Mage Envoy of Lothrhyn is accompanied by the Mage Barabbas of the Himaat, as they meet Countess Ophelia of Northern Shore at a party in Abu Dhabi, where a scale model of the plans for a zoological garden is on display. Mage Barabbas is curious about Ophelia, having never seen an Aeonian before, but he is even more curious when he learns that Envoy is an artificial creature. A couple of Khattas make a faux pas regarding Ophelia's homeland, but she graciously overlooks it. Envoy is curious about plans to include a goliath in the gardens, and volunteers to help acquire one for the project.