[That opportunistic ass squeeze is returned with a foot stomping—though, given that he has yet to acquire shoewear, the punishment isn’t nearly as effective as planned. Dammit. Still, despite the scandalous groping and their precarious position, Felix doesn’t react nearly as poorly as he had earlier when resort guests had dared touch him. After all, Sylvain had always been a hopeless flirt and scoundrel when they were younger; it doesn’t surprise Felix to see that his old friend doesn’t seem to have grown out of such despicable behavior.]

I had a weapon, [comes the grouchy reply. Honestly, the makeshift blade, fashioned from pieces of a wooden cage that were sharpened to a decent point with rock, had served him well.] It was confiscated when I was arrested. I haven’t had an opportunity to replace it.

[Yet goes unsaid. Felix will not be denied a sword for any extended period.]

Put your ridiculous height to good use—isn’t there something nearby we can use to fray the rope?