“Huh, I imagined you taller,” the old lady in front of Roland said to him after he introduced himself, actual surprise in her voice. “And more handsome.”

The not quite as handsome as expected boy decided to give her some leeway, considering the rather pitiful scene of her bleeding to death he had witnessed quite recently.

“I hear that a lot,” Roland replied, smiling wryly. “Comes with the territory.”

The lady shrugged noncommittally, mighty uninterested. Not something Roland wanted to see. As was the fact that she looked perfectly healthy, or as healthy as a fifty-year-old woman living slightly above the poverty line could look.

Of course, he did not wish illness upon the woman, but saving her would take quite a lot more effort if she remained in top form until the actual accident.

I’ll push a bit now and see how she reacts.

Presenting the basket a little closer, Roland wanted to continue talking after she had taken the freebie. Not something the old lady saw herself doing.

“Thanks for the offer, but I’m not interested,” she shot down Roland’s offered fruit, already in the process of closing her door. “Good day.”

Shit.

“Ma’am,” Roland called after her. “Could you hold on a second.”

Questioning look on her face, the woman opened her half-closed door again, only to be further puzzled by the focused gaze Roland directed at her.

“What is it?” the old lady asked. Briefly looking behind her back, she saw nothing that could have captured Roland’s attention.

“You seem a little pale Ma’am,” Roland answered her, trying his best to not sound like some sketchy doctor trying to scam an old woman. “Do you feel alright?”

Slight concern flashing in her eyes, the old woman held a hand to her forehead, before retreating back into her apartment, most likely on the way to a mirror. Roland patiently waited, formulating further plans.

I doubt she is going to come with me now. Mentioning it should however make convincing her easier later on.

As expected, when the old woman returned a minute later her brows were furrowed, face split between suspicion and annoyance.

“I didn’t see anything unusual, boy,” she told Roland, keeping a bit more distance than earlier. “Thanks for the concern. You can leave now.”

Guess old woman don’t enjoy being told they look sick when nothing is wrong. Could have figured that out beforehand.

“If you feel alright then that’s great,” Roland replied with ‘relief’. Smiling brightly, he deciding ending the conversation quickly would be for the best. “Though I still feel a bit concerned. Me and my companions will need to visit quite a few more homes around here. How about we check in on you once we finish in a few hours?”

The sour expression on her face showed what she thought about Roland’s suggestion. Considering the circumstances however it would be rude of her to deny him.

An exemplary orphan and his companions going around for hours, giving people food and reminding them to watch their health. Appearances were important, and telling a group like that to get lost could easily come back to bite her. Especially on the off chance she actually got sick.

Not willing to risk being known as the old shrew that had to have her door kicked in because she refused help from Soren’s publicly recognized little altruist, the woman ultimately agreed, before closing her door quickly.

Sighing loudly, Roland felt some tension leave his shoulders. While in no way dangerous or physically taxing, speaking to future victims always made him tense.

How easy it would be if he could tell them about the danger they were facing. And have them believe him instantly, no question asked, only to conveniently forget everything once the danger had passed. One could dream after all.

That went about as bad as it could. Well, worst case I’ll have Stephan spin her a little tale later. Even if she feels fine now, after hearing about a bunch of disturbing diseases she is going to beg for us to bring her to Taylor.

Now the only question is, how am I going to tell those guys they’ll have to keep doing this for a couple more hours?

The evil grin plastered on his face as he descended the stairs showed Roland’s concerns were not about how his friends would take it, instead purely regarding the best way to blindside them with his wonderful surprise.

Maybe we can eat some remaining fruits for a delayed breakfast before I break the news? Though Thomas probably already ate way too much.

It seemed Roland had quite the advanced grasp on his friend’s complex behavior. The very first thing he saw upon exiting the building was a wide-eyed Thomas, stuffing multiple bananas in his mouth as he swiftly turned away, trying to hide his shameful deeds. An act which quite frankly could only have been more horribly executed had he decided to eat his spoils inside the entrance of Roland’s building.

Not seeing any of their other two companions, Roland briefly deliberated, before once again entering the building. Something Thomas did not notice, because he currently faced the opposite wall, trying his best to gulp down what remained of the evidence without making too big of a mess.

Let’s see what he is going to do now.

