The man chuckles, a dry, croaking laugh. "You're very kind, but I'm quite alright, I'll admit, gardening has become a bit more laborious in my old age, but it's nothing too strenuous."

He gestures at a decrepit cottage standing near the temple on the outskirts of the garden. "You're welcome to come inside and rest a while, I'm afraid I don't have much food... but it has a roof and a hearth."

He looks inquisitively at Pierce and Akkila. "Say, your armor, are you Dragon Knights yourselves? It's been... been... well I can't remember how long, but it's been quite some time since I've last seen one of your company!"