Estinien is already half done what she's given him, wanting it out of sight as quickly as possible. No time to savor any flavours, unfortunately, but at least that's what he's used to. Actually attempting to enjoy food is a relatively new thing for him.

He has to pause, though, at what she says. There is no scorn in his expression at he looks back to her. Though he would agree on an objective level, he doesn't believe that is how this place operates.

"The High Mage threatened to drown me for resisting their attempts to shackle me," he says. "On the very first day... I shall not easily forget that."

It's hard to remain optimistic, with that in mind.