"Ten thousand years," he echoes in a murmur, and it could pass as soft and marveling for all the right reasons; because that is an unthinkable expanse of time, not because it has sharpened his interest in the tech considerably.

"It sounds it. If you'd ever like to tell the tale, I'd be fascinated." He crooks a tired smile to her. "I'm told I make a good audience for confessions. Particularly when I provide bribery in the form of tea and snacks."