Mm. Yes, I'm fine. Well, I am now. I'm afraid that if I ever have to look at a substantial amount of sand ever again I may go mad, but other than that, no harm done. Anyway, the sooner I forget about that little episode, the better.

[He drops the self-pitying tone when N mentions Paprika.] I have not seen her since before the expedition; she managed to get separated astonishingly quickly. I... suppose I assumed she had found you afterward. But she didn't? Good lord, I hope she's alright.