I do have experience with fighting, yeah. [Jamil doesn’t mention that his experience is more with offensive magic. Would that make Mika trust him less? Not that Jamil would blame him. Still, he would fight tooth and nail to survive.]

Mostly I’m composed because it’s what I’ve always had to be. I’ve always had to take care of other people, think about what sorts of trouble they might get into before they’ve gone and done it…

[But that’s enough about Jamil. Far too much, really. He sets the latest clump of vines beside him. Brushes off his knees.]

What do you think of the statue now? It’s almost…

[Familiar, and yet not.]