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"What do you mean Everrett's missing?"

A guard wilted slightly, "He has vanished, we don't know where he went. Or even why he would do such a thing. He's been loyal to the crown for... twenty years!"

Graf's head was throbbing as he sat there, doing his best to pay attention to the discussion. "Perhaps the Lord Steward is in on it?" came the theory.

Ah fuck, why'd they have to bring that up? He could see the guards starting to bristle. "I doubt it had anything to do with the Lord Steward." Talking made his head hurt. Throat feeling raw still, turns out his father's gift of breathing acid did not play well with being physically ill. Even with several hours of rest and magical healing, the poison had taken a toll. "Like as not, there was some outside force involved." He cast a look at his companions. After everything they had faced, there were any number of ways that he could have been poisoned. Everrett might have been bought out, could have been afraid of someone dethroning his lord, or could have even been magically controlled. Too many to count and his head was aching.

Putting on his best noble mask, he sat up slowly. "I do want to talk to the Lord Steward today. There is a matter, unrelated to Everrett, I would like to broach with him." His legs were a little unsteady as he stood, but they supported him. "Feel like I could use some fresh air as well."

A brow arched slowly, "You wish to do what again?" Karuth glanced down his muzzle at Graf, eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

He fixed his own smile to be as charming as possible. "Well, I figured that we would do some exploring of the countryside today." Graf wandered towards a window and peered out, "I've never been to Moonsteppe before, lest not to my knowledge, and would like to get an idea of the land surrounding us."

Karuth joined him at the window with a quiet hum. "I don't see the harm in this at all. Will you be taking your..." a quick glance to the side, "companions with you?"

"Oh of course." Didn't have to look to know that there was a certain hint of disdain in the Steward's features. There were times he felt the same. He'd certainly fallen in with a lively group of mongrels. Pretty sure he wouldn't have it any other way though. "Thought we might need a cart as well, I don't think I could stay on horseback very well today; and a couple of my party mentioned they wished to try their luck at prospecting."

His eyes lit up with understanding, "Ah, the rumors of opaline." A quiet hum, "Well, could certainly procure a cart for you." All it took was a snap of his fingers and an order to send a page scurrying. "As for your Trials of Ascension, it will be tomorrow at the earliest before we can put your party through them."

The party as a whole? Interesting. What were they planning on testing, see how he treated his companions? Judge him as a ruler that way? Too many options for his aching head.

"Tomorrow is fine, should be recovered by then." He flashed an easy smile, "I tend to rebound quickly. Personally, I would like to stay around and read up on the country, study it's laws, talk to some people, but... can't let them idle too long. You know how adventuring types can be." He breathed out a laugh, "Not that we need help. Sadly, trouble seems to follow us."

A curt nod, "Which is why I will be sending two of our best with you." He gestured towards a pair of guards, already dressed in casual clothing. Yoren gave Graf a nod and smile. His companion, a badger armed with a heavy crossbow and equally heavy ax slung on his back. Yoren had a smaller bow and a pair of sword hilts peeking out from under his cloak. While Yoren looked like he could've fit in with their group easily, the badger's appearance screamed "look at me, I'm a guard!" Though looking at him, Graf doubted any clothing would change that.

It was about then that the Lord Steward noticed Jynx hovering nearby. His attention shifting to the tabaxi with an arched brow. The dark furred feline flashed a smile, "Do you have a sample of opaline I could see? I've never actually seen any in person."

Karuth blinked, one almost able to see him running over a mental inventory of what the keep held. "Of course, just a moment." Turning on a heel, he marched down a hall. If opaline was as rare as rumors said, he probably didn't trust anyone but himself to get even a grain of it. Which was entirely understandable.

He wasn't gone terribly long. Marching back at his brisk pace with a sword in hand. The older dragonborn stopped a few paces away, "This is a piece I'm rather proud of."

Those gathered shared a gasp of awe as the blade was unsheathed. Even without the rainbow of colors, the weapon was a work of art. Graf's fingers began to itch as he stared at the sword, unable to even fathom the worth of such an item. How would you begin to value it?

