"You might have been fine with it, but it would not have been much of a thank you to someone who saved my life. Besides which, it seems we're going to be colleagues -- that deserves at least a little celebration, I think."

He shrugs minutely, studies Faolan a moment in thought.

"Forgive me if this question is foolish," he begins, "but... are such contracts... normal, in your experience? The clauses... I understand, of course, they must protect themselves but..."

Well, somehow the threat of being turned into a statue still feels... drastic.