"I'm sure we can find a volcano somewhere here in Ireland if it's more convenient", he joked, waving a large hand briefly in the direction of the hills, which were resolutely low and green, not craggy and spewing lava.

"Ravenous, now that you mention it", Arven seconded. His reasons for being hungry were different to Porphyria's. When he put his mind to something and devoted himself to an interest, he thought of little else, and forgetting to eat was no uncommon thing.

"I promise not to suggest bird feed for lunch."