Karuth gave a couple test swings, as if he hadn't handled the weapon in some time, before offering it to Jynx. The tabaxi was nearly purring as he hefted the blade, "Marvelous..." He shifted to let the others see the sword before giving it a couple swings himself. Listening to how it practically sang as it sliced through the air. His eyes were shining, "Simply amazing. Thank you," he offered it back to the Lord Steward. The sword was quickly sheathed and held at his side as the tabaxi wandered off with a half-smile. Graf lifted a brow, but didn't say anything.

The barest amount of idle chatter was had before a page approached to say their cart was ready. Bidding them farewell, the Steward returned to his duties as they took the cart out of the city. "Which way should we go?" Rajan nearly whispered in his brogue. Graf spared a glance towards Qistling. The raven hopping down from his shoulder to perch on a rein, cawing quietly. "As the crow flies then. Righty." Feathers ruffled and a rather annoyed croak, "Raven, sorry." A caw. "And a left?" Graf settled into the cart's back and half-closed his eyes as they roamed through the city streets, Yoren taking lead to guide them out into the wilderness.

Outside the city Yoren and the badger, a guard by the name of Eskel, shifted to loosely flank the cart. Graf began to chat with the raptor again, but couldn't get much more than a few grunts from the badger. Might have been too early in the morning, some people just did not function without some tea in them. Which was fine. Graf wasn't in much of a conversational mood, more content to let Yoren talk about the city. Arms crossed as he half-dozed. Feeling Qistling's mind press against his, thoughts tinged with worry. He pressed back with a gentle reassurance and affection.

Wasn't too long before Jynx began to cast a spell, holding up a crooked piece of wood and looking around. He began to point and direct before hopping out and looking down. "Here." Graf watched with lidded eyes as Corrine hopped out of the cart, chittering something. With a wave of her hands the ground began to shift and roll, two knobbly creatures rising from the ground and staring at her. Even from the cart, Graf could smell the elemental energies coming off them. Brow arching curiously as they began to smolder and the squirrel started to panic. Jynx shrugged, uttered something, and Corrine calmed down. At her command, the elementals started to dig.

That wasn't fast enough for the wizard. He began to chant and move his hands, executing very precise motions and verbiage. Body growing larger, fur thicker, muscles and bone creaking. In the space of a blink, he was transformed into a very large, angry looking badger creature. Jynx snorted and dove into the ground as if it were made of water, dirt flying in all directions as he began to burrow.

Graf frowned slightly as he stayed sheltered within the cart. Wasn't long before the wizard climbed back out and spat out a rainbow colored rock. Eyes darted from it to the guards, seeing what their reaction was. Both perked up at the rock, chatting among themselves a moment. Jynx snorted and circled for a moment before frowning at the pebble. The form flowed back into the tabaxi, picking up the pebble, "All that's here." He hopped back into the cart with a grumble.

Back out to the countryside, they roamed a bit further abroad before another round of spell casting and dowsing. Jynx perked up right away and leapt to his feet, making the entire cart wobble as he directed them around. A huge grin plastered on his grin. "Got something. It's gonna be a big one too."

His brow arched as he watched the tabaxi guide the cart to a different area. A glance towards Pickle showed that the monk had gotten into some of the 'snow' that Jynx had lifted from Narzire. Looking around, he found a blanket and tucked it around the large kobold while the cart bounced and wobbled through the wilds to whatever Jynx had found.

"Hey, Graf!" Peering out of the back, he found the tabaxi grinning at him, "Get a bit of help?" There was only one way he could help the tabaxi and that was a tried and true spell of his.

Taking a deeper breath, he rose and braced himself in the back of the cart. His world spun and rocked a bit, but he didn't fall over. That was good at least. While he was steadying himself, their wizard shouted out his chants and cut the air with sharp gestures. Another breath and he lifted his hand, gathering power while Jynx's form began to shift and grow. Returning to that massive badger form. Graf's power shifted and twined, forming into a staff seemingly made of crystalline ice. He let out a hum that thrummed with the power as power pulsed, gathering to a crescendo.

