'She seems to find most things amusing,' Damen replied with no small amount of fondness. 'Not that I've seen her laugh often. It's more that she constantly has a smirk on her face. Have you not noticed?'

It occurred to Damen then that he had no idea how long John had been in the city, if exceeded his stay here or not.

'Laurent told me he met you only some months ago,' he said then, curiosity getting the better of him. 'Are you a native of this land or do you come from elsewhere as well?'