[ While Reynir talks, Qubit continues the blood-taking procedure - all pretty routine, except that instead of finding the vein with his fingers, he's using the handheld device from the kit. But he does look up and nod at appropriate points to confirm he's listening.

He files away the new information, but what strikes him in particular is this notion of mages as "the gods' chosen." Because he gets that. Not so much the religious side of it - his own Gød is distant and aloof at best - but that feeling of a higher calling. That drive to learn, to make the most of the gifts you've been given, to be something more than ordinary.

In a word, ambition.

It's interesting. It's not the first thing you notice about Reynir, because he's so kind and generous and eager to help. But it's not just eagerness to help - it's an eagerness to be helpful, and that's an important distinction to make. Beneath the surface, there's a hunger to prove himself.

This, too, Qubit makes note of. ]

[ At the apology, he shakes his head slightly. ] No need. I'd feel the same way, in your position.

[ But it does raise a question he's had on the back burner for a while: ]

You said this was after-? So you're not immune, you can't join the military or leave the country - how did you end up on a Silent World expedition to begin with?