He was called Otik.
A human, not his real name.
Ned was given the impression that the Queen has been giving names to hide them from the surface.
This feels like O'rriadt, Ned thought with a smile as he listened to the enthusiastic old man.
At first, Ned thought, that Otik was the same as other humans: abducted and forced to do in the Queen's order, with Moloatiss's parasites leeching their back.
But no, Otik was different. He was abducted, yes. But upon learning that he was to do his scholarly works to open a Gate. His motivation overflowed and intentionally followed his captives. Leaving anyone he knew behind.
" ...but I will not tell you where I came from!" Otik said as he slammed the table in front of him. "That is not part of my fulfillment here. And... For their safety."
For a man of old age, he was filled with vigor. Excited as he shared his experience with Ned before he was abducted.
