[ For all that Thancred may be frustrated by the situation he's been forced into here, the fact is that he's almost too comfortable. The calming baths, the easily accessible food, the quarters with four-post beds for them to use, all is provided for in an attempt to make them compliant. Any time that he partakes of these offerings, he feels some pang of guilt, as if he's betraying his own convictions.

Yet he understands there would be little point in spitting in the face of Ambrose and the other mages, if he wants to survive here. He needs to play his cards carefully — even if that is primarily Urianger's job.

When Urianger uses that word, captives, Thancred responds with a wry smile. They may as well be, and yet he knows that it could be worse. ]

We are at least granted comfort. When the summonings were first performed here in Thorne, some were deemed errors and tossed into the dungeons. [ His tone and expression are one of distaste, as he gaze shifts downward for a moment, indicating that the cells are somewhere below them. ] This was Himeka's fate, until certain benefactors saw fit to free those who'd been gaoled and grant them the choice of traveling to one of the two other factions: Solvunn, or the Free Cities. Himeka opted for the former.

[ Granted, that does not entirely answer Urianger's question. Thancred swishes one hand through the warm water and then lifts it up, allow droplets to trickle down his wrist and forearm. After a pause he glances over, staring unblinking into Urianger's awaiting eyes. ]

It seems more and more likely that Thorne and the Free Cities will soon enough be at war, and so the tightening of the border is in response to that as well. They would not be ill-prepared.

[ It is almost as if they anticipate a siege, and while it's possible that they are simply being abundantly cautious, Thancred will prepare for the worst. ]