the scent grows richer (he knows he must be near)

"Tempura tonight, Aegaeon?"

It's a very simple question, and one Jin feels thus quite comfortable asking, since it only requires the dispense of three words. It's not that he has a compulsion (indeed, any more than a character quirk) to be stingy with his speech, but rather that the reputation of "man [or Blade, as it were] of few words" strikes him as a pleasant thing, when he can keep up to it.

Aegaeon nods, "Indeed," and continues carefully slicing luscious Meaty Carrots for their impending dip into the precious batter.

Reticence must be the mark of a great chef.