Vandren’s frown dissipates nigh upon the instant cigarettes are offered over, the pangs of addiction carving at his ribs soothed seemingly on sight.

“Ah,” he clucks affectionately, grandfatherly, as he sets one of the two immediately to his lip to tuck the other swiftly away:

“You’re too kind.”

Some rustling, a flurry of sparks at a snap of his fingers, and he drags deep to stoke the cherry.

“Were there any further intake questions?”