[That’s bad. That’s really bad. Nevertheless, Elias tries to be diplomatic about it- he doubts she’s comfortable discussing it at length when they’ve just met.]

I’m sorry to hear that. [He continues to work as he speaks, settling back into a rhythm of shelving and casual conversation.] It perplexes me, what they’re trying to do… but I don’t know what we can do about it for now. Have you looked around the town? How do you find it?