Istredd doesn't laugh often, Kell doesn't often smile at all. His default mood is sour and his default expression is a scowl. Both had seen many cracks with time. There have been people consistently making him smile. Rhy always says Kell has two faces, one for him, one for the world. It's nothing short of amazing how here he could find people he feels safe enough with to show them that first one.

"I'm definitely not lazy. Most of the complaints that I've ever got was about how I can't sit still for more than five minutes. I had to learn to focus, and it was long and painful."

It's also equally painfully obvious that Kell hangs on any and all compliments he can get. Especially from Istredd. He practically beams when Istredd says we geniuses. To be included in anything, let alone by an older, more experienced magician, is a completely new feeling for him. But he does agree with the rest of the statement. Too much in their heads, prone to tunnel vision and making very bad decisions because you're blind to certain aspects of life and so sure you're smart enough to avoid all the traps all this while walking right into one. He knows that all too well.

"I know," he replies quietly. "I did the worst things when I was completely sure I am right and have everything under control."