[ The simplicity of her statement, the ease with which she says it, makes him bark out a quick laugh. Straight shooter, he thinks. Hardly any bullshit. Faraday finds he appreciates that about Emma, that she says what she means and means what she says. It was a rare quality. ]

He's not so bad, Teddy. Humorless li'l thing, bless his heart, but alright, all things considered.

[ They continue on in silence for a few more paces, interrupted by the soft murmur of conversation up ahead and the sound of Emma's footfalls. (Faraday walks alongside her, or at least seems to walk, but his steps make no noise on the packed dirt.) Before long, Faraday smirks a little and asks, ]

It's on account'a' the peach fuzz he calls a beard, isn't it?