The Once-ler nodded and turned his attention fully to his work. He had made a decent amount of progress when the knock on the door came. The man lifted his head slightly as Soma invited the knocker in.

Lingormr might not be expecting Soma to have company, the man realized. He bit his lower lip slightly and hunched over his copying. Apology or no, he still wasn't entirely comfortable around Lingormr, and felt it would be best for Soma to do most of the talking.