"That's the goal," Jigano agreed with a lopsided smile. He wanted to make sure that Oliver was doing what would be best for himself in the long run, not just trying to impress other people in an attempt to gain some fleeting popularity. So long as he liked himself, or at least could become someone that he liked, the young man would be able to find his way in the world, and would attract others who appreciated him. "And you needn't worry about it; it's water under the bridge." There was nothing to forgive, in Jigano's estimation, but he still appreciated the courtesy of the gesture.
"If they won't change their minds, then you just need to find other people who will accept you, either as you are now or in the future when you've become more settled," the bard encouraged gently. "There's a world out there, beyond this town. You'll find your place in it, or you'll make one, once you know who you want to be." Oliver's desperate obsession with the opinions of others reminded Jigano of Sam when he had first met the bookmaker. It took time, and support, and hard work to overcome all those doubts and fears, but Sam was also an example of what could be done.
As Oliver asked to learn, Jigano smiled wryly and tilted his head in a small nod. "The gods love gifts," he started with the simplest and broadest strokes of the picture. "Offerings, to get their attention and earn their goodwill before you even speak. Ludo likes things that have strong memories attached to them, especially childhood ones. Frey appreciates fresh fruits... but more to the point they like to be paid in, ah, pleasure. Climaxing is a good way to draw them to a shrine," he phrased it delicately. "Safrin..." He paused, for his interactions with the goddess had been fraught with pain and peril for the past half year. "Safrin is... I would not recommend her," he said softly at last. "She is beautiful but impatient. All the gods can be cruel, but I think that she is... she sees what is in your heart, and she will tear it out of you if you do not please her," he finished grimly. "Frey might be best for what you seek. They are a god of nature and change, so if you wish to change your nature they might make the most sense to approach."
"If they won't change their minds, then you just need to find other people who will accept you, either as you are now or in the future when you've become more settled," the bard encouraged gently. "There's a world out there, beyond this town. You'll find your place in it, or you'll make one, once you know who you want to be." Oliver's desperate obsession with the opinions of others reminded Jigano of Sam when he had first met the bookmaker. It took time, and support, and hard work to overcome all those doubts and fears, but Sam was also an example of what could be done.
As Oliver asked to learn, Jigano smiled wryly and tilted his head in a small nod. "The gods love gifts," he started with the simplest and broadest strokes of the picture. "Offerings, to get their attention and earn their goodwill before you even speak. Ludo likes things that have strong memories attached to them, especially childhood ones. Frey appreciates fresh fruits... but more to the point they like to be paid in, ah, pleasure. Climaxing is a good way to draw them to a shrine," he phrased it delicately. "Safrin..." He paused, for his interactions with the goddess had been fraught with pain and peril for the past half year. "Safrin is... I would not recommend her," he said softly at last. "She is beautiful but impatient. All the gods can be cruel, but I think that she is... she sees what is in your heart, and she will tear it out of you if you do not please her," he finished grimly. "Frey might be best for what you seek. They are a god of nature and change, so if you wish to change your nature they might make the most sense to approach."
