What can I say? I love a challenge. He chuckles. Istredd has researched until his eyes couldn't focus and his back was hunched and his fingers were covered in papercuts. But he's never lost his love for learning. And that does stay true with people too, like Lucifer. Never boring. Always interesting and challenging. Special.

"Thank you. It is kind of you to put in the effort, especially since you hate me." That's the problem with Istredd, once he hears something that amuses him, he'll bring it back. Like the placeholder and now Lucifer's grumpy proclaimed hate. He rarely gets this though, a lack of a friend means a lack of someone to banter with.

He chews on the toast, it is smart to start there, and he will probably eat very light at the banquet tonight. Now he is doing well enough to fully sit up, but he is still very pale for him. Istredd considers what he's saying; no he isn't surprised, but he really doesn't have a leaning toward violence personally.

The access to the Singularity and the best magic. It's a trade-off. I wouldn't prefer one of the other places, despite there being more freedom. It may be a different kind of freedom, one that masquerades as it, and there's something crueler about that. But not everyone in that castle is a bad person. I've spent a lot of time with the people of conquered lands.