Meanwhile Clarus was quite accustomed to offering advice, and finding ways in which to give it that didn't either sound like a command, as he held quite a bit of authority back home, or bruise fragile egos of seasoned or green warriors dealing with issues they never expected to face. Very few people spoke of the mental toll war and battle took. Both of those aside, even day-to-day life could find a way to trip people up. This wasn't a competition, everyone's struggle was valid.

"Good." His fingers traced the grain of the wood on the bar a moment more before he brought his gaze back to her face. "You look perplexed," he noted with an slightly amused smile.