Familiar is an overstatement, but Ellis is aware of who Julius is. Tall, a mage, quiet and competent. Their paths have overlapped very rarely. But still, Ellis straightens, slowing until they've fallen into step together.

"Aye," he answers. "Myself and another. Mado."

It is by sheer grace that Ellis recalls the right syllable to end on.

"It was in poor condition, worse than Viscount Aravind let on," might sound like a complaint, but is really just the only detail that comes immediately to mind. "Why?"