"There's some running water back home. Artificers have managed a system similar enough, though it's expensive and nothing can heat the water automatically. Usually have to light a fire...unless you're willing to use magic for it." Which he is, but it's an ongoing process. Most people were willing to at least accept magic around them or in those who walked by them, in their friends...but in their home? There was still some distrust to work through.

What Grayson says about just being here to walk takes him by surprise and Chris glances to him. No, that was...that was better. They should talk before moving forward with anything.

Why could he write a whole contract on lines and limits and expectations when it was someone else, but when it's him...he either ran face-first into whatever slimly-thought out arrangement was before him or simply stopped lock-kneed like a mule? There was no in-between and for all his ability to measure another man, looking inward was as difficult to him as it was for most others.

There's a spike of annoyance through him for himself and he nods. "Left is good. Speaking of technological advancements and the tinkering of Artificers, I've some curiosity, if you'll indulge me. Have you run into clockwork creatures much in your time?"