[ Bastien nods occasionally through this advice. Forthcoming, interested in not hurting people. The rest he will figure out. Watch for changes. Maybe see under what circumstances, if any, he can provoke some. Sure.

Then a flicker of oh right passes over Bastien's face, at this reminder that Marcus has not in fact always been here. ]

He was not what I expected. [ Compliment? Insult? Befuddled but not particularly judgmental observation? Mostly the last one. ] I can't begin to guess whether or not you would like him. I liked him more than I thought I would, but, [ given Bastien's known taste in people, ] that might not bode well for your opinion if you ever meet him.