[ Zell's first words hurt. It's an old ache - sympathetic - and Jim remembers what Zell'd said back when he first joined them. For reals? You want me to stay? Like he could believe someone would.

There's no denying the happiness in his voice, though, and Jim offers him a weak little smile that turns back into a thoughtful little frown as he listens. ]

You were adopted, weren't you? You said your mom home schooled you, until you went to...

[ Oh. ] You trained to become a mercenary just to fight that sorceress?