[ He follows Marduk's movements, shifting sideways to keep him in sight without having to crane his neck back. Metal reinforcements or no, some things just aren't that comfortable. And he knows he should be feeling like an even bigger jerk now, but a rising optimism has his ears perked hopefully.

Man. Had he really misjudged this all so much? How embarrassing. ]

You, popular as you are? I'm sure the visits have been in the hundreds.