Jigano watched Are's display of raw strength coolly, but it did not stop the calm, clipped words he spoke. Impressive as it was, it also revealed a lack of control in the grown man across from him - as though he needed further proof. Perhaps the cobbler only respected physical strength, the aptly named 'brute' force? If that was so, the bard would never pass that bar. He was swift and poised and precise in his actions, but he could not crush metal in his bare hands without the spells he had lost to the remaking this world had forced upon him.
Though he'd never bothered learning such spells before, in truth. He'd had more important things to worry about, and there were others who could hit things hard with swords when the need arose. It had been his job to tug the strands of fate and change their luck, to protect their minds, to make them hit harder and strike more true - and to befuddle the minds of their enemies. And, yes, though they had been his friends they had also disdained his lack of martial prowess.
And until the end they had underestimated him, thinking his lack of muscles meant a lack of power, an inability to defend himself...a weakness.
Well.
But Are's laughter broke through his grim reminiscence, a far cry from what the bard had expected of a man who seemed to react with either tears or anger to that which challenged him. Arching a brow, he listened as the cobbler spoke, tilting his head in cool curiosity as the man insisted on calling him friend. But at least he ceased his attempts to give fresh insult, or compound previous ones, and that he acknowledged Amalia and Rory's strengths was worth a nod of acceptance of the admission. He did not particularly enjoy listening to the man abase himself, though the final declaration had him stifling a sigh.
"I am a lorekeeper, and a Loreseeker. So, yes, it is my duty to teach those who come to me with questions - or seeking lessons," he added drily. "Perhaps we will be friends again one day, but it will be because of your actions, and your upholding your vow to be a better man, and not because of words alone." Perhaps strange for a skald to say, but Jigano had moved to action when it was warranted - as Are had seen at the Spire. He did not usually act rashly or impulsively - he was overly-cautious by nature, after the adventures he had survived thanks to a healthy paranoia and devotion to learning his enemies's secrets and minds - but though he hoarded knowledge, he also used it to guide his actions, when the time for decision came.
Though he'd never bothered learning such spells before, in truth. He'd had more important things to worry about, and there were others who could hit things hard with swords when the need arose. It had been his job to tug the strands of fate and change their luck, to protect their minds, to make them hit harder and strike more true - and to befuddle the minds of their enemies. And, yes, though they had been his friends they had also disdained his lack of martial prowess.
And until the end they had underestimated him, thinking his lack of muscles meant a lack of power, an inability to defend himself...a weakness.
Well.
But Are's laughter broke through his grim reminiscence, a far cry from what the bard had expected of a man who seemed to react with either tears or anger to that which challenged him. Arching a brow, he listened as the cobbler spoke, tilting his head in cool curiosity as the man insisted on calling him friend. But at least he ceased his attempts to give fresh insult, or compound previous ones, and that he acknowledged Amalia and Rory's strengths was worth a nod of acceptance of the admission. He did not particularly enjoy listening to the man abase himself, though the final declaration had him stifling a sigh.
"I am a lorekeeper, and a Loreseeker. So, yes, it is my duty to teach those who come to me with questions - or seeking lessons," he added drily. "Perhaps we will be friends again one day, but it will be because of your actions, and your upholding your vow to be a better man, and not because of words alone." Perhaps strange for a skald to say, but Jigano had moved to action when it was warranted - as Are had seen at the Spire. He did not usually act rashly or impulsively - he was overly-cautious by nature, after the adventures he had survived thanks to a healthy paranoia and devotion to learning his enemies's secrets and minds - but though he hoarded knowledge, he also used it to guide his actions, when the time for decision came.
