Comment by eoforyth

Having read several comments: Jonan has been suspicious of Xira from the start, and has tried to point out the 'obvious' on several occasions in their short time together. He also has his own code of conduct, something that has him respected/feared wherever he is known, and I don't think something that does nothing more than reveal a young man's head means much to him if he thinks a potentially dangerous truth is revealed. And Jonan doesn't do polite.

The head covering is a custom that we don't actually know the root of. We are introduced to it at one gate where everyone had to reveal their hair in case of witches. The man was angry at this disrespect, but his female companion was calming the situation by allowing something (a partial reveal?) was possible. Xira obviously needs to keep his covered in company because of his secret, and it is having his secret revealed that is causing him more distress than being bare-headed.

Finally, on their very first night together Sev suggested they reveal some things about themselves, and misunderstands Jonan's gesturing to mean he couldn't explain his. Xira catches Jonan's glower, gives him a very pointed look, and says they shouldn't reveal Jonan's secret as 'He could get in very serious trouble if people found out...! So we should try to cover for him...!' which Jonan understands is a thinly veiled threat. (4.4) He is very stressed physically and mentally, doesn'like the idea of anyone having some kind of pressure on him, and they are all in a very serious situation. As said previously, Jonan doesn't do polite, so his actions are pure Jonan. Maybe we wouldn't do things that way, but this is partly how he got his reputation in the first place.


And now, who's with me on wanting to see Tareth spending some time brushing and braiding Xira's hair (perhaps with necropony trying to nose its way in for some pampering as well)? XD

Reply by TheOtherDibbler

I personally read the 'he could get in trouble if people found out' as a plea rather than a threat. Jonan could get in trouble if people found out who he is, and Xira could get in even worse trouble if people find out about his own secret, so I read that exchange as a thinly veiled 'we're both at risk, so please don't out me' rather than a 'we're both at risk, so if you out me I'll out you'.

Reply by eoforyth

I see your point, if you just look at Xira's words, but his eyes were narrowed. If it were an imprecation for mutual tolerence against a cruel world, his eyes would be more open, in appeal. As it is, he knows Jonan Iif only by reputation) is more likely to pay attention to a bit of fairly mild blackmail rather than an appeal to his better nature - the better nature that has gate quards sweating and waving his whole party through, and townsfolk falling over themselves to get out of his way!

Jonan sure has a power kick XD

Reply by Threnodi

Oh wow, I read it like Dibbler did with Xira awkwardly alluding to his own danger and making an appeal for help, with the narrowed eyes being a sign of strain or nervousness or something... but I could totally see Jonan taking the more threatening/hostile interpretation and think Xira was trying to blackmail him!