[It hadn't occurred to Paul to think about Palamedes' blood except in terms of how much of it he might lose, and his eyebrows shoot up like startled birds at that little bit of trivia. They settle again as he takes it in, then shakes his head, returning to his examination. At least he's not a vileblood. That would be much more complicated.]

It's funny, the things you take for granted.

[Such as having liquid blood, or that Palamedes' lockjoint would resemble his. It won't take as long, but he's going to have to go deeper than he's entirely happy about, which means being even more careful. He knows Palamedes could repair anything he might botch, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't hurt if he hacks at it, and on top of that, it would be rude.]

This shouldn't be too bad, just the one. I'm going to start. Tell me when you need me to stop.

[Paul picks up the scalpel and puts a steadying hand on Palamedes' shin, then, before he can hesitate, presses the blade down against a seam of skin and crystal.

Of course Palamedes' blood smells like old books.]