[ John shrugs this off with relative good grace. ]

Some of the storybook curses are more on-the-nose than others. We had one like this, late summer... something out on the water water hooking people in. You had to talk your way back from it. They really go in for the 'human connection' angle.

[ He tips his head to Martin with a vaguely awkward air. ]

Others, it wants touch.