( makoto's smile is similarly sly, though well-tempered with a weary sort of wariness. ) Though I prefer to be in debt to no one, but I am not the type of creature to ask for information and offer nothing in return.

( and, really, it's the only thing he can really offer.

a small amount of tension eases from his body as howl joins him at the base of the stairs, and dionys soon does as well, elegantly sliding down the banister with perfect and enviable control. he allows himself one steadying breath before nodding and continuing. )

I should think so — it has to do with yourself, or at least in part. I was surprised to learn from those working in other brothels around town that there was another Aion within the city, and not to mention one that ran such an esteemed establishment. You keep up quite the air of mystery among them, even despite that. ( he gestures to howl, then to himself. ) We are newcomers to this city, this war, and this world, as I'm sure you know and understand. We only know what we have been told. So if there's anything about yourself and your history here, about your involvement in the past conflict with the Pleroma, that you would be willing to share, then I humbly ask it of you.

( he could have asked xishen for the same, sure. but he has already gotten a taste of what her overall vibe is, and something in him is wondering if any information that dionys might part with might be a little less... sanitized. )