A test. That was nothing new given his life. He nodded his understanding. "I see. And the reason is as yet unknown, as is - I assume - the method of our arrival. Yet everyone works together to ensure mutual survival, it seems. A good method so long as people are cautious of greed."

But already he was considering. Judging by the air-- Hm. Could he judge as such yet? Better to ask.

"Is this spring or autumn here? The air is chilled, but I cannot tell yet if the cold is approaching or receding." That would make a difference. He could go and chop wood for warmth, but if winter was beginning, that would affect how much would be needed. They would also need preserved food. Dry rice, if it could be found, and more dried meat like this. Just the thought made him slow down before eating what had been placed before him. If this was winter approaching, how much of this would they need? The worst winters had seen their storehouses nearly emptied - that wasn't something he wanted to repeat.