[He is often inarguably calm. Emotion still reaches him, of course, but only ever distantly — like it has been covered by a veil before ever presented to him. Or like an item he can examine critically more than he can truly experience anymore.

It helps during situations like these, when he’s looked at like he’s being presented a challenge. A warning. Both. Morgan doesn’t falter, doesn’t even hesitate to speak.]

Now where would you have gotten an idea like that?

[(Jacob tenses in his shoulders and jaw. He keeps his gaze steady, though, purposefully unwavering.)]

But what a funny word. “Reduced”. No, I can see the real form of you, Miss Jackie. All your wants and desires and every important fragment of your life that has made you what you are… yes, all of it, and I see it as light and color. And I can read it — well, standing here, I can read only some of it. Yours is a long, long story.

[Centuries long. Yes, that much is so clear.]

So, no. I don’t see anyone as reduced. I see them as they are. And sometimes, that essence is worth extricating. And sometimes, it’s not; I see the value in all things, and working, living connections are included. Sometimes, opportunities override aesthetics.