Gazin was like that, it had a humbling effect on all of them, having to downsize their ambitions and dreams.

But the sight of the notebook had her perk up as well, clear approval showing on her face as she sized him up. "I haven't yet met anyone who thought to take sketches of important places," she remarked, surprised. She wouldn't have thought of it, either, even if she had had paper and ink with her at the time. "That is some quick thinking under extenuating circumstances."

Wen Qing leaned in close, studying the sketch before nodding. "Yes, that is where I showed up, too." She frowned at him. "You say the place you came from was recently at war? Several people I have met come from wartimes."