"Smart words perhaps, but are they wise?" Giving Barrett a look that said he was entirely a kid to him, Elias led the way out of the studio again. He could breathe easier out here, though he had to admit, Barrett wasn't really troublesome now that the surprise started to wear off. It was perhaps because the guy seemed very much like a kid that he could deal with him. Kids required a way of speaking to them that Elias found more than easy, years and experience fine tuning it. At least it allowed him to give something back to this community after all it did for him. He certainly was not the interesting person that Barrett thought him to be, the thought leaving a humorless smile on his face.

"I'll have the tea out in a minute, so feel comfortable to sit," he said, gesturing to the cushions against the wall and a rolled up mat which he kept instead of chairs. The wide porch stretched the length between his studio and home which he turned toward, the kitchen being nearest to the door. He worked quickly, heating the water and seeping the leaves in two ceramic cups with delicate patterns painted around the rim. A minute later, he brought the cups out with a package of wafer cookies.