"No, I meant for your - spring. I find that the power of the mind and spirit can always overcome base physical urges, with the right cultivation."

"Oh, I am willing to give it a try."

Jojo's nose twitches happily. "It's been some time since I had someone to teach - my sect favored a moving meditation, focusing on flexibility and core strength. I can guide you through the poses to assume, then we will simply lie on the mossy ground and allow our minds to wander for a time."

How cute. "Sure, show me the moves."

Jojo guides him through a gentle yet challenging series of stretches.

About an hour in, the goblin opens her eyes, gets to her feet, and staggers off into the woods. Jojo blinks. "Huh. I hadn't actually noticed her there."

"Oh, dos this means that it isn't safe to continue the meditation?"

"It's no less safe than before. If we're attacked during the final resting pose it'll be mildly inconvenient because we won't get the full benefit of the meditation, but I have been surviving in these woods for many months and can probably defeat anything that attacks us."

"Okay, let's continue then."

They continue.

The final resting pose is, as advertised, restful, and it passes without incident.

"How do you feel?" Jojo asks afterwards.

Teo thinks for a moment. "Uh... I feel less springy, but not enough to be sure it worked or if it was a placebo effect."

Jojo nods. "Well, if you want to practice again, you can always find me in the forest. Maybe it'll be clearer after a few more sessions."

"Thanks, it's good to know there are helpful people about."

"You're very welcome! I haven't had company in some time."

"Not a lot of friendly people around?"

His face falls. "Not anymore."

"Oh, I am sorry."

Jojo smiles ruefully. "It's been years since everything went to hell, but it still sometimes... stings, I guess."

"That's sounds like the right response to this sort of thing, though, I am not sure if there is a wrong response."

"Joining the demons," Jojo says immediately. "Hiding in the city and pretending nothing happened. Whatever the Sand Witches are doing."

"Sand Witches?"

"They're a sect of magic users who roam the desert, magically enlarging travellers' breasts, making them lactate, and occasionally kidnapping one for mysterious purposes. They claim to be working towards Lethice's defeat, but considering their methods I have trouble trusting their goals."

Teo breathes deeply. "Is... that even remotely possible?"

Jojo shrugs. "It does seem rather unorthodox. But presumably it's not the operative portion of their plan. You can ask them yourself if you like."

"It's in the long-term plan," Enserric pipes up. "They're not my top priority, but I would like to know what the fuck."