He grins at Rat's assurance; for a brief second, he thought himself alone, and he detests how much fright such a prospect inspired in him.

Marius also can't believe he's hungry again after eating so much earlier that afternoon. He supposes it must be his childish body; capable of so much energy, but requiring much more food than his normal, adult self. The scent of cooking pasta makes his stomach growl, and he doesn't need more encouragement than that to sit at one of the places made at the table.

Behind him, he thinks he hears the sound of Polyphemus' feet following him.

"It smells delicious," he says, giving in to the urge to swing his legs under the table.