"I've made things maudlin, haven't I?" Vex regrets that immediately, and takes a deep drink to cover her discomfort.

Then she shrugs.

"There have been other things here that are still pleasant, but less dire. I've learned about holidays from other worlds—there was a Thanksgiving party. I'm still not entirely sure about everything it celebrates, but I got some of the gist of it. People get together with food and friends—and not an orgy to be seen. Harlan invited people to his home for it last year."

She takes a deep breath, thinking this is better ground.

"I think you'd like him."