Ehhhh. [ Jesper gives a so-so gesture with his hand. ] The major difference is that so far we are mostly left alone so theoretically they could make us do something at any time, but they haven't. As opposed to Thorne where they have been put in those positions, so it's experience vs. theory.

[ It doesn't mean that the Free Cities will never do anything to them, and it would be naive not to think they're capable of it, but they haven't flexed their muscles yet. Thorne is day by day a bit of a terror to its Summoend. Jesper would rather deal with the Free Cities than Thorne though, he has slightly more experience dealing with militaristic issues and urban life than royal mages. ]

Oh yeah, she's capable. That's not really up to question. Moral or good, unlikely, but it's not as if many places have the option of perfect leaders, you know?

[ He assumes Marlo is very good at what she's doing, that is why she managed to get martial law passed in the first place. He won't trust her, as he doesn't trust any authorities at all, but Sam seems to think she's fine. Tolerable. Better than what Jesper is used to. ]

Most of us like it here, to be honest. Not so much that we wouldn't be pissed if they tried to drag us kicking and screaming into anything, but the Cadens group is tight-knit.

[ James can probably guess that is why people seem settled at the inn and having adapted to their lives here quickly. ]