Lani, Katja, and Cal look on in shock.

Cal: Did Master Ellery just... CRUNCH?

Pavel looks amazed.

Pavel: That food isn't cursed... It's been BLESSED!

Pavel goes into tutor mode.

Pavel: Words in the Gods' Tongue can bless food for the dead, right? Only a GOD can say those prayers. If that Redtider was Cheth, and if Cheline isn't really around, then... Cheth blessed that food for you — we can all eat it!

Lani and Cal look incredulous.

Lani: Cheth blessed food... for... US?

They look at each other, grimacing.

Lani: Oh I do NOT like that.

Lani turns back to Irving, who is seated on the floor, crunching on the apple.

Lani: Irving! Are you okay? What's it like?

Irving turns back to face her, clutching the apple, looking like a crazed wild animal. He speaks, opening his mouth to reveal a bunch of chewed apple.

Irving: TURN. ON. THE OVEN.