"Wish we had your people in Paragon City," Julian said, perhaps a little bitterly. "We have a sore lack of honor."

He played with a lock of dark hair, realizing that it was less decorated than it would usually be; a brief look of confusion passed over his eyes. A moment later, he realized that his usual adornment - black feathers - might have offended Gwendolyn. Maybe it was a good thing he wasn't so dressed up.

"Is there a lot of war where you live?" he asked, trying to change the subject in his mind with the one within the conversation.