[ In a show of mercy, the vicious beating only lasts for that one round. Nehan sets the cushion aside amidst a pile of other pillows in a pointlessly tidy row, parroting back his response flatly. ]

You think.

[ He's not soft or welcoming enough to make for a good welcome committee—easier to keep to himself, besides. But the lack of panic and suspicion here is a curious thing. ]

Not an answer that inspires much confidence. [ He leans back where he is, studying this newcomer through a reluctant pause, debating with himself on whether to bother with any chiding. ] ...You really should be more cautious. Plenty of people take advantage of strangers.