"Aaah, well," she says ruefully. In the wake of the herd the stillness is immediate, like a door closing. Only fog, and its movements are subtle. "I'm a lot older than I look, and that's had some costs. Think of it as I'm a little senile. I forgot most of my youth long before coming here."

Saying she was older than she looked, back in the Cavern, had frightened Sunny for... some reason Need hasn't been able to discern. She's wondering if it will again.