That makes two of us, I am unfamiliar with artes in the sense you are using the term. [The word itself though, obviously he's heard of that.] But perhaps a comparison of the two is a discussion for a later time.

[Please? Please tell him about this artes thing, he is genuinely interested. He reaches up and brushes his fingers over his own talisman.]

That's a good theory though. I hadn't even considered... But it would make sense, there's something very unusual about these talismans. I take it you are unable to remove yours, as well?