"Yes, yes," China tells Shay, a little impatient. She's not sure she'd want them here long-term, either. "I'll provide for supplies. This is my little project, after all. We're agreed, then. If they're amenable, they'll stay here till a consensus and a better location can be reached, and the two of you will see to their safety."

She's not exactly happy to compensate them, but neither seems particularly impressed by her more magical charms, and China does like to at least make a show of good business. "You should both be introduced to them," she adds, still sounding somewhat impatient. "So that they will know your faces in my absence."