Roland would give the little bugger some time to think of a solid defensive maneuver. The fact that he could not decide on what would be the most likely thing he’d see out there was one of the many reasons Thomas remained his favorite. And this figurative fountain of entertainment truly did not disappoint.

When Roland opened the door once again a good five minutes later, Thomas still sat at the same spot, happily munching on his spoils. This time however he projected an aura of pure confidence, most likely due to the three lumbering giants standing beside him protectively.

They appeared to be laborers on the way to their, judging by the strong physique they displayed, highly physical jobs.

Seeing Roland approach, Thomas tensed slightly, before giving a meaningful look to his three new friends. Said friends instantly exchanged glances between themselves, preparing for the impending diversion.

“Oh, so that’s how you do it!” weirdly intoned, and much too loud, one of the men practically shouted when Roland closed in on them. “I could have never imagined.”

The surrounding pedestrians couldn’t help but turn towards the commotion, only to be greeted by the other two men furiously nodding their heads, looking like they had achieved enlightenment. Or at least trying to.

“Truly wondrous,” the second man echoed his loud companion’s sentiments. “It is our biggest fortune, witnessing master Thomas’ wondrous technique.”

By this point Roland could pretty much guess what was going on, though one big question remained.

How the hell did he get them to help out?

“Having experienced something so enlightening, I am truly content,” the last man declared, closing his eyes, freed from all burdens. “I can die without regrets now.” His acting seemed quite a lot better than the other two’s. One could really find talent at the strangest of places.

“Hey Thomas, looks like you were the first one to finish,” Roland remarked, trying to stifle the laughter threatening to burst out of him. “Who are these friends of yours?”

“They are proud members of the Fruit Aficionado Order,” Thomas replied seriously, ignoring the other three’s strained looks. They would have preferred a less moronic background. But if three grown men were enough to change Thomas’ mind, something would be very wrong. “They asked me for help.”

Roland looked at the supposed members of this novel order inquisitively, waiting for them to elaborate on the intricately weaved backstory Thomas had no doubt prepared for them.

“You must be mister Roland. It is an honor to meet you,” the man who had spoken last greeted him. “We wayward souls have been arguing about the best way to eat bananas for decades, when the great sage Thomas, in his boundless mercy, showed us the way.” His two companions nodded with him, faces slightly red. Whether out of excitement or shame was hard to tell. Tough Roland leaned towards the latter.

“Well, that makes perfect sense, now I understand why Thomas had to stuff so much food into his cheeks,” Roland said deadpan, giving Thomas a free pass in order to mess with these entertaining lads instead. “I will however sadly need to report you to the city guard. Practicing foreign religion's outside of the to them designated areas is illegal. I hope you don’t take offense.”

The three men showed wry expressions, looking more like frighteningly large children having been caught doing something stupid than heretic members of a forbidden cult.

“I can understand the confusion,” the talkative man replied, throwing a ‘told you so’ look towards the grinning Thomas. “We are in fact a research organization and not a religious order, so there should be no problems.”

“I see,” Roland nodded his head in understanding, slightly upset they took the safe route. Would have been interesting to hear about some fruity deities.

“I somehow managed to never hear about your illustrious organization,” Roland remarked, showing deep regret at his lack of knowledge.

“How many members do you have here in Soren?” he suddenly asked the loud man who had previously spoken first.

Taken aback at having to say more than the lines he had practiced earlier, the man nervously replied. His talkative companion was unluckily not quick enough to save him.

“Three…,” he started instinctively, briefly stopping upon seeing the panicked looks on his friend’s face. “...Thousand.” Saved.

“Ha ha, they’re a really big deal, Boss,” Thomas exclaimed excitedly, somehow having forgotten that the Fruit Aficionado Order was in fact entirely fictional.

“Quite so,” Roland agreed, taking pity in these poor workers which had been enthralled by his manipulative companion. “It has been a great honor to meet men of science like yourselves. I’m sure you have much work to do now that Thomas has demonstrated his groundbreaking ideas. We won’t keep you any longer.” Bowing towards these burly looking scholars he wished them the best.

Hopefully they don’t get in trouble for being too late. Helping a child start a new religion doesn’t sound like the best of excuses.

“We are the ones who have been honored,” the outspoken man insisted, a tinge of regret inside his voice. It seems he had taken to the whole acting thing. “May our paths cross again in the future, valiant warriors.” Maybe a bit too much.

