[ He nods sensibly, and leads the trek with long strides and careful steps. He only uses the walking stick for elevated slopes, to help him get some footing. For the most part, Roland waits and looks back or looks beside him to make sure Gerome was following just fine. The sun was starting to come up much higher in the sky now, and even he was feeling the sweat collect around his hairline and the back of his neck. ]

[ He decides to try settling something with Gerome as the trek continues. ]

Purple. [ He reaches for a water bottle from his duffel and drinks from it before continuing. He looks fairly serious despite the nature of his words. ] Don't tell the train, but my favorite color is actually, really, purple. Back home, I wear it often for almost every occasion. Especially when I have to meet other constituents.

[ He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and offers Gerome the water bottle too. ] I haven't really told anyone else that, just because no one's really asked.

[ A gesture of good will. Now, Gerome knows something about Roland, even if it was insignificant. A level to the playing field, which he hopes will help him feel just a tad bit more comfortable around him. ]