"I think...you should hold onto that. Love isn't the only thing in the world, and maybe sometimes it isn't even the most important thing, but it still makes us who we are." Romantic or otherwise, love and care are of utmost importance to Barcus, and he doesn't think that's a mistake.

Case in point. He smiles at what is ostensibly an offer of divine favor of sorts, and interprets it in the most mortal way possible. "Friendship is all I ever wanted, you know. Community. Family. Something like that. I don't ask for blessings beyond just that."

If you're going to befriend a divinity, upon the premise that they're just another kind of person, you'd better be prepared to treat them like just another kind of person, he figures.

"...Although," a soft laugh, "If you're ever in a position to make sure Ashton doesn't do anything too reckless on a quest, feel free. They keep warning me they make big mistakes and I'm inclined to believe them."