Thomas was surprisingly helpful without even trying. Awakening the buried acting talent of a random laborer, he had set him on the path towards a new dream. And most likely poverty, as the finer arts were sadly not appreciated over here.

The prospective starving artist and his two companions left, waving at Thomas, who stealthily gave them a thumbs up. Though in his case that meant little more than using the basket to hide his thumb from Roland’s vision, making it a dozen times more noticeable as a result.

Once on their own again, Roland gave his chubby friend an amused look. Honestly impressed by what the latter had managed to put together on such short notice.

“I got to hand it to you Tommy, you are quick at spouting nonsense when the situation calls for it,” Roland praised Thomas. “How did you manage to convince the three of them to help you out?”

“Sun and moon, banana and apples, not much of a difference I’d say,” Thomas replied seriously, somehow showing absolutely no reaction at being called out. “I don’t think it’s far-fetched that people would give fruits the proper respects they deserve.”

Roland snorted at the highly contestable opinion his friend presented.

“I heard over on the other continent there are people who worship some big rock,” Thomas scoffed, brows furrowed, furiously waving one arm to make a point about something. “Like, what can you even do with that? Sit on it? At least mine are tasty!”

Casually blaspheming a millennia old religion never looked easier. Though in his defense, talking smack about Eternity was always quite popular over here. What with them trying to invade every couple of centuries.

Grabbing one of the few survivors out of Thomas’ basket, Roland flopped down on the ground. Not tired but simply feeling like it. Thomas quickly joined him, sneaking quick glances at his leader’s remaining oranges. Ultimately, the bottomless abyss refrained from asking if he could get one. For now.

Usually, Roland would train during moments like these, but with the public training imminent he couldn’t really afford to tire himself out if he wanted to benefit from it.

Here is hoping I actually get there at all.

Wondering how long his gluttonous companion’s restraint would last, Roland waited for the other two to finish their tasks. People said that being idle at times had its own charms. Though he personally could not see any of them.

*

Stephan arrived first, looking deep in thought. Though whatever he was currently contemplating did not survive contact with Thomas’ esoteric tale of secret orders and edible deities.

Their last missing member, in stark contrast to the rest of them, looked like he had just hiked across a particularly unwelcoming mountain. Twice.

Arriving shortly after Stephan, Arthur had no interest in the blasphemous discussion of his companions, deciding instead to collapse into a sizable heap next to Roland. Despite being able to easily run nonstop for an hour, or fight of several wild dogs on his own, dealing with the varied humans living here had drained all of Arthur’s willpower.

Eh, he looks worse than expected. Guess the people here are a step up in difficulty. Compared to home, the slums or Backstreets.

Even if their Orphanage was cramped full of children, none of them dared to act out around Arthur. And while the slums were a veritable nest of people, outsiders would not find many engaging conversations there.

Backstreets on the other hand did not condone politeness or friendly talks of any kind, which made it much easier for someone like Arthur, who despite thinking a lot, preferred being quick and straight to the point.

Ultimately, he’ll just have to deal suck it up today. Not like Stephan or Tommy get a pass when we have to run around a bunch. Roland easily absolved himself of any guilt, instead reassuringly patting Arthur on the back.

“It’s over,” Roland lied through his teeth. “You are safe now.”

“You dealt with it?” Arthur asked, actual hope shining in his eyes.

“Well, I wouldn’t say it’s dealt with. I have however made some serious progress,” Roland responded. “If you count telling an old lady we’ll keep doing this for a couple more hours as progress.”

Arthur’s head jerked upwards, giving his leader a look of pure despair. And even Stephan stopped his agitated debate. Which resulted in a triumphant Thomas, celebrating his superior argumentative abilities.

“In need of time or convincing?” Stephan inquired, not interested in further explorations of the area’s diverse population.

“Little bit of both,” Roland replied, giving Stephan a somewhat stern look. Just because he wasn’t overly serious anymore did not mean he would allow that much backtalk. Something Stephan picked up on as he mentally canceled any further plans for today, before saluting with all the enthusiasm he could muster.

“First, let’s eat some of the stuff we have here for some energy,” Roland told his companions. “Afterwards everyone can pick any houses in the area to visit, doesn’t have to be the apartments.”

