If we’re both still alive, mind, Gale thinks, and almost says, the words tripping blithely off his tongue — but thankfully he manages to avert his blabbermouth in the very nick of time. It’s a blessing, occasionally, that Nepione’s bardic spells are so scattershot and she isn’t able to detect his thoughts. He’s too accustomed to shoving his foot firmly in his mouth even at the best of times.

“Ah, well, then I can blather on for the both of us,” he says warmly. “I don’t know what everyone else’s plans are, but with you? Of course. Anytime. I know it was blind circumstance that initially threw us together, but I enjoy your company, and it’s far preferable to the empty road or an empty tower. You make an unbearable situation bearable. After all our group has been through together, I can’t imagine simply— parting ways, toodle-oo, so long and thanks for all the tadpoles, immediately haring off in opposite directions the first moment we can. Perhaps I’m just a sentimental fool, but.”