Compliments do indeed cause more of a flush to blossom on the man's cheeks, and the blush lingers as the meal begins. He's surprised to hear that Aryx was some kind of shrine guardian and smiles wide at learning something new and very interesting about the man. “That sounds like it was a big job. It's sad to hear that people  stopped coming. I've never been to a shrine before, but I know from travelers that there's a long history of people relying on them for temporary shelters, for guidance, and for peace of mind. Worship is important to a lot of people.”

His tail drifts back and forth as he speaks, enjoying the calm, relaxing talk and peaceful atmosphere. His flush fades a bit as he thinks about what it must have been like growing up with such a grand purpose. He's just a random half-breed, born to a nobody mother and father, and abandoned in a random village. He eats slowly, enjoying the food a bit before a question occurs to him. “Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't even think to ask, but what being was worshiped at your shrine?” He knows the standard beings of worship are gods, but sometimes beings of immense power or historical significance have taken that place of honor.