[ The change in tone and words prompt a similar reaction from Jack, the heaviness in his gaze lightening once again. ]

You'd almost think they were doing it on purpose, huh? Ought to give those people a piece of my mind.

[ He withdraws his hands from the pocket of his sweater, takes his staff from where it was leaning innocuously against the wall, layering a fresh crackle of frost across the old wood. ]

I should get going.