I've got bad news about this town, then. [ He says it with good humor, tone mild. ] I'm not sure you can go two steps without running into some kind of blood mage, which, I'll admit, does remind me of home.

[ He drops into the seat across from Shiro and sits forward, elbows across his knees. ]

If it's minor, even better: we should be done in no time. Can I touch?

[ He leaves his hand hanging in the air, palm up. ]