You would write it for me? [ It's a nice offer. ] I'd enjoy that.

[ He's not exactly the type with his nose in a book every minute of every day, but he likes reading, and entertainment is slim here. What better way to learn about the other cultures here than to share in stories, anyway?

It's a nice thought, but the feathery touch to his shoulder grounds him; his drink turns his reflexes to ooze, and miraculously, he doesn't tense. Rather, it's the words that make his eyes narrow slightly, a hint of disdain slipping into his tone. ]

And I've learned only as much as the people here will share. These "soul-forged" items we hear of are aptly named, it seems. Even the coin here is crafted at the Forges.

[ So those people they saved might've turned into lunch money if they hadn't stepped in. ]