Baze nods. He tries to draw a breath through his stuffed-up nose, and fails. He blows on his tea, cradling the cup in both hands.

"Then, while I hope you're never in pain, maybe I can return the favor someday," he says, sniffing again. "And it did help. It will be of even more help after I've slept on it, and can look at your advice with a clear head."