[SE] Roots Take Hold (Open)

Not even an apology for making such a wild statement? Jigano hid his exasperation, retreating to courteous neutrality and a calm, mild voice, though inwardly he felt his annoyance grow. "The Ascended are people," he said with a shrug, focusing on Abasi's question and trying to let his ruffled feathers calm once more. "Some of them chose the Voice because they felt they had no other option... others were tricked or bribed into it. No few outlanders like ourselves arrive in an Ascended body whether they want to be or not. The problem isn't them... or at least, not as a whole. The problem is with individuals who know that they are harming or killing others at her command and do so willingly - even eagerly." Jigano sighed, reaching up to punch the bridge of his nose in an attempt to stop the incipient headache gathering behind his temples. "Wessex told the Fae that she would let the barrierfolk decide whether to continue with her in charge... but it hasn't happened yet. The Fae have said that as long as Wessex rules, no barrierfolk will be allowed in the Greatwood - because Wessex led an invasion to destroy one of the Fae's sacred monuments, an ancient tree said to house the spirit of a goddess, and killed the Fae who had been set to defend it. For now, I'm waiting to see how that turns out." He looked up again, dirt smudged across his face as he gave Abasi a crooked smile. "But either way, I'm just one man. There's not much I can do on my own, and there are many voices that should be heard - more than just the gods, old or new."

He looked around at the yard, with its newly-planted trees and hedges already more than half-grown to their full size. "What of you? Do you have any interest in exploring this world through the portals that are opening up against the wishes of the old gods?"