A flick of his fingers sent the staff racing towards the wizard. It struck nearby and exploded with a frosty swirl. The staff wasn't needed, but he did like a bit of theater. Graf held on as the frosty cloud coated Jynx, his body doubling in size. The suddenly expansion making the cart rock with the rush of air coming off their wizard. Graf simply ducked back into the cart as the larger creature turned and began to dig. Feeling the threads of power connecting them as he held the spell.

Just had to sit down and watch as the badger dug down until he found what he was looking for, then started to dig a ramp. He leaned back to watch as Grig hopped down to help the wizard push and shove, working their way up to get the lump of material out. It wasn't big, probably the size of a pony, and didn't look pure, but it was still a sizable chunk. He'd be far more excited about it if he wasn't preoccupied. Not only with what was going on, but the fact someone had tried to kill him. Oh, and making sure that Pickle didn't freak out and start breaking things.

Or was crushed by the rock. Shifting the bundled monk out of the way as the boulder was heaved up and into the cart. Leaning back to plant his feet on it as they turned back towards town. "Not even here a day and we ravage the countryside," he muttered. More to himself than anything.

It was hard to put into words what he was feeling right now. Was it some form of memory he couldn't place? Something in his ancestry that this place called to? Logically, theoretically, it was entirely possible that Magpie could have come from here, or at least an ancestor could have. Weeks ago, they had managed to break the code on several letters they'd scrounged from shipwrecks. Colony ships going to a distant land, and a handful of the people with him had been hired to work as guards for the colonists. It turned out that the spell casters on these colony ships were doing something called Plane Breaking. Some high level magical theory-crafting that was beyond his understanding. To him, magic was just a part of him. It'd take someone like Jynx or Joshua to figure out what went into that.

Or maybe his mother? He knew she could cast spells, but how did she? What about his father? Was it possible that they were from here to begin with? When asked about it, the death god Anubis had stated that while it was easy to come to this plane, leaving was nigh impossible. Too many questions, not enough answers. Graffion wanted to just pack things up and take off running. Things were getting too heavy and too intense. Running had worked well for the last ten years, and it wouldn't be hard to just vanish somewhere here too. Just hop on the airship and adios. Graffion never needed roots, just needed someone to keep him entertained.

Except every instinct was saying no. There was something here that made leaving impossible. Magpie wanted to stay. Wanted to see everything through. Which was strange, it had been a very long time since Magpie longed for anything. A crack in the mask. It was true that for the last decade Graf had been the go-to identity for traveling, and it was even more true that the Graf disguise had gotten more and more lax. Growing thinner until it was just that veneer.

Another quirk of fate perhaps?

Magpie breathed out a quiet sigh and withdrew into Graf, leaving the noble to look over the lands that were possibly his.

Back in town, they stowed the cart in the Emerald Estate's stable. Everyone kind of wandered off to do their own things. Graf keenly aware of the guards that hovered about him. He'd made his opinion on them staying so close known, but they weren't about to let anything untoward happen. A glance showed them milling about the doorway as he wandered the main hall. Checking the fire. It was far from the blaze one would expect, but he'd learned that the house itself was heated by geothermal. Made him wonder if there were hot springs nearby. A trip to them would be nice, or at least a bathhouse would be good. There wasn't really one in the estate, which was a disappointment.

Graf moved from one room to the next. Picking up the sound of the guards shuffling closer, keeping him in view the entire time. Eyes rolled, but he didn't say anything. They had their orders and he wasn't about to jump down their throats for that.

What to do for the rest of the evening? Could always venture out to the streets and see what was the local scene was like. Or maybe a trip to the library and see what information he could scrounge up there? Could be useful to see if there were any volumes on local history or the royalty or... well anything really. Something to occupy himself for the next few hours.

