Rance appreciated the simple condolences, Jigano having guessed right that he was in no hurry to dwell on it. While it was true that the pain had dwindled over the years, that didn’t make it easier to bring up in casual conversation. Already he had revealed much more about himself than he normally would have with anyone other than friends and family. He nodded in recognition of the other man’s sympathies and gladly moved on from the subject.
The lantern was unlike any he’d ever seen, and it was fascinating to watch, if in the quiet way of an outsider to the craft. Then again, considering the purpose of the lantern, it was more like the morbid beauty of some spirit candles than a festival decoration. Any truly grim thoughts on the matter were tempered by talk of the Atheneum and, finally, an invitation to the Guild itself. That brought a bit more thoughtfulness to Rance’s expression. Jigano made several good points, both on the side of having access to the lovely halls they were currently in, and having friendly acquaintances after having lost everyone he knew. “It does strike my fancy. And you make a very tempting offer. I’ve never been a part of a guild or anything like that. Gaggles of temp farmhands and flocks of ravens do not an organized group make.”
Finally calm enough that he could think about something other than his own misery, curiosity became the louder voice in his head. It helped that thoughts of his lost sister were fresh in his head; this lantern would be for her. If he chose to mourn anyone or anything else, well, time for that later. His eyes widened a bit at Jigano’s open use of magic, though not out of any sort of fear. The man was more like the Sidhe than Rance had realized, for all that he claimed the portals made them human! “Now there’s a neat trick.
He didn’t let his surprise stop him from listening and he watched as Jigano demonstrated the first steps. “Probably paper this time. Maybe I’ll try for somethin’ more permanent later, when I’m less likely to create a mess.” This last he said with wry humor in his voice. He’d never quite picked up his mother’s delicate touch or his father’s skill, but he at least wasn’t clumsy with the glue and lathes.
The lantern was unlike any he’d ever seen, and it was fascinating to watch, if in the quiet way of an outsider to the craft. Then again, considering the purpose of the lantern, it was more like the morbid beauty of some spirit candles than a festival decoration. Any truly grim thoughts on the matter were tempered by talk of the Atheneum and, finally, an invitation to the Guild itself. That brought a bit more thoughtfulness to Rance’s expression. Jigano made several good points, both on the side of having access to the lovely halls they were currently in, and having friendly acquaintances after having lost everyone he knew. “It does strike my fancy. And you make a very tempting offer. I’ve never been a part of a guild or anything like that. Gaggles of temp farmhands and flocks of ravens do not an organized group make.”
Finally calm enough that he could think about something other than his own misery, curiosity became the louder voice in his head. It helped that thoughts of his lost sister were fresh in his head; this lantern would be for her. If he chose to mourn anyone or anything else, well, time for that later. His eyes widened a bit at Jigano’s open use of magic, though not out of any sort of fear. The man was more like the Sidhe than Rance had realized, for all that he claimed the portals made them human! “Now there’s a neat trick.
He didn’t let his surprise stop him from listening and he watched as Jigano demonstrated the first steps. “Probably paper this time. Maybe I’ll try for somethin’ more permanent later, when I’m less likely to create a mess.” This last he said with wry humor in his voice. He’d never quite picked up his mother’s delicate touch or his father’s skill, but he at least wasn’t clumsy with the glue and lathes.
