"If the chaperone is also a man, that rather defeats the purpose," China pointed out with equal amusement. She'd turned back to the statue by that point, but the people around her were interesting enough that she kept a keen ear on the rest of the conversation while she worked. This last statue was taking a good deal longer than the others for precisely that reason.

"Seriously?" Ravel echoed Vex with quite a bit less volume, but no less surprise. He seemed to struggle with whether or not to ask for a moment, and then eventually settled down with another smile. "Erskine Ravel, in case that wasn't already clear. What is it you're doing down here? Helping with the statues, or have my friends just decided to put you through your paces?"

"Dexter believes they're a little too heavy for him," China responded lightly, if somewhat pointedly. "Elder Wreath is a shadow of his former self. We needed the help."

Erskine shook his head, tsking his disappointment. "Dex, Dex, Dex. Should have been an Elemental. There are many less problems when you have four different ways of tackling them."