”Ask people you trust if you’re uncertain, until you become better able to recognize unrealistic expectations,” Jigano suggested with an encouraging smile. ”And ask yourself if what someone wants you to change about yourself would really be in your best interest, or if it would just be more convenient for that other person.” It was something that would only come with time and practice, not overnight, and it would take a lifetime to refine. Jigano knew well the pitfall of trying to make others like him, wearing different masks for different people until they all came crashing down at once. He didn’t want to see Oliver suffer the same hard lesson if he didn’t have to, but sometimes experience was the only way to learn.
He nodded at hearing what had happened at Oliver’s previous prayers, a thoughtful look on his face. ”They don’t tend to answer mages as often,” he agreed gently, empathetic for Oliver’s plight, but they had been over his anger and resentment already and it didn’t need to be rehashed. ”Safrin, especially, can be… cold… towards those who she sees as unworthy. As cold towards them as she is warm towards those she favors,” he explained with a sigh. ”She’s also cursed people. They all have, really. Though Frey’s curses tend to be the lightest to bear for most, from what I’ve heard,” he added after a moment’s reflection. ”But I have found her to be impatient and aloof, whereas Ludo has been at worst honorable and at best… at best it has helped and encouraged me, given me hope and a light in the darkness when Safrin offered only ice and knives.” He smiled crookedly, stirring his tea with an idle finger.
”Personally? I would suggest Ludo. I trust it far more than the others, but if you are wary of the soulguide for some reason, then… probably Frey. They enjoy pleasure and they have shown themselves the most willing to encourage individuals to strengthen themselves and better themselves - for themselves, unselfishly. Their methods might be, ah, embarrassing… but I don’t think they would force you into anything you didn’t want to do for them, as far as physical intimacy goes. Show respect and bring something pleasurable, like a favorite food or drink, and you should be alright,” he advised with a smile.
He nodded at hearing what had happened at Oliver’s previous prayers, a thoughtful look on his face. ”They don’t tend to answer mages as often,” he agreed gently, empathetic for Oliver’s plight, but they had been over his anger and resentment already and it didn’t need to be rehashed. ”Safrin, especially, can be… cold… towards those who she sees as unworthy. As cold towards them as she is warm towards those she favors,” he explained with a sigh. ”She’s also cursed people. They all have, really. Though Frey’s curses tend to be the lightest to bear for most, from what I’ve heard,” he added after a moment’s reflection. ”But I have found her to be impatient and aloof, whereas Ludo has been at worst honorable and at best… at best it has helped and encouraged me, given me hope and a light in the darkness when Safrin offered only ice and knives.” He smiled crookedly, stirring his tea with an idle finger.
”Personally? I would suggest Ludo. I trust it far more than the others, but if you are wary of the soulguide for some reason, then… probably Frey. They enjoy pleasure and they have shown themselves the most willing to encourage individuals to strengthen themselves and better themselves - for themselves, unselfishly. Their methods might be, ah, embarrassing… but I don’t think they would force you into anything you didn’t want to do for them, as far as physical intimacy goes. Show respect and bring something pleasurable, like a favorite food or drink, and you should be alright,” he advised with a smile.
