[no way, Oscar, he is so wise to this game. He purses his lips, unimpressed by the baiting. What would an evening with Oscar be without some verbal sparring. It's the only kind of push back he'll get from Silas.]

There is satisfaction, but no, I would not call that art. [he puffs some smoke]

For all your posturing, you do so often romanticize the world. [given that most Springtide romances are also tragedies, Silas thinks he's on point]