"Oh, I do not recall his name from when he was alive."

"Does he?"

"He is among the least talkative of your kin."

"So, uh, what do... us shadows... do all day?"

"Most sleep too deeply to notice the passage of time too closely, and some few rouse themselves to participate in my own small mock court."

"What does your court do?"

"Well, right now we have tea with the Bombardier."

"Can I in fact drink tea?"

"Unfortunately no, but there is much more to having tea than that."

"...is there."

"Why of course - there is conversation, there is artistry, and there is the introduction of strangers."

"We're in the Birdcage, aren't we."

"Yes, Scout, we are."

"...I'm Lorica."

"For one such as you I would deign to use your chosen name. However, what you are, is the Scout."

"What does that mean?"

"You go far and see what is to be seen without needing fear for your own safety, even in places less hospitable than this."

"I made robots."

"You still may if you wish - and as before, I expect they will serve you well in your role as the Scout."

"Does Dragon talk to people, in here?"

"She has ears but no voice here, though perhaps you can give her one."

"If there's parts."

Items beyond the bare essentials are rare indeed in the Birdcage. Unless, of course, one is the Fairy Queen.

"My Refuse Collector will provide trinkets for your work so long as it does not disrupt the peace of my realm."

"...what would disturb the peace of your realm?"

"If the wrong person acquires the trinkets for themselves, or if your device disrupts or provokes to violence my living subjects."