Recurring images of a man who resembled Grim standing before what looked like Ao Shun. Though he looked younger than Grim was. Each time Grim felt close to understanding what he was seeing, the dream would change.
He woke to the same crystalline chiming as the previous day.
The servant who entered said, "Lord Ao Shun requests your presence at the evening feast," the servant announced. "Appropriate attire has been provided."
Laid out on a table of ice were formal garments unlike those he'd worn the day before. These were clearly ceremonial—a robe that was a deep blue with silver trimming and a formal overcoat trimmed with the same silvery fur that had lined his bed.
"A formal dinner," Suanni said by way of greeting. "It seems we've been upgraded from prisoners to honored guests."
"Or at least, well-dressed prisoners," Bi'an replied dryly.
