Normally the remark would have just received a sidelong glance and the Medicine Seller wouldn't have bothered to dignify it with an answer. But the way they had asked sounded as though it had been in earnest.

There would be no easy explanation for this - it was a conclusion that they would have to reach on their own, if ever.

But perhaps he could at least offer some manner of perspective. He paused in his trek along the path, his gaze wandering up to the boughs laden with dolls.

"Perhaps first consider ... is there something that you would not want to do at anyone's behest?"