"Howdy there," I drawled out, letting the silence stretch before I continued. "I've been sent here by a friend. Ana Amari, reckon you've heard of her?"

The mentioning of Ana's name was always a litmus test; the reaction it garnered spoke volumes. Your eyes sparkled with recognition but also uncertainty. Good, I thought. An open mind, yet room for growth.

"She's convinced you're the right sort for this... job we got on our hands. Ana thinks you've got what it takes to join us."