[ Steve nods, because while it may not have been a faction that was directly involved, what happened with Josselyn's cult was still proof of how some of the natives view the Summoned. As a power source to be used, as an oddity to experiment on, as a piece on a board to be moved.

It's why he would have preferred they didn't come here as representatives from the factions, and had voted the other way, but he does understand why some people weren't willing to take the risk of doing it on their own with these dragons' lives hanging in the balance. ]

You're right. And while I've tried to be careful with where I put my trust, there are Summoned I've met who've more than earned it.

[ Erik is newer, so maybe he doesn't feel that yet. Trust takes a wild to build up, and yet when Steve thinks about someone like Claude or Geralt, he doesn't feel a shred of doubt about them.

As for Erik, it remains to be seen if trust can exist between them, but they certainly have a lot of common ground to commiserate about. Steve pauses then, noticing the angle of the sun in the sky as he takes a look around the forge. ]

Well, it was nice to meet you, Erik. [ Steve holds out his hand. ] Thanks for putting up with all my questions. I have to go meet a friend, so I'll let you go.