"I am, of course, ridiculously biased," Ibani replies cheerfully at his sly look. Underweight, at least, can be corrected. Ibani resolves to, somehow, feed Ben more often. It's like Ben doesn't take proper care of himself.


Now there's an exercise for thought. If they had been...this, when Ben was in his prime, would it have changed anything for the better?

She pulls her second boot on and stands up, automatically stretching, checking that she can move freely. Some habits are very deeply ingrained indeed by now.