[Ortus nods to his own death mildly, then to the concept of reality's nonconformity with more vigor. Victor's final comment about the power of their selfhood receives a faintly startled and less faintly dubious look, one Ortus drops back into his drink nearly as soon as he levels it at the other man.]

I died nearly a year ago. The transition here was not immediate. I have journeyed more in death than I ever dreamed in life.

[First the River proper, then his Lady's memorial construct, then once more into the tumultuous current of death, to...here, where he has evidently yet retained his selfhood and his sanity.]

This is preferable to where I last was. [To say the least.] Despite the indignity of bonelessness.

[This was clearly the most upsetting aspect of being a squid.]

May I ask where you last were, before your arrival in this place?