"Hogwash!" said after a loud hmpf. "While Whitewater seems like a pleasant enough place to grow up, do you really think it's isolation will keep it safe for ever? For one thing," he said, pointing down at the river, "the plans to restore the old T'Skrang village puts Whitewater at risk, and you don't even know it!"<br/>He placed a hand on Ari's shoulder, now talking with a softer voice.<br/>"Learning to defend yourself in a dangerous and insecure world as ours is never time wasted. But, as you say, your talents lie more within the realm of the Troubadour, not the Swordmaster. Don't think I didn't noticed, you might not know it, but your reputation actually has traveled far from Whitewater."<br/>He smiled at her.<br/>"I'll make you a deal. Come and learn the way of the sword tomorrow, and afterwards I will teach you how to tame the lute."