( The waters, dark, beasts roiling beneath. Perhaps not as physically contorted as the prince of Netvor, but alien to the natural gentleness of most living men, all the same.

He does not question America's pronouncement — only nods faintly, one hand staying resolute on the hilt of his sword as the other plunges in the waters. The sooner they advance, the better. )

We cannot opt for silence. ( He sounds out, only for the creature's nods to come, a foregone conclusion. He had anticipated the cure of such a curse would not come, simple.

But then, there are many ways to skin a cat, for all Lan Wangji does not encourage animal cruelty. )

We have not been urged not to dally. ( ...in other words, speak the truth, at length. ) Understood?