Qistling pecked at his frill. He turned to address his familiar, but stopped when he saw Jynx shambling out a door with two armloads of booze. After his antics at the Silken Embrace a week prior, Graf was nearly ready to brush it off. If not for the look on his face.

He cast a glance towards the guards, Yoren and Eskel still, but they were doing their best to look like wall furnishings. "You two need a break," he said even as he started to follow the tabaxi wizard outside.

It wasn't hard to find his companion. Jynx hadn't left the estate grounds, finding a spot a bit away from all the guard tents to sit down and open one of his bottles. Graf stood nearby for a moment, watching as the feline tossed back the bottle. Not stopping until he'd drained the entire thing in one go. Impressive and not unusual. The tears were though.

With so many guards, it wasn't hard for his twin shadows to simply join their companions. Keeping a respectful distance as they sat down. Graf nodded towards them before joining Jynx on the ground.

The tabaxi lowered a half-empty bottle and before Graf could ask what was wrong, uttered; "My brother, Fire is dead, and it's my fault. When we arrived in Moonsteppe I saw the bulletin about Smoke's capture, so I tried to contact him with no success." He stared at the night's sky for a moment and rolled the bottle. "I sent a message to Shiv instead and she told me that when the Conduit of Kings vanished from his possession, Smoke snapped and murdered half of his crew. Including Fire." Magpie began to wonder about what it'd be like to know that one sibling killed another. "Shiv sold Smoke out to the authorizes and now he's likely facing the gallows." The bottle dropped and Magpie found a great interest in the stars as tears began, "I could have stopped the whole thing if only I had messaged him sooner."

"Wow," was all he could manage at first. Mind whirling with all the information. Shiv he knew personally, they'd met with the bobcat on several occasions. Trading money for ship passage, and also sharing some spoils when there was extra to go round. Jynx had always spoken of Smoke with a kind of reverence, the type that Magpie imagined one would have for a beloved older brother. What was going through Jynx's mind right now. His own mind ranging back to when he found out about Martigan.

A slow shake of his head stopped that train of thought. "Don't blame yourself." Should Magpie be comforting Jynx right now? A pat on the back? A hug perhaps? There had been times when Graf comforted countless people, but it had been an act. Now for someone they considered close? "If you had, well... you know your brother better than any. What would he have done if you had told him? Sat back on his heels until things were settled? Or would he have come looking for use to take back what he believed to be his?" Were they any better though? The Conduit had dropped into his lap and now people were dead because of it. If memory served, he'd been one of the ones warning Jynx off telling his brother about it as well. Some nugget of guilt began to gnaw at the dragonborn. Something had to be done, but what? They had no power over wherever Smoke was being held.

Or did they?

Ideas were starting to form as Jynx turned the bottle in his hands. "I honestly never expected him to react so harshly." That was an understatement. "I thought he would be relived to be rid of the cursed thing. Now I'm not sure he wouldn't have hunted us down like dogs." The thought of facing a fleet of pirates alongside the Blackhearts and a Lich sent shivers down Magpie's spine. "It's almost unbelievable to murder someone from within the tribe, but to kill your own blood relative is unforgivable." Jynx wilted further, "I had no idea greed had taken such a hold on him."

Magpie thought about it a moment, hand trailing up to where the Conduit was hiding. The metal barrel feeling like ice against skin. "So what does the tribe do when someone commits this sin?"

Shoulders rolled in the barest of shrugs, "Exile I suppose. Seems pointless though since he's..." he swallowed back a lump, "since he's probably already swinging." Throwing the bottle back, the tabaxi took several long draws off the bottle.

Tail slid slowly over the ground as Magpie watched Jynx from the corner of their eye. Head rolled ever so slightly, "What about you? Do you want to see him swinging?" There was a kernel of a plan that was starting to form. Hardly even a plan to be completely honest. A concept at this point. Would it be enough? Nothing in their life could have prepared Magpie for this. Siblings were only vague concepts, something to add to a story. If it weren't for those vague memories of their mother, Magpie would've sworn Martigan just won them in a card game.

