[ An assertive personality. No, that isn't necessarily incorrect, though Thancred has found Stephen easy enough to work with overall. Perhaps that's simply because he can also assert himself when it's needed, or they're simply on the same page with most things.

As Stephen explains about the sort of political moves he had to make, even as a doctor, Thancred listens with interest. Mayhap it's a dull subject of conversation, but Thancred remains curious about Stephen's past and his life before he'd become a mage who had to save the universe from a warlord. ]

Oh, I'm quite familiar with that sort of thing. Not in quite the same context — I was interested in gathering intel rather than forging connections.

[ And oh, the dance has begun. Thancred falls into step without seeming to give it a moment of thought, as if this as simple for him as walking. He can tell that Stephen is quite practiced himself, and now he also understands why. His grip on Stephen's hand tightens just slightly, as if that might help calm the tremor. ]

Were you? You seem the sort who would struggle to bite your tongue and be polite if someone was irritating you.

[ Just a feeling he gets. ]