[His face is the picture of relief.]

I never thought it would be so refreshing to hear such words laid so plainly. For all of Estinien's blunt nature, he can parry words as well as any Ishgardian.

[He lowers his gaze, smiling.]

Do you think my troubles can simply be relieved with substitution? [His own words almost stun him as they fall out of his mouth. He reaches for the bottle, plucking it gently from her hands and taking a swig.]

I hardly wish to imply anything, but you seem knowledgeable in this area.