Caiside's hair was gorgeous in a way Jigano rarely found time to attempt with his own. Even in a style meant to be functional it was complex and stunning, and the bard took a moment to admire the shining red mass, making a mental note to ask his friend for some tips later. His own hair was pulled back in a simple tail, but that would hardly do for working around the forge, he realized ruefully. It was a sign of how out of practice he was that he hadn't thought of it earlier, but before he could reach up to rectify the situation his friend had stepped forward to claim in embrace.
Though he was becoming more used to such spontaneous displays of affection from his friends and found-family, he was still hesitant and a little awkward as he just barely managed to get in a pat to Caiside's shoulder before the other man was pulling away speaking the thoughts that had been on the bard's mind and earning a wry grin and a nod of agreement. "Far too long!" he echoed fervently. He let himself be pulled along, stifling a chuckle at his friend's eagerness. He was happy to oblige the smith's curiosity by depositing his sack with a grunt of effort and letting it fall open to reveal the ingots within.
"Oh?" he urged, deceptively mild though he arched a brow at the interesting admission. "Your hosts in the woods weren't great conversationalists?" It was still too near a thing to be completely at ease with, but he used teasing to deliberately keep the mood light as he reached back to begin braiding his own hair tightly back, and then coiling the braid into a neat bun he could keep tucked up out of the way while they worked. "And have you had a chance to think about what to make for your gift for the party? I admit, aside from wanting to do something in silver and copper I haven't quite decided on what shape mine will take yet."
Though he was becoming more used to such spontaneous displays of affection from his friends and found-family, he was still hesitant and a little awkward as he just barely managed to get in a pat to Caiside's shoulder before the other man was pulling away speaking the thoughts that had been on the bard's mind and earning a wry grin and a nod of agreement. "Far too long!" he echoed fervently. He let himself be pulled along, stifling a chuckle at his friend's eagerness. He was happy to oblige the smith's curiosity by depositing his sack with a grunt of effort and letting it fall open to reveal the ingots within.
"Oh?" he urged, deceptively mild though he arched a brow at the interesting admission. "Your hosts in the woods weren't great conversationalists?" It was still too near a thing to be completely at ease with, but he used teasing to deliberately keep the mood light as he reached back to begin braiding his own hair tightly back, and then coiling the braid into a neat bun he could keep tucked up out of the way while they worked. "And have you had a chance to think about what to make for your gift for the party? I admit, aside from wanting to do something in silver and copper I haven't quite decided on what shape mine will take yet."