Jynx stared ahead for a long moment. "I would not want to see him hanged. He is still my brother after all. But his actions can't go unpunished either." The bottle tapped the ground. "I don't know what to do about any of this right now. Someone will have to tell our father about what he's done."

Any other day and it would've been lost. Save an infamous criminal from halfway across the continent? If one had asked Magpie to do that two days ago, they would've laughed in their face. But now? There were options opening up. It was one of those situations where Magpie only had the barest hint of an idea for what to do, didn't have the opportunity. Comfort would have been offered to Jynx, a shoulder to cry on, someone to drink with perhaps. But Graffion DeLuc? Well that was another subject entirely now. Graffion was nobility, honorable despite his tendency to leave, and most importantly, he was quickly gathering resources. Stealing a glance towards the guards milling about, the idea solidified. "Well then, we'd have to get him away from, wherever he might be if he's still alive. However, we can't just set him free." His hand returned to that hiding spot, almost touching the Conduit before going higher to brush his neck. "I might have some questions for Smoke as well." A heavy sigh slipped free as he looked towards the keep. "Don't know how much pull I have yet, but maybe a tug will do."

"If you can do anything at all, I'd be eternally grateful to you, Graffion." Jynx said as he lifted bottle in salute to the burgeoning new king. The salute lifting until he had tipped the bottle back to drain the remainder of its contents.

The mask of Graffion fell back into place as he stood up. He reached out and gave the wizard's shoulder a squeeze, "We'll see what can be done. Get some rest while you can, Jynx." Turning on his heel, the dragonborn marched for the front door, "I wish to speak to Lord Steward Karuth," he told no one in particular. The guards would know their duty though. Some leaping to their feet to follow him while others raced ahead to inform the keep. A whisper of magic hissed along his form, cleaning and straightening his clothes. Wouldn't do to show up looking like he'd been mining all day, would it?

Lord Steward Karuth met him in the main hall, having more discussions with the Central Republic dignitaries while he waited. Upon seeing Graf enter, he excused himself and approached the darker dragonborn with a curious arch of his brow. "Graffion, again I would like to extend my most sincere apologies about Everette. Everyone here is shocked that he would do such a thing. Rest assured, he will be found and his actions questioned." His tone curt and sharp, with just a hint of distaste to show his utter lack of feelings towards this newcomer.

Two could play at that game. Graf had plenty of experience with the diplomatic dance. While he hadn't tried ruling any countries thus far, here were plenty of impossible borders that had been invaded in his time. He adopted a chill of his own to match the Steward's indifference. "I am curious about his motives as well. Though that is a discussion for another time perhaps. Is there somewhere more private we could discuss my reason for coming here?" A glance towards the dignitaries had them hurrying to appear busy.

Brow arched and he shared the look, "Yes, perhaps we could use the library. It's rather close-by and a fairly private place." The steward turned and began to walk, Graf falling into step beside him. While a part of him had been hoping they'd be going to an office or study, he wasn't wanting to push his luck. He caught a glimpse of someone, a mouse adorned in plate armor, stealing a glance their way before following at a respectable distance. Her expression hard to read in the quick look Graf managed before Karuth motioned at a pair of double doors.

The library was massive. More books than Graf could have imagined lining the shelves. As they entered, Jenn looked up from a nearby table, "Lord Steward, Lord Graffion, I wasn't expecting either of..."

A lifted hand silenced the mare, "Is there anyone else in the library?" She shook her head. "Very well, could the young Graffion and I have the room for the moment?" His tone quick and dismissive, leaving Graf to wonder if that wasn't his normal tone. Karuth narrowed his eyes and watched as the mare hurried to gather a few things before hurrying out of the room. Graf busied himself with looking over the books on a shelf before the door shut. Karuth waiting in silent impatience.

