Her proclamation elicited a chuckle from him. "You sound like me in my youth, to an extent. Throw caution to the wind and look for the next great adventure." When had he changed? Oh yes, when they'd lost the war, and when he'd settled down to have a family.

And of course it was about time for a verbal misstep. "I meant no offense, my lady. I don't imagine I could understand what you and yours have been through." But it did present an opportunity... "If you'd indulge me," he began, sliding gil over the bar to pay for Castor's next drink and motion that he wanted one as well, "what steps do you believe could be taken by the aristocracy to alleviate the problems and improve the lives of those such as your family?" His question was sincere, and he tried to make that clear with his tone and turning to face her completely and keep his body language open. Though... it wasn't as though he could use anything she imparted to him. He was dead and their society crumbled. Still, he wanted insight into her life.