[ sam is getting the feeling that estinein doesn't exactly agree with him, that he doesn't really like the explanation that sam gives, but it's all he can do at the moment. sam doesn't want to convince anyone of the factions, around here. he's got his own issues with thorne, his own issues with the free cities too, but that's not their war. and, sam reminds himself again, it's going to feel different for those who started off in the dungeons too. the anger, the distrust - he can be sympathetic, he knows what it feels to be caged and held, but sympathy only goes so far.

he's doing what he can, but it's not going to be enough for everyone, and sam has to remember there's nothing inherently wrong about that.

estinein's narrowed eyes gets sam to lift his hands, in as much of a hear me out sort of way as it is defensive. when his hands drop, its to his sides. ]

Sorry- I am, or was, a soldier back home. [ sam shrugs, though as it always tends to happen when he thinks of home, there's a hint of something darker across his face. a mark that never goes away. ] And I used to counsel soldiers, too. I got the feeling while we were talking, but I didn't want to assume anything if I was wrong.

[ sam seems to be explicitly waiting for estinein to say yes or no before he continues. ]