Tail swayed behind him as he turned to face the older male. Qistling hopping off his shoulder to light on a chair, preening feathers. "Firstly, I am not seeking to usurp or supplant you. By all I've seen, you have been doing a fine job handling the affairs of the kingdom. Regardless of how the trials come out, whether I prove myself as The Lost Heir or not, there are matters pulling at my attention which will keep me from the Moonsteppe for a time. Months, maybe years even, before all is said and done." He watched the male, but Karuth was in full diplomat mode. Graf was in full swing though, pulling out the truth. "There is a danger out there, one which I would hope I could count on someone far more knowledgeable than I, to help with. I would hope we could meet on even terms there, at the very least, and at the very first."

With his now characteristic leer, Karuth nodded, "Well, any wishes I may have to retain authority are irrelevant until completion of the trials tomorrow. We shall then see if you are worthy, and if so, how you shall use your newfound status as head of the kingdom." Back straightened slowly as he peered down his muzzle at the interloper. "It sounds as though you already have your claws in many different baskets, so perhaps a further discussion is warranted." There was a moment of silence, "But that should wait until your trials have come to their resolution."

A brow arched ever so slightly. Practically a shout for the stoic steward. "However... your willingness to be... this forthright... is a positive mark on your character. At least in my eyes..." Well hallelujah, that might as well be a glowing endorsement from the heavens themselves.

Graf nodded and crossed his arms behind his back, "There is a personal matter. One involving one of my companions and myself as well." This was it, the whole reason he was here and to see how much swing he could get this early. He pressed towards Qistling, the familiar letting him know that they were alone far as he could tell. "Do you know the current fate of the pirate, Smoke on the Water?"

Karuth's brow arched further. "As far as any layperson knows, he is in a cell aboard the CSV Righteous in Cydonia. And very likely shall rot there for the rest of his wretched life."

It was hard not to heave a sigh of relief. Why had he been so nervous over this? Perhaps the fear of what might happen to Jynx if both his brothers were dead. On the outside, he let the sigh whisper out as a quiet hum as he nodded. "How difficult would it be to have him brought here?" That brow quirked, "At least for a short time? There are some matters which I would like to discuss with him regarding," he rolled his hand, "a variety of issues."

To his credit, Karuth did not dismiss it right away. He gave it a moment of thought before starting slowly. "That I do not know." A quiet sigh, "I can perhaps make some inquiries, but as I said, further discussion of these things should probably wait until your trials are finished."

Graf nodded, "Of course. Of course," a nice easy smile, "don't want to go around making royal demands before then." Turn it up to eleven, "Don't want to step on anyone's toes. Diplomacy can be tricky, especially when handling a matter like a prisoner as infamous as Smoke."

"Mmmyes." Eyes narrowed with distaste, "Were he arrested under my authority, his head would already be on a spike atop the walls yesterday." He seemed weary, "But Cydonia plays by its own rule sadly."

That would have been a fun sight to see coming into town. It did remind him of his planned meeting in two weeks. "Speaking of heads on spikes." Karuth shot him a look. "A little tit for tat here since one of my companions would love to have a... chat with Smoke." Turning to the books, he looked over the gilded titles. "There is a group called the Blackhearts. We have run into them several times now, once even on the way here." Between one blink and the next, he was watching the steward through Qistling's eyes. Studying his expression. "They are very skilled at infiltration and highly interested in simply removing people who standing their way. They are ruthless. Even attacked our cleric, and he's a worshiper of Mielikki."

Karuth's eyes narrowed sharply. Now that was a reaction worth noting. "The Blackhearts," the word was nearly growled, "so they've reformed... I do appreciate this information. Another mark in your favor, Young one." He paused for a moment to roll this news, "But for now I really must get back to drafting those peace agreements. Things have turned on a copper today and there is much to do. Excuse me."

Pulling his senses back, Graf turned to face the Steward, "Myself as well." He whistled, Qistling fluttering across the library to light on his shoulder. Both dragonborn and raven offering a slight bow towards Karuth, "I have matters back at the manner. Can't take your eyes off adventurers too long. Never know when they might get into, especially with rumors of ghosts floating about." Graf heaved out a much put-upon sigh, "And I really don't want to pay for damages they might cause on accident. A single day in the estate and I fear for my deposit."

