Paul nods in understanding. "The knife I carry with me was a gift. Kind of." It's visible sheathed at his side, ready for use at a moment's notice if necessary. "Crysknives are special in the culture they come from - they're made from the teeth of Arrakis sandworms. There are rules dictating how they're to be given and used."

The owl-griffin makes a curious noise, then neatly takes the offered piece of meat from Blaze's hand. It gives a friendly churr in response, rubbing into her hand. "I think he likes you," says Paul. "You already met Python, but this isn't really the kind of weather that would be best for her. Go ahead, it'll be all right, give him a pat on the head."