The cake was a slight disappointment to Serenica. Di, however, seemed to be really excited about the dull taste of watery apple jam. He ate messily, and this made it apparent that he was not all there while in his ape form.
Apes were supposed to be dangerous. Serenica felt completely comfortable with Di, though. His movements did not suggest the slightest of threats. He got all handsy with his skinny friend, hugging him and slapping him on the shoulder, leaving greasy stains with whipped cream on the edges.
"I can't possibly thank you enough," Heyke told Serenica as he desperately tried to clean up the mess that Di the ape had made of the cake. "If there was any sense in giving my life for you, I would do so at the moment of your greatest need."
"I have no need for your life," Serenica said and wiped some whipped cream off the floor. "You can have it, use it to protect the ancient scrolls and your friend here. You must love him a lot."