The events that unfold are all within expected parameters - the extended period of time to fetch the Queen, the large assortment of escort Warriors that accompany them, the Queen's appearance. Dustin doesn't do anything special to greet them except to quickly snap out of his idle, pondering meditation when the first of the Warriors start streaming out of the hole in the wall.

No, what actually catches him off-guard is what the Queen says to him. Dustin had simply assumed that 'Gifter' was a hastily-coined name the Barrys near the Agriculture building gave him when they realized he could talk back; the concept that it was assigned a whole season and a half ago, because his petty gifts of dried fruits actually made a tangible difference on the health of the colony? Somehow that possibility had never occurred to him. An odd feeling swells in Dustin's chest, momentarily delaying his reply as his speaking hand wavers on the ground in front of him.

Then he quickly shakes the errant emotion away, forcing himself to focus. [Yes,] Dustin taps hurriedly. [Many, if you have the time for them. Spoke with the Eldest Tale Dancer of the Frond-brothers. They mentioned your people's history goes back further than theirs.]