork.

"They want to get in our good books. Though if they want a person like me, that's perhaps not the most reassuring sign."