remain impartial

          “perhaps i can. though locating it. is your task.” 

             " so, say. the branch of                  some kind of petrified                 tree, isn't --        i mean, it's not out of the question? " 

             ’ yeah, it’s no problem. i mean, i have              to get on santa’s nice list somehow… ‘ she only cast a glance toward him every once in a while, as she spoke, to make  sure he could read her lips. just in case.

             " help strangers, i mean. " 

❝ really. tell me more. ❞

               " uh, i. i'm friends with a ghoul?                   well,  i  wouldn't  say  friends.                    we've kinda agreed he  won't                    eat me. i live with a  vampire                   too -- "       honestly, this is new.