The bard hesitated for a moment, considering the coins one last time. They were currency from his home - not all of it, but as much as he had thought would be needed, and it was certainly a sizeable portion of what he had. As a connection to his past they had sentimental value, though here on Caido their only monetary worth was in their base metal. But... they were also a bridge to his future. Even if he could have gone back through a portal he wasn't sure he would now. There were mysteries here, and no landmarks or names that wrapped chains of memories around his heart to drag it down. He could start fresh... well, mostly. He refused to set down the burden he carried, or abandon the ghosts he had given a home to. They were his responsibility, after all. Who else would remember them if he did not?
But... he couldn't continue on alone, not without losing an essential part of himself. He needed people to talk to, to laugh with, to protect, and to ask for help when he stumbled. Friends... new ones, whose warmth by no means diminished the loss of his old ones. In many ways they made things hurt more, all unknowing, as they kindled memories the lorekeeper had let grow dusty. But that was good, too. Both the pain, and the remembering.
Long fingers released the bag into the smith's keeping and Jigano stifled a sigh at the raunchy cackle. "Entertainment, yes," he repeated dryly. "Stories or songs, to make the time pass faster as you work." He tilted his head curiously. "But what spirits, 'do they say'?"
The bard had spent a fair amount of time coming to his decision, and he smiled at the question. "Three, for now. A golden horse, a silver fox, and a copper luxere, with antlers of gold, if your skill lives up to your reputation!"
But... he couldn't continue on alone, not without losing an essential part of himself. He needed people to talk to, to laugh with, to protect, and to ask for help when he stumbled. Friends... new ones, whose warmth by no means diminished the loss of his old ones. In many ways they made things hurt more, all unknowing, as they kindled memories the lorekeeper had let grow dusty. But that was good, too. Both the pain, and the remembering.
Long fingers released the bag into the smith's keeping and Jigano stifled a sigh at the raunchy cackle. "Entertainment, yes," he repeated dryly. "Stories or songs, to make the time pass faster as you work." He tilted his head curiously. "But what spirits, 'do they say'?"
The bard had spent a fair amount of time coming to his decision, and he smiled at the question. "Three, for now. A golden horse, a silver fox, and a copper luxere, with antlers of gold, if your skill lives up to your reputation!"
