”None taken,” Jigano agreed easily, smile quirking up a bit wryly. ”It’s only the truth. Outlanders tend to be fairly relaxed about it, and some respect it a great deal, but the Naturals have a history of looking on it less favorably, at least if it’s flaunted. No reason to seek trouble where you don’t have to.” The bard’s grin widened at the next question and he would have bowed if they hadn’t been kneeling in the muck. ”But the Loreseekers exist for exactly that purpose, and I’d be more than happy to help whenever you’re ready. Perhaps you’ll even consider joining us, if you find you enjoy asking questions of the world,” he teased gently, though there was a solid core of truth to his words and genuine warmth in his eyes in spite of his chilled clothing.
Aonghas’s sympathy was appreciated, even if it was misplaced. Jigano only shrugged. ”It was no reward that I sought, nor was it intended as such. I’m not sure it was intended at all, so much as a… side effect,” he added after a moment’s thought. ”Albeit an appropriate one, I suppose, for how this world views it.” A curse, after all, wasn’t supposed to make things easier on him. Not in the long run at least.
Once they were both standing again Jigano just chuckled at the apology and shook his head, using a judicious application of his earth magic to lift the muck from his skin and back to the ground. ”No harm done,” he assured companion. Mostly his attention was focused on the newly-Healed foot and making sure that Aonghas could walk on it, and he flashed the other man a grin. ”I’m glad I could help!” He followed the other man’s glance to the mudslide and his smile turned a tad rueful. ”I was never one to get mucky for the fun of it, even as a child, but I’m trying to learn to let go a little more. Today was very welcome – much more so thanks to your company,” he added warmly.
Aonghas’s sympathy was appreciated, even if it was misplaced. Jigano only shrugged. ”It was no reward that I sought, nor was it intended as such. I’m not sure it was intended at all, so much as a… side effect,” he added after a moment’s thought. ”Albeit an appropriate one, I suppose, for how this world views it.” A curse, after all, wasn’t supposed to make things easier on him. Not in the long run at least.
Once they were both standing again Jigano just chuckled at the apology and shook his head, using a judicious application of his earth magic to lift the muck from his skin and back to the ground. ”No harm done,” he assured companion. Mostly his attention was focused on the newly-Healed foot and making sure that Aonghas could walk on it, and he flashed the other man a grin. ”I’m glad I could help!” He followed the other man’s glance to the mudslide and his smile turned a tad rueful. ”I was never one to get mucky for the fun of it, even as a child, but I’m trying to learn to let go a little more. Today was very welcome – much more so thanks to your company,” he added warmly.
