Jigano grinned a little at hearing that his companion didn't consider himself 'lost.' Clearly the man hadn't visiting the labyrinth yet... a sobering thought that had the bard drawing a slow breath, though he kept his smile on his face. "There aren't so many souls inside the Barrier, but because of that people tend to stick together. This world is... an odd mix of sheltered and a cage." He tilted his head thoughtfully. "As near as we can tell, nothing gets out - or in. But not everything on the inside is particularly friendly. And not all of the monsters walk on four feet."
But that was a warning better suited for a warm fire and a pot of tea, and Jigano was not immune to Caiside's flattery. He grinned down at the older man, amusement sparkling in his blue eyes. "I can tell we're going to get along well, friend Caiside," he chuckled. "And on that note, at some point I'll probably be asking for some of your stories in exchange. But let's see if we can get you a little more settled, first." The man had mentioned 'returning home' but... That was a discussion that could wait awhile. "We have a few smithies in town, or at least... one worthy of the name, one being built, and a few others that do simple work. I've dealt with a mastersmith who is... growing older. Still incredibly skilled, but his joints trouble him, especially in the cold. Perhaps I could introduce you and see if you could work with him for a little while, until you can get your own shop up and running?" The fit young man could help haul wood and perhaps take the tasks that the old man found difficult, and the mastersmith, well... Jigano didn't know Caiside's skill, but he suspected the old smith could teach the younger one a trick or two, especially if he was out of practice.
The tea shop was a snug little building, better repaired than most and never lacking in customers. Jigano was enough of a regular that he earned a smile from the proprietress as he led the way to a little table near the corner. The ones by the fire were all taken, but the one he chose was still comfortable - and nearer the kitchen. "I'm quite fond of it," Jigano agreed, raising a finger to the gangly young man who started to wander over. The teenager nodded and trotted back to the woman - his mother, from their similarities - and the bard turned back to his friend with a smile. "So... why don't you tell me what you already know of this world and then you can ask any questions that come to mind. I'll do my best to answer them, or I can perhaps give you the names of others who might know what I don't?"
But that was a warning better suited for a warm fire and a pot of tea, and Jigano was not immune to Caiside's flattery. He grinned down at the older man, amusement sparkling in his blue eyes. "I can tell we're going to get along well, friend Caiside," he chuckled. "And on that note, at some point I'll probably be asking for some of your stories in exchange. But let's see if we can get you a little more settled, first." The man had mentioned 'returning home' but... That was a discussion that could wait awhile. "We have a few smithies in town, or at least... one worthy of the name, one being built, and a few others that do simple work. I've dealt with a mastersmith who is... growing older. Still incredibly skilled, but his joints trouble him, especially in the cold. Perhaps I could introduce you and see if you could work with him for a little while, until you can get your own shop up and running?" The fit young man could help haul wood and perhaps take the tasks that the old man found difficult, and the mastersmith, well... Jigano didn't know Caiside's skill, but he suspected the old smith could teach the younger one a trick or two, especially if he was out of practice.
The tea shop was a snug little building, better repaired than most and never lacking in customers. Jigano was enough of a regular that he earned a smile from the proprietress as he led the way to a little table near the corner. The ones by the fire were all taken, but the one he chose was still comfortable - and nearer the kitchen. "I'm quite fond of it," Jigano agreed, raising a finger to the gangly young man who started to wander over. The teenager nodded and trotted back to the woman - his mother, from their similarities - and the bard turned back to his friend with a smile. "So... why don't you tell me what you already know of this world and then you can ask any questions that come to mind. I'll do my best to answer them, or I can perhaps give you the names of others who might know what I don't?"
