I'm not a big fan of warfare or anything, it's just... [He tilts his head a little, fingers brushing along the outside of the book.] It helps me feel more connected to my mom's side of the family, if that makes sense. And there's so much history over there. People walk on it every day.

[He thumbs at another bookmark, opening to another ancient battle. The compliment takes him off guard but he returns the smile after a minute. It doesn't quite reach his eyes.]

Ah, thanks! I'm trying not to worry about it. I'm more upset about all my ruined shirts. And jeans. Jeans are just gray now, can you believe it?

[There's a family tree on this page. Sorey's eyes wander over it idly.]

... All I know about my dad is that he was American. But if I knew more about his family and where he came from, maybe I'd be looking into that, too.