[ Without an ounce of shame, Howl watches the man slide into the pool. He's large, this one — strong like a soldier or laborer. When he hears that he was part of the most recent wave of arrivals, Howl hums curiously. ]

A few days? You arrived with the others, then... one of the new new ones. [ the wizard glances him over. that eyepatch... hmm. ] I've been here about four months myself. I've no idea why I made it to this world so ahead of you and the others, but... Yima does what she can, I suppose.