"It's a swordfighting sport, kind of like fencing," he explains. "But I think it'll be a great way to meet new people and get involved. Having fun is the important part."

He takes a moment before replying, musing that Pilouette probably wants to go home as much as he wants to stay here. As nice as it is (compared to what it could be), it's still a different world full of strangers.

"Yeah, I guess it might be. But we'll get back eventually, so it doesn't hurt to think about it now," he suggests. Not to mention the fact that two of his friends had already been sent home suddenly...