Letting out a sigh long enough to make one wonder if he was a particularly well disguised hot air balloon, Arthur grabbed a pear. Which he demolished in three quick bites, inadvertently alerting Thomas of the challenge towards his claim as holy son of the Fruit Aficionado Order. Which while definitely not a religion, apparently placed enough importance on eating techniques to warrant such a position.

Seeing a stormy clash of willpower as his two friends quickly devoured the remaining fruits, Roland couldn’t help but smile. Taking some for himself he noticed their last member not taking any.

“I get not eating the stuff at the Orphanage, these on the other hand are pretty good, Stephan,” Roland idly mused, turning towards the only one of them still on his feet.

“Maybe later, Boss,” Stephan replied, looking down the street. “We should probably focus on the assistance we got coming.”

Surprised by Stephan’s words, Roland followed his companions gaze, only to smile wryly upon seeing the approaching figure. Calling it ‘assistance’ wasn’t wrong by itself. Though in fact it was only one person, and her floating sword.

Finding us so quickly, real record pace. Though it’s probably more so that she held back the other times so she doesn’t come on too strong. Definitely not a concern for her anymore, judging by what Thomas told me about yesterday’s wrangle for his attention.

Dusting off his clothes, Roland prepared for the much too earnest conversation he would have in the almost immediate future.

“Up on your feet boys,” Roland called out to the duo still on the floor. “I heard you and little Claire exchanged some heated words yesterday, Arthur. I hope you don’t let Thomas’ spotty loyalty affect your judgment.”

Despite saying it in a joking way, Roland did not have time to talk with Arthur about what had occurred yesterday, which is why he meant this to be a chance to inform him of any possible future problems.

“Don’t worry about it, Boss,” Arthur replied. “Just some friendly quarreling. Wouldn’t want to make your life any harder than it already is.”

Apparently revitalized by copious amounts of ingested fruits, Arthur managed a rarely seen sarcasm into thinly veiled complaint combination attack. This fearsome display made one wonder where the half dead wreck from earlier disappeared to.

Unlike his usual display of happiness upon the arrival of the illustrious queen of snacks, Thomas eyes widened in panic as he quickly sprung to his feet, wasting a lot of time worriedly looking around before taking action.

“Surprise attack!” Thomas screamed, mitigating any possible surprise, before throwing his empty basket at Roland, who only barely managed to catch it despite the loud warning.

What the hell?!

The rest could only watch in shock as Thomas sprinted towards Claire. The girl in question looked just as confused as everyone else. That was until Thomas stopped in front of her, looking around shiftily, before talking loudly to himself. A convenient coincidence some conspiracy theorists would say. But we don’t listen to those.

Neither the fact that he had the attention of every pedestrian in their greater surrounding nor the wooden sword’s threatening swaying were reason enough for him to not relay the vital information he collected previously.

The wry look on Claire’s face as she watched Thomas trod back to his companions said more than a thousand words. Though it was quickly replaced by a blooming smile upon seeing Thomas stumble spectacularly when an all too familiar basket impacted his face.

Stephan lost it, laughing like a maniac with tears building in his eyes as he took absurd amounts of joy at Thomas’s expense. The majority of the surrounding pedestrians too chuckled at the comical display, though not quite as gleeful as Thomas third/second best friend, depending on the day. The basket thrower himself and Arthur kept it at a grin.

The joyous atmosphere continued rising when everybody started to realize who exactly had graced their street with her presence. Unlike the people living in the slums, who were scared of any kind of authoritative presence, the citizens living in the city proper felt positively inclined when it came to the City Lord and his lovely daughter.

Waving happily in passing, they greeted the little angel, trying to drown out everyone else vying for Claire’s attention. To them meeting her was a sign of good luck for the rest of the day, like instantly finding your keys or spotting a coin lying on the street. Surrounding businesses and workshops would find a good chunk of their workers two hundred percent motivated. At least until their first break.

Thomas returned to their side, rubbing his head and somehow managing to looks triumphant despite his disgraceful tumble. The cheeky look he gave Roland made clear he had complete certainty in his brilliant distraction having fooled him.

While this newest companion of ours will no doubt create a lot more awkward situations, her presence is going to be very useful in the long run. I’d love to see the kind of face the old lady will make when Claire is the one who tells her she looks sick.

“Get some more fruits,” Roland told his three companions. “Five baskets this time.”

