Disbelief flared when an adult pair with clashing physical features approached Nigredo. One carried what looked to be a pot of ivy (Hedera algeriensis, his mind supplied) while the other offered a hand in salutation. Gold eyes, aqua eyes, light and dark skin--neither was cut from his memory.

Their voices, however, contained traces of familiarity. For this reason alone, he found he could not turn them away.

The U.R.T.V. bit his lip, uncertain of what to make of this development. "Hello," Nigredo said as he awkwardly took the extended hand. His eyes flickered between the males. "I, um, apologize, but do I know you?"