Jigano would have said more in support of his new friend, but he respected Caiside's pain and did not press for further details on the state of the warlord's endangered people. It wasn't as though they'd had much choice, the bard thought grimly, knowing a similar tale from his own land had been only barely averted. But there was no reason to focus on dark things, not here in the warmly bustling tea shop with the last few sips of a delicious brew cooling in their cups. He finished his own even as his companion spoke of the celebration with far more enthusiasm, and the bard found himself swept along by the red-head's infectious charm. He grinned understanding at the symbology, tipping his head in wry acknowledgment of the usefulness of such an image.
A silver brow rose in curiosity tinged with a more solemn emotion at the mention of the brutality of some of the celebrations, though he kept his expression smooth and didn't allow the frown behind his lips to escape. 'Brutal' could simply mean gladiatorial fights or contests between warriors which, so long as everyone was participating willingly, was their own decision and no business of his. If, on the other hand, it referred to things like human sacrifice or slave fights... well. It wasn't Jigano's world, and he was retired from the heroing business. But it still wouldn't sit well with him.
Luckily, perhaps, there was no chance to dwell on it as Caiside continued, and Jigano grinned at the tried-and-true technique. "Exclusive?" he inquired innocently, though his blue eyes twinkled with mischief. "Do you mean to the palace of a king or emperor?"
A silver brow rose in curiosity tinged with a more solemn emotion at the mention of the brutality of some of the celebrations, though he kept his expression smooth and didn't allow the frown behind his lips to escape. 'Brutal' could simply mean gladiatorial fights or contests between warriors which, so long as everyone was participating willingly, was their own decision and no business of his. If, on the other hand, it referred to things like human sacrifice or slave fights... well. It wasn't Jigano's world, and he was retired from the heroing business. But it still wouldn't sit well with him.
Luckily, perhaps, there was no chance to dwell on it as Caiside continued, and Jigano grinned at the tried-and-true technique. "Exclusive?" he inquired innocently, though his blue eyes twinkled with mischief. "Do you mean to the palace of a king or emperor?"