“Sure thing, Boss,” Stephan saluted, the happiest he has been all day. “Come on basket face.” Seeing how much he chuckled at his own bad insult, the overdose of joy had apparently reverted his cognitive abilities to the level of a five-year-old.

Not bothered at being the butt of the joke, Thomas instead displayed a look of concentration as he used every bit of power he could squeeze from his brain to think about which fruit would be the best for their fifth choice.

Arthur gave a conflicted look towards Claire, before joining his two weirdly behaving companions.

Well, let’s get it over with.

“Good morning, miss Claire,” Roland greeted her. “Your presence will be of great help in our coming endeavors.” Split between acting familiarly and keeping a polite distance Roland ended up sounding incredibly pompous.

Screw it, she is one of us now, and things worked fine when I talked to her like I do with the others. Best stick to that, don’t want to be all serious now. Anything but that.

For the sake of his future mental health, out of pure convenience, as well as due the slight voice of alarm ringing inside his head, Roland casually decided to expand his circle of friends by one member. A stark increase by a whole third. More if you didn’t count Stephan, which Roland was known to do depending on the sketchy boy's recent behaviors.

“And a good morning to you, mister Roland,” Claire curtsied. “Despite Thomas valiant efforts I cannot help but sincerely apologize for the situation which transpired two days ago.” Not minding the surrounding stares, she bowed straight, truly the epitome of a heartfelt apology.

Could have done without all these hushed whispers, and whatever weird rumors will sprout from them.

“Color me surprised,” Roland remarked, sounding as surprised as people usually did when things played out exactly like they thought they would. “A wholly unexpected turn of events.”

“I was mortified when I heard about what Ayer did,” Claire continued, remaining serious despite Roland’s attempt at preventing exactly that. It seemed he needed to try harder. “I swear on my name, something like this will never happen again!”

While the determination burning in her sky-blue eyes was a sight to behold, Roland would prefer it to be directed at things not connected to him in any way.

“Huh,” Roland muttered, doing his best to look completely unimpressed. “Good for you.”

Not having expected such a lackluster reaction for her heartfelt apology, Claire pouted slightly. She appreciated Roland not putting up a fake show to please her, but the trouble she had caused wasn’t minor and sweeping it under the rug felt like an affront to everything she stood for.

“Not satisfied with my reaction?” Roland asked, about to deliver his finishing blow. “Maybe you should try again.”

Eyes turning stubborn Claire apparently interpreted Roland’s behavior as him doubting her sincerity. How easily he ended up being misunderstood. Communicating your intent was hard at the best of times, doubly so when it involved members of the opposite sex it seems.

“I’m sorry!”

Bowing again, a good ten degrees lower than last time, Claire shouted her apology toward the high heavens, before fixing her gaze at the boy in front of her, who at by now was regretting just about everything.

Now I get how she and Arthur can be at odds so easily. She is stubborn and earnest. Real deadly combination.

“It’s fine,” Roland asserted, voice slightly hoarse, wishing for Thomas to be here to throw something into his face as a distraction. Or Claire’s, he wasn't picky at this point.

“Roland!” ice cold determination in her voice, Claire gave a promise she would keep at any cost. “I swear, I will not be a burden.”

Seeing the strength of her will, and the all too familiar fear hidden deep inside, Roland got serious. Something deep inside of him whimpered in despair, begging him to stop, to remain the fool or run away. But he couldn’t do it.

The clumsy attempts at being helpful, the urge to help in some way, even if you ended up being a nuisance in the end. Roland couldn’t ignore the sight in front of him, looking so much like he had in the past, before duty devoured him whole.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

As a torrent of fear surged through his body he dropped the jovial mask, and prepared to answer Claire’s vow with the gravity it deserved. She wanted her determination to be recognized, to be more than some overbearing brat making trouble. And given a chance to prove herself, even if it was to a worthless orphan, barely keeping himself afloat in the raging sea fate had thrown him into.

Roland didn’t know why. In his eyes someone like Claire possessed abounding opportunities in every direction she set her sights on. For some reason however she chose to put her effort into joining his merry band instead.

Doesn’t matter. Action is more important than intent. Has always been… Will always be...

“Your apology is accepted. I will hold you to your promise. Don’t disappoint me,” Roland answered Claire’s determination, steeling himself against the worst. Only for nothing to happen. He remained himself.

“Is everything okay?” Claire asked concerned. “You are looking pale.”

