Tristan observed carefully, but could not discern the recognition he had hoped for, and the man's words seemed devoid of subtext, except... what they were inspired by...

He shook the thought for now. It was all too hazy.

He sipped his tea and then responded: "I'm not too familiar with those works, I'm afraid, but I've heard that Naples is beautiful and the atmosphere very pleasant and inspirational. Did you meet the Pope in person?" It seemed this man had really seen a lot of the world, and Tristan began to worry that maybe he seemed boring to this traveling artist lord.