She's concocted her own blend through some trial and error with leaves and fruits from the diner's stores, and what she's come up with is pathistery and a small amount of dried Star Bloom: light and sweet, with just enough of the latter plant's relaxant properties to calm frazzled nerves. As it steeps, and he talks, she purses her lips, considering.

If he doesn't know what returning means ... considering the rest of what he'd said, Clarice wonders if he was close to death when the Agrii brought him back to Temba. Or perhaps imprisonment or other punishment for the things he regrets.

"It sounds like making the best of things is the very best thing you can do. And if there's any way I can help you with that, I'd be happy to. You've always been straight with me, from day one, and I value that a hell of a lot, Jon. I've said this to a couple people here already, and now I'm gonna tell you, too: it doesn't matter what you've done elsewhere, or in the past. I consider my friends based on their actions in the here and now, and everything I've seen you do of your own will spoke to you being a decent man."

Having said her piece for the moment, she picked up their cups and began to squeeze out the little squares of cheesecloth she'd used as tea bags.