[ The smile is apologetic now as Ernesto notices that his confession wasn't met with enthusiasm. Well, he can't exactly blame anyone for not being thrilled to find out he's got ulterior motives. Still, in this particular case it's probably in his best interest to be upfront and get the information he wants quickly.

It's hard to say how long they'll be given anything even remotely resembling privacy, after all.

Ernesto nods along with what he's being told though, frowning a little as the explanation goes on. ]

I got a little of that early on myself, though I was still reeling from...

[ He pauses, trying to think of what to say, before huffing out a small laugh. ]

From everything, honestly.

[ Though he hadn't needed to be kept in line for that long. It's not that he plays safe, as much as he plays sneaky. ]

Any chance you notice anything strange about the guards before they use those whips?