Caleb's theory would seem to make sense. Holland has traveled worlds extensively, though only to four connected worlds, all governed by the same magic rules. This place feels different altogether, a place entirely outside of his world-group, and the magic rules are doubtless different here.
"Research would be prudent," he agrees brusquely. "It's either that, or find some locals and get information from them."
And Holland... would probably prefer the books, honestly. Though talking to locals, if there are any, would likely result in getting better information faster, as well as a better idea of the culture here. Holland knows he's ill-equipped to do that, though. Whatever charm he might have once had has long since been lost under a brittle mask and a magic aura full of broken lines like broken bones badly reset. Can he count Caleb as an ally? Can he trust that any information Caleb relays to him isn't a lie? He has a friendly face, though that usually means little.
A tentative ally, maybe. A man who wants to know the same things he does.
"How are you with people?" he asks at length, cautious. Cautiously hopeful, maybe. Cautious of a lie.
no subject
"Research would be prudent," he agrees brusquely. "It's either that, or find some locals and get information from them."
And Holland... would probably prefer the books, honestly. Though talking to locals, if there are any, would likely result in getting better information faster, as well as a better idea of the culture here. Holland knows he's ill-equipped to do that, though. Whatever charm he might have once had has long since been lost under a brittle mask and a magic aura full of broken lines like broken bones badly reset. Can he count Caleb as an ally? Can he trust that any information Caleb relays to him isn't a lie? He has a friendly face, though that usually means little.
A tentative ally, maybe. A man who wants to know the same things he does.
"How are you with people?" he asks at length, cautious. Cautiously hopeful, maybe. Cautious of a lie.