Strange things indeed--that Antarcticite is solid at such outrageously warm temperatures is strange enough in and of itself, to say nothing of the other peculiar forces at work around them. Antarcticite manages a small smile at Padparadscha's suggestion and looks down, almost abashed by their own concerns.

"Yes," they agree, a little chagrined that the opportunities before them had to be articulated so clearly--and by Padparadscha, too. Of all the gems to behave like such a junior in front of...! "You're right, of course. Rutile said you would have wisdom to share--I'm sorry for my shortsightedness."

They look once more at their closed yimo before resolutely slipping it into their pocket and straightening. A moment later, though, and some of their uncertainty returns. "It's--uncomfortable, not being of use to someone. How have you and Rutile managed here?"