Shadows are something familiar to Dorian. Not that he hides in them so much as a mischievous but well-meaning spirit he happens to know rather well has a distinct propensity for simply appearing, or making others unaware of his presence until such time he'd like to be noticed. Thus, Nico's sudden appearance didn't really startle Dorian. That, and the mage was just going to bargain it off as him being oblivious in the face of knowledge. It wouldn't be the first time.

Still, he turns at Nico's address, smiling his usual, charming smile before rolling his shoulder in a shrug. "In a way, yes. I'm researching in an effort to better understand the Quarantine and the world that spawned it." He glances down at the book Nico is holding, which is in a language Dorian doesn't know, then back to him. "And you?"