Adrien was still staring at him with his eyes wide. "That -- that was awesome", he managed to say.

Valerion smiled. "And you will be doing this, too".

"Really? I -- I can do that?".

"I am sure you can", Valerion said in a definite tone as he handed the staff back to Adrien. "And if you need some time to think of your defense, please, let me know".

Adrien twirled the staff between his hands, looking down in thought. Then he said: "Ah -- Valerion -- could I ask -- if it's not prying too much --".

"-- what did I think of?".

"Ah -- yes".

Valerion tilted his head and smiled, his eyes narrowed in a serene expression. "Usually, I like to think about coming back to the tower after spending the day running errands. I close the door, I set down my bags, I sit down in the armchair, I light the fire, and I am home".