The older male would actually laugh at that before seeing himself out without a word. Graf following on his heels. Guards flanking the door and standing against the wall across from the door. That mouse front and center where she'd be the first one seen as the doors opened. She cast a quick look over Graf, one which was returned with a smile. A slight nod was cast towards him as the guards began to follow, Jenn hurrying back to her task now that the library was cleared.

Graf took his time wandering back to the Estate. It was still rather early evening and he had a feeling Jynx wasn't going anywhere fast. He needed some time to think on his own as well. Well, as alone as he could be with the guards roaming about. They were being somewhat discreet at least. Doing their best to look like regular patrols perhaps? He hadn't had a lot of time to look over the town before earning his babysitters.

A walk through the streets gave him some time to think and soak it in. A stop by a street vendor netting him a handful of fried dumplings in a wooden bowl. If it hadn't been a rather busy stall, he would have worried about poisoning. But getting to watch as they made food for several people, then ordering some himself made it rather clear that this was safe. He caught Eskel giving him a disapproving look, Yoren looking slightly panicked. Graf flashed a smile and ordered a couple more of the dishes before roaming over. "You two need to learn to relax." He offered the dishes towards them, "Or at least allow me to get you something nice in payment for keeping watch over my fool tail."

Eskel actually cracked a smile, "Not the worse job we've had." He readily took the bowl and dug in. Yoren looking a little more reserved before taking it himself.

Graf flashed a smile, "Can imagine." He bit in, finding the dumpling stuffed with some minced meat, lamb perhaps, onion and garlic. Simple and good. A quiet sigh slipped out as he chewed and hummed. "What would either of you suggest I try?"

"Need some milk tea," the badger spraying a bit as he chomped down at the food,

Yoren perked up, his feathers standing on end, "Eskel's wife runs a tea stall right down here, makes the best brew in Moonsteppe."

A gasp slipped from the dragonborn, "Eskel, have you been holding out on me? I am disappointed." He caught the look in the guard's eye and flashed a smile, "I'm just pulling your leg. None of us have had a chance to really talk, I've only been here two days after all." Another bite of dumpling, "And this is the first thing I've managed to keep down today." He was feeling much better. Considering the amount of healing that had been pumped into him, it was likely just nerves that had made his stomach ill.

Graf eventually made it back to the Estate some hours later. He hadn't realized that when Eskel showed up at his wife's stall, that it would involve a full dinner. Naturally, he'd tried to be polite and refuse but she wasn't hearing any of it. She didn't know who he was, just that he was with her husband and was introduced as a friend. If Eskel was half as stubborn and intimidating as his wife was, he felt for anyone that the guard faced in battle.

He took a quick detour to check on Jynx, the tabaxi still working his way through several bottles. Although he had either slowed down or found new bottles from somewhere. Making his way to his companion, he touched Jynx's shoulder lightly, "Smoke is still alive, he's being held aboard a prison ship." It wasn't much, but hopefully it'd be enough for now.

Jynx didn't respond, just keeping his attention focused on the sky and the bottles around him. Graf offered a gentle squeeze before heading inside. With a belly full of meat and dairy and after the night before... he needed to sleep. A quiet groan slipping from the dragonborn as he roamed into the common sleeping area, spying a couple guards in the room. No chance they'd leave the room, not after last night. Fingers twitched and brought up a simple illusion. A rather ornate curtain springing up to cover most of his body as Graf undressed and changed into a robe.

Every instinct was saying that tomorrow was going to test each of them and push them to their limits. For that, Magpie needed as much rest as possible. Holding the guise of Graf for another night would only leave them that much more weary come morning. The robe they had should be more than enough to cover everything up. Chest wraps being shoved into a pocket to hide the fact that the dragonborn was now without them. Cinching up the robe extra tight, Magpie made sure it was seated properly before letting the illusion drop so they could slide into bed. Qistling landing on the headboard and ruffling, keeping watch over the sorcerer as as Magpie drifted off.