It's...Better I know now. Rather than this coming up later. That happens here sometimes. [He feels a stab of guilt that he hadn't been there. But what is done is done. He watches her face.] I can handle any news you have or anything else you want to share.

But we should get moving. There's a lot to tell you about the dangers and what to expect. ...it's not all bad. I raised a firebird from a hatching. Seen the turtles with the rainbow patterned shells yet?

[His eyes brighten up, and he reaches for the lantern at his side. Bright light spills forth as he twists the top. The liquid inside sloshes around casting its radiance all around them.]

They should still be at the beach.