[It's easy to tell that Estinien is an intense individual, but thankfully, while he is inclined towards anger, he's also capable of adapting to new circumstances. Instead of letting his fury drive him off a cliff in this conversation, he remains attentive as Sam seems to rethink his words. As Sam concedes some ground, and even apologizes, some of Estinien's tension bleeds away.
Not all of it, because this is an emotional topic for him, and even with his discipline he's unwilling to pretend it's not. But he can at least gather that Sam isn't trying to dismiss or demean him. If the man were to make a habit of slipping in such comments he'd be less tolerant, but as it is, he can accept Sam trying to set things on a different course.
Because Estinien isn't here just to be angry and break things, he tries to remind himself. He wanted an explanation for the man's actions. For better or for worse, he's getting one. There's a bit of a delay before Estinien seems to decide how respond, but when he does, it's with a more level tone.]
... So... your thought is that those staying with Thorne may be doing so for the sake of information and influence rather than enthusiasm or acceptance of their methods?
[It's a bit of an awkward attempt to restart the conversation on his part, and Sam might notice the wheels turning in Estinien's head as he works on a way to approach this. Like a man who is very unaccustomed to holding his tongue putting extra effort into choosing his words.]
... I have found myself unwilling to give them the benefit of the doubt in that way. Not all of them were as gracious as you were while living in the castle as guests. I find it difficult to imagine they are all that concerned with the consequences of Thorne's actions.
[Maybe it's some kind of long game they are playing, and simply performing the role admirably. The trouble is, Estinien is not one to search for reasons to see the best in people. By his thinking, this is a situation where those remaining in Thorne are guilty until proven innocent.]
Are you not concerned that, by allowing them access to gathering such as this, that you are providing information to a nation who sees us as fugitives and has already proven they would have few qualms putting us to death?
[This time, less than making accusations to satisfy his own frustration, Estinien is trying to more genuinely find out if this is something Sam has considered.]
no subject
Not all of it, because this is an emotional topic for him, and even with his discipline he's unwilling to pretend it's not. But he can at least gather that Sam isn't trying to dismiss or demean him. If the man were to make a habit of slipping in such comments he'd be less tolerant, but as it is, he can accept Sam trying to set things on a different course.
Because Estinien isn't here just to be angry and break things, he tries to remind himself. He wanted an explanation for the man's actions. For better or for worse, he's getting one. There's a bit of a delay before Estinien seems to decide how respond, but when he does, it's with a more level tone.]
... So... your thought is that those staying with Thorne may be doing so for the sake of information and influence rather than enthusiasm or acceptance of their methods?
[It's a bit of an awkward attempt to restart the conversation on his part, and Sam might notice the wheels turning in Estinien's head as he works on a way to approach this. Like a man who is very unaccustomed to holding his tongue putting extra effort into choosing his words.]
... I have found myself unwilling to give them the benefit of the doubt in that way. Not all of them were as gracious as you were while living in the castle as guests. I find it difficult to imagine they are all that concerned with the consequences of Thorne's actions.
[Maybe it's some kind of long game they are playing, and simply performing the role admirably. The trouble is, Estinien is not one to search for reasons to see the best in people. By his thinking, this is a situation where those remaining in Thorne are guilty until proven innocent.]
Are you not concerned that, by allowing them access to gathering such as this, that you are providing information to a nation who sees us as fugitives and has already proven they would have few qualms putting us to death?
[This time, less than making accusations to satisfy his own frustration, Estinien is trying to more genuinely find out if this is something Sam has considered.]