Alice nodded. "If you'll follow me, I'll make us arrangements to be fed, and put us up for the night. What happens next is up to you. You may chose to go along without me if you like. The things I'm going to be doing soon are dangerous, and while I'm used to that sort of thing, you may not be. So we'll have a dinner and a palaver, and a bed for the night. I trust that will give you a better idea of what to expect next."

Alice paused. "Curious. I'm afraid my century, from what I've determined, is a bit out of date, and I have no recollection of ever hearing the endearment 'Nipa' before. What does it mean?"