Jean-Claude nods. "I see. Patience is something I learned the value of over a certain hundred years. Perhaps it is a lesson you should give some thought to learning as well." His voice is empty, his eyes blank, but only due to a considerable effort of will. To have waited for Asher for so long, and have him here now saying that he has no patience for Jean-Claude is a stinging blow.

He turns away. In English, for Anita's benefit, he adds, "That is most gracious of you, Asher. For now, then, there are other matters that require our most urgent attention."