After dinner, Lucy and John talked long into the night. Lucy spread some furs out on the ground in front of the fireplace, and Lucy and John lay next to each other on the ground.
Although he considered Lucy a brute at first sight, he found her to be surprisingly intelligent. Lucy was also very engaging, with several interesting stories about life in the magical forest. He was impressed with her courage and resilience. He wondered if he would have been as strong had he been alone, trapped as an alligator in a strange place. Yet despite her hard exterior she also had a kind heart. She had helped a few others that had wandered by, and she doted on John like a mother welcoming home a child.
John listened fascinated by her stories, but she made sure the night was not all about her. She asked several questions about John, his family, and his life back in the human world. John felt rather silly telling her about his life. It was so boring and mundane compared to hers. But she hung on every word, politely paying close attention and even asking more questions. She seemed particularly interested in the changing technology, fashions, styles, and music. John wondered just how long she had been trapped here, but thought it might be insulting to ask.
As the night wore on, John began to get very tired and couldn't disguise a yawn.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, " said Lucy. "I have kept you up so late and you must be very tired from your strange adventure and long day. I am such a terrible host, please forgive me. "
"Oh no, I am sorry for being so rude. You have been so kind to me. I don't know how I could ever thank you," said John.
Lucy blushed. "Well, there is one thing. But I am almost ashamed to ask," said Lucy.