There was always something amazing about 'breaking in' a new Companion. Living for as long as he had, seeing and doing as much as he did, he'd find himself being tired of everything. The mysterious glory of the universe became hackneyed. Ah! But to see it through somebody else's eyes! Somebody who hadn't become as jaded, who had a fresh perspective! He could see the universe anew through their reactions. It was what often kept him going.
Ellie's grin was contagious, and he mirrored it with one of his own, toothsome and mad. He laughed, imagining the nose-slide she described. "They're have to clean out all the bogeys first, unless they keep them there to navigate through, like an obstacle course. Finish your... coffee-like beverage..." he said, pointing at her cup. "We're going to need the extra kick."
He took a big gulp, and then asked, "You said you were traveling. Which places had you been, before?"