Hey, hey, I could be worse and tell them about the fun experiments and kidnappings—at this point, talking about the spirits and worlds is a good way to keep people's minds focused on things that aren't unpleasant.

[Which is a good thing, he thinks; talking about home and introducing people to things that could save their lives is never a mark against him, even if you grump about it, old man.]

How're you doing, anyway? Haven't caught up with you in a while.

[That the sound of someone striking a match to smoke?

Naaah.]