[ Dion can't help but smile back. It's a little cute, isn't it, that peek from behind fingers. If what Ankari is true, however, shyness won't serve anyone. What a strange place this is; it does not look to be an easy one to live in for as long as they are stuck here. ]

Perhaps you'll find out the answer someday.

[ He's used to people, to being what people expect him to be. It's not a secret at home that he favours men. He has never been ashamed of desire, only…there's a time and place for it. Does this village, or whatever it really is, truly demand something like that? Would sex alone be enough? Would violence alone be enough? Dion has had his fill of violence, enough to last lifetimes, but the dragon inside him…that's another story. ]

Festivities that encourage sex and violence? Hopefully not in tandem.

[ Though there's a time and place for that combination, too, isn't there? He's definitely not going to say that aloud. ]

I cannot imagine getting much less modest, so I think I'll pass on that as well.

I don't mean to judge someone else's cultural practices, but this is not our land. Why are we subject to these marks? If it's a spell, there must be a way to undo it, a counter spell.

[ He's seen enough magic in his life. Surely there is a cure for this affliction that isn't just hopping into bed with someone to stave off some base urge that threatens to overthrow you. ]