"Oh, I'm sorry," Magnus said. Of course he felt badly for his faux paus, but he didn't let it stop him. Over the centuries, Magnus had learned that it was impossible to stay completely within the realms of polite conversation and never make any mistakes. What mattered was moving on from them quickly but not so quickly that it drew attention to the fact that there had been an error in the first place. It was delicate work, but Magnus had honed it as a skill.

"It's better that way, to be honest. I think that's really what the holidays are really supposed to be about. Something small and personal. It used to be far less commercialized. I mean, it used to honestly be about religion and being with people. Gifts were secondary. But of course, we have to make money now and spend it." He rolled his eyes.

"So your girlfriend's a scientist. What do you do, Elvis?"