Past experience? the raven queried, openly curious as he cocked his head at the new arrival who Isuma had taken such a shine to. He croaked a wordless agreement at Cera's definition of the 'curse' that he bore as best he could, amused but feeling the sting of truth to it as well. I don't know whether I should hope you share that curse or not, he admitted with a mental chuckle.
Mention of his father was bittersweet. He genuinely loved the man, but he had not taken the path his sire had wanted for him and sparks had been struck between them once he made it clear that he would not be following in the older kitsune's footsteps at the forge. He hopped ahead to another branch, thinking through his answer carefully. His disguise would matter little if the newcomer shared it with Zariah's guards... but Cera had only seen his raven form, and his feathers were dyed close enough to black at the moment that the information would do the Tyrant little good. I am a lorekeeper and a bard, he said at last, humming thoughtfully to himself across the mental link. I seek out knowledge in books and from people. On my world I was also an Oracle, though there is no equivalent of that here. Wisdom, I cannot lay much claim to, but lore? Of that I have much I can share, he acknowledged.
Isuma was perfectly happy to be distracted, balancing on three legs (and one wing outstretched away from Cera's head) and reaching out with a foretalon to bat gently at the wiggling fingers that teased her. I appreciate that, the raven said, croaking gratefully to emphasize the words. And... you may call me Jigano, if you want, he added, a little sheepishly. Don't let Zariah or her guards know that you ran into us out here and it will be more than enough. If you find yourself wandering here or in the Glade from time to time, I'm sure our paths will cross once more. And I know the Settlement well enough that I should be able to find you, if I'm able to walk it freely again. Once I was the leader of the Loreseeker's Guild, and we welcomed all curious minds, willing to learn and teach, to our Hall in the Atheneum. Now... well. He sighed, wry humor tinged with sadness. As a wanted criminal I can lead nothing officially. But I do not doubt that the Guild will survive, and you would be welcome among our number, friend Cera, should you wish allies and friends of keen mind, he added with a flicker of determined hope to his tone.
Mention of his father was bittersweet. He genuinely loved the man, but he had not taken the path his sire had wanted for him and sparks had been struck between them once he made it clear that he would not be following in the older kitsune's footsteps at the forge. He hopped ahead to another branch, thinking through his answer carefully. His disguise would matter little if the newcomer shared it with Zariah's guards... but Cera had only seen his raven form, and his feathers were dyed close enough to black at the moment that the information would do the Tyrant little good. I am a lorekeeper and a bard, he said at last, humming thoughtfully to himself across the mental link. I seek out knowledge in books and from people. On my world I was also an Oracle, though there is no equivalent of that here. Wisdom, I cannot lay much claim to, but lore? Of that I have much I can share, he acknowledged.
Isuma was perfectly happy to be distracted, balancing on three legs (and one wing outstretched away from Cera's head) and reaching out with a foretalon to bat gently at the wiggling fingers that teased her. I appreciate that, the raven said, croaking gratefully to emphasize the words. And... you may call me Jigano, if you want, he added, a little sheepishly. Don't let Zariah or her guards know that you ran into us out here and it will be more than enough. If you find yourself wandering here or in the Glade from time to time, I'm sure our paths will cross once more. And I know the Settlement well enough that I should be able to find you, if I'm able to walk it freely again. Once I was the leader of the Loreseeker's Guild, and we welcomed all curious minds, willing to learn and teach, to our Hall in the Atheneum. Now... well. He sighed, wry humor tinged with sadness. As a wanted criminal I can lead nothing officially. But I do not doubt that the Guild will survive, and you would be welcome among our number, friend Cera, should you wish allies and friends of keen mind, he added with a flicker of determined hope to his tone.
