"Physical." he repeats, remembering what Eliot has done so far - warmth and fire -, happy that now he has a name for it. While he has been dismissive about the idea of magic itself, he is perfectly capable of indulging the thought when he relates it to Eliot, because it fits him and Eliot is fascinating.

He can't help but smile at the way the magician dodges his comment about his kindness, just to go for that specific choice of words am I going to have to stop you? "Do I look like I could outrun a monster?"

But the question is important, so he takes a while to answer it, carefully working on the delicious dish.

"If such metaphors are the product of my mind - and I believe they are - it would be unwise to ignore them before I have an idea of what they stand for. Especially when they are so strong. The food is still delicious. The rain is still cold. I'm quite certain pain will hurt." Adopting a more self-deprecating tone, he concedes: "And in the very unlikely chance that you're right and all this is real, I wouldn't wish to die for my stupidity either. Lotta would be very angry if I did."

In the end, he will have to look at things for what they are and make his decision when he's better informed. Isn't that always the case?

"Why monsters, though? Have you encountered them before?"