“Bugger my small talk, why am I here?”
“Because you graciously accepted my invitation.”
“You left me no choice!”
“Come now, the Forest always has a choice. Bury the house, take care of the family et voila, your precious balance is restored.”
“That wasn't an option.”
“It's what your kind have always done before.”
“That's the last resort. Always the last resort.”
“It wasn't always so. There was a time when an earthquake or landslide, a bush fire or volcanic eruption or indeed any other manner of natural disaster was your preferred method. What's changed?”
“You have.”
