In some ways, the gems have begun to remind the Fool of dragons--not in their arrogance or self-assured dominion over the world, but in their alien perspective on living, and what it means to be alive. It takes him a moment, therefore, to quirk a small smile in response to what Rutile says, but smile he does. After a moment, even a little laugh follows, and he looks aside.

"I do not mind at all," he replies at length, "though I would hardly consider you complacent. To my eye, you have grasped hold of life here in Aifaran with both hands. That is something to be admired, too."