"Water," he answered, touching the corner of his eye once more like that might fix it some. And then, in as deadpan a voice as he could manage, he went on with the absolute truth, wondering if she'd even believe it. Telepathy would probably tell her it was accurate, but even so-

"The spiritual forest I made a ritualistic deal with a few months ago told me by whispering in my deaf ear that water would work to drive it back."