Jigano nodded, glad to have more people in the old library to liven it up, especially Loreseekers. ”I can show the rooms to you after this, if you’d like,” he offered quietly, though by no means in any hurry. Aonghas could take his time in choosing one that suited him another day as easily as this one.
The other man’s gratitude at having helping hands to welcome him and help him settled in brought a smile to the Provost’s face, and a graceful inclination of his head as he accepted the compliment for what it was – earned and worked for, and much appreciated for that reason.
Something the bard had said had clearly resonated, his newest Seeker and friend lapsing into a silence that seemed unlike his more usual cheerful veneer. The topic was not an easy one, however, and Jigano was content to give the other man silence and space to consider his words, turning his attention instead to rising and going to heat tea. It was an old standby for difficult conversations, a comfort and an excuse to gather thoughts while one sipped. He was a little surprised when Aonghas spoke up again more quickly than he anticipated, and he glanced over his shoulder with a wry smile. ”That would be a help, thank you. And yes, Torchline… a tropical paradise, if you don’t mind the thieves and conmen walking the port town’s streets,” he added with a rueful chuckle. ”Even so, I recommend it. Taking shelter there for LongNight, if nothing else.” There were far too many staying behind for his peace of mind. Too many likely to die from their folly…
Himself not least among them.
The question on portals drained the smile away, and the bard sighed and shook his head as he ambled back to the table while the kettle heated on the hob. ”A question many are asking,” he admitted. ”And so far… safe enough. Even the Old Gods seem to admit to that. The danger is less in the portals themselves than in the acceptance of them – and by extension, the Voice – as a ‘necessary evil.’” He shook his head, smile returning though it was rueful and perhaps a bit jaded. ”Though the choices presented are hardly welcome. The elemental storms surround the Grounds and the Greatwood, preventing us from traveling by sea or foot beyond these two regions. To get anywhere else the portals are the only way. So the question becomes: to accept the cage the Old Gods have placed, or to accept the Voice’s help? As of yet, we have no other options. Something I would dearly love the Guild expand on and find alternatives to,” he added grimly.
The other man’s gratitude at having helping hands to welcome him and help him settled in brought a smile to the Provost’s face, and a graceful inclination of his head as he accepted the compliment for what it was – earned and worked for, and much appreciated for that reason.
Something the bard had said had clearly resonated, his newest Seeker and friend lapsing into a silence that seemed unlike his more usual cheerful veneer. The topic was not an easy one, however, and Jigano was content to give the other man silence and space to consider his words, turning his attention instead to rising and going to heat tea. It was an old standby for difficult conversations, a comfort and an excuse to gather thoughts while one sipped. He was a little surprised when Aonghas spoke up again more quickly than he anticipated, and he glanced over his shoulder with a wry smile. ”That would be a help, thank you. And yes, Torchline… a tropical paradise, if you don’t mind the thieves and conmen walking the port town’s streets,” he added with a rueful chuckle. ”Even so, I recommend it. Taking shelter there for LongNight, if nothing else.” There were far too many staying behind for his peace of mind. Too many likely to die from their folly…
Himself not least among them.
The question on portals drained the smile away, and the bard sighed and shook his head as he ambled back to the table while the kettle heated on the hob. ”A question many are asking,” he admitted. ”And so far… safe enough. Even the Old Gods seem to admit to that. The danger is less in the portals themselves than in the acceptance of them – and by extension, the Voice – as a ‘necessary evil.’” He shook his head, smile returning though it was rueful and perhaps a bit jaded. ”Though the choices presented are hardly welcome. The elemental storms surround the Grounds and the Greatwood, preventing us from traveling by sea or foot beyond these two regions. To get anywhere else the portals are the only way. So the question becomes: to accept the cage the Old Gods have placed, or to accept the Voice’s help? As of yet, we have no other options. Something I would dearly love the Guild expand on and find alternatives to,” he added grimly.
