That's the point: say a bunch of things that people don't understand, and it usually gets them to ask about it. Then Stone gets to talk about home, which means he can ask about their home, and then a whole conversation has transpired in which both of them learn something interesting.

Rook is not playing along as well as some others have. Still, there's a question there, at least. "I had over a year to get used to the idea. Raksura lose our coloring when we get old, and when I finally hit white, that meant I knew it was almost time. So far I'm the only person here I've found who died of old age."