Really? [ laughs aventurine, ] I've had worse, though. He was nice, actually, and made for a rather pleasant morning.

[ still, the push for the questions to be forestalled earns a flicker of a smile from aventurine. it's a sound business practice. the man, for all his open laughter and easy-going nature, seems to be no fool. that suits aventurine well, because dealing with those with a grasp of the rules always makes business easier. the right person to challenge, the young man says, and aventurine gives the back of his head a speculative look.

a pretty strong guy, huh. ]

Well, Mister Childe - if you're going to mention your strength, you ought to also regale me with a few of your exploits. What's your definition of strength?