Roland chuckled at the unexpected reversal, somehow ending up in the position the old lady had been put in earlier. Laughing mindlessly, the tension slowly left his body.

Talk about overcompensating. Get a grip on yourself, you fool.

Suppressing his laughter, he looked at the concerned Claire, hoping the weird fit hadn’t undone his weighty reply.

“Everything is fine,” Roland reassured her, actually believing so himself for a change. “You know those situations where you worry yourself endlessly over something, and then once it happens everything is fine and you feel like a fool for worrying. That’s what just occurred.”

“Why yes, I am familiar with basic human emotions,” Claire responded cheekily, somehow satisfied by their more than a little strange conversation. “Worrying needlessly is one of the privileges we have earned for ourselves. Indulging in it from time to time is only natural.”

I wonder if she got that from somewhere else or came up with it on her own? A book detailing psychological annoyances would be pretty interesting to read.

“Well, now that all baggage has been dealt with, why don’t we focus on more immediate matters,” Roland suggested, now more aware than ever of how many people currently stared at them. “Primarily our little project here.” Beckoning for her to follow, Roland led her towards the direction of the greengrocer.

“I was wondering what kind of strange excursion you are having here,” Claire remarked, following along, an energetic spring to her steps. “A picnic in the middle of the residential district is a bit out of there, even for the Crescent Moon Helpers.”

“A little delayed breakfast after our first round of visits,” Roland explained meticulously. “Our main goal for today is to improve the general public’s health consciousness.” Peddling the bullshit he was selling to the little girl beside him Roland amended some of their plans, bringing the conclusion forward.

Claire kept nodding her dainty head at Roland’s explanations, not really understanding how they could achieve anything except marginally fuller stomachs for the people here. Though she wasn’t about to start questioning him after he had accepted her in full.

“About yesterday,” Roland carefully inquired after he finished explaining what they would do for the next hour or two. “I heard some rather pointed arguments happened. I’m not blaming anyone, but can you elaborate a bit on the circumstances?” Roland for some reason felt like a teacher, mediating between two students that fought in the break room.

“You heard from Arthur?” Claire asked, biting her lip.

“I still haven’t had the time to talk with him, though Thomas told me a bit earlier,” Roland replied. “Of course, his detailed retelling mostly involved aspects he personally considered vitally important. I’ll have Arthur tell me his side later.”

“Thomas? Oh,” Claire mumbled, not sure how to react. The gluttonous boy had too high of a variance. It was impossible to tell what he told Roland, and it wouldn’t be surprising whatsoever if at the least half of the things he noticed were nonsense.

“To be honest, I am lost in what to do,” she started explaining, looking a bit peeved. “I never expected it to be easy to get Arthur’s approval, but this is too much. Changin his mind is literally impossible.”

“Giving up after two days seems a bit quick,” Roland gave his honest opinion. “Give him some space and try again in a week or so. The stuff that happened simply put him on edge, he’ll be in a better mood once things calm down.”

“I do not want to give up,” Claire stated, deep frustration in her voice. “But it is hard to keep going at something that is fundamentally impossible. Arguing with Arthur is like talking to an obstinate wall.”

Roland couldn’t really picture how that kind of wall would look like, and had further trouble finding the determined woman from earlier anywhere in the angry kid beside him.

Are you serious? What the hell did these two blockheads do yesterday that she actually considers it an impossibility for Arthur to accept her. Is he truly this bad around women?

Seeing the wronged look Claire gave him, made her feel strangely familiar to Roland, reminding him of Thomas of all people. Which is why he gave her a knowing smile, before pretending he hadn’t heard any of her complaints. He did not miss the slight shuffle in her steps, apparently taken aback by his disinterest.

Yeah, she’ll fit in fine it seems. The worst-case scenario has basically already happened, so let’s make the best out of it.

Ultimately, the conflict between Claire and Arthur had turned from an obstacle to another of the many nuisances plaguing Roland’s daily life. Fortunately, this one at least managed to be quite entertaining at times, especially once you counted the easily swayable glutton into the mix.

They can figure it out between themselves, or not. I got other stuff on my mind.

Considering what else they could talk about; Roland was released of his conversational responsibilities when the previously mentioned glutton approached them with unstoppable momentum.

“Peaches! We got peaches!”

You could count on Thomas to deliver the important news.