Zero Hour

[Bjorn]

Bjorn eyes Durant thoughtfully for a second or two, but then decided to go with the immediate priority -- grabbing some food.

As he sits and eats, he watches the crowd -- not looking for anything in particular, at the moment (other than somebody glaring daggers at Durant, perhaps), but just now-habitual watchfulness.

[Brian]

Mmm.  Stew.

After getting a bowl of warm food into you, you feel a bit better.  The bread's actually not bad, either.

Most of the people around you keep a respectful distance away.  The only person nearby that you recognize is Dorian, who is watching Durant's performance.  At least, he does for a while.  Not long after, while you're still eating, he notices you, and rises from his table, wandering to sit next to you.

"Ho, hero," he says, nodding at you.  "How fare you today?"

[Bjorn]

Bjorn raises an eyebrow at Dorian's form of address, but says nothing.  "Tired," he says quietly, "as I imagine we all are.  How fares it with you, Sir Shivershaft?"

[Brian]

"Weary in my own way," he says with a shrug.  "But we press on, as we always do."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn nods at that, and then frowns slight.  "You would have been on the ramparts during the last night of siege, Sir Shivershaft?  I wonder if you noticed where the arrows that pierced the general's shield may have come from."

[Brian]

He blinks at that, and frowns.  "Arrows?" he asks.  "I fired a great many at the barrier, and none of my arrows would pierce it.  I did not see anything pierce it, truly."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn nods slowly.  "Of course.  Thank you, though."  He sighs, and changes the topic.  "Have you spoken with Sir Liandral since he returned to the Keep?"

[Brian]

Dorian grimaces.  "I don't trust him," Dorian says very quietly, as though to avoid being over-heard.  "His behavior has changed, and he forgets himself -- and his roots.  I do not know what he found in the wastes, but is has marked him."

[Bjorn]

"How so?" Bjorn asks, quietly in return.

[Brian]

"It's hard to say," Dorian grumbles, rubbing his chin, and staring at the table intently.  "He seems less given to his old ways ... he doesn't even speak of his fallen companion anymore.  The one that ... ah.  But you lost enough of your own, there.  I should not have brought that up."  He looks apologetic.

[Bjorn]

"Most of us have suffered losses," Bjorn says, softly, "and we will likely suffer more before the end.  But I've done my grieving, Sir Shivershaft.  I thank you for your concern, but you do not need to watch your words on my behalf."

[Brian]

"Ah," Dorian says quietly.  "Fair enough.  But keep your eye on him ... mark my words, he's not to be trusted."  He shakes his head.  "It's difficult to explain ... but I've known him for years.  Centuries.  And I know something has changed."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn nods at that, consideringly.  "Thank you, Sir Shivershaft.  I will keep my eyes out."  He ponders for a second.  "Have you shared your concerns with Lord Kevin?"

[Brian]

Dorian shakes his head.  "No ... I would have spoken with Sir Lammermore, but now it is too late."  He grimaces.  "I don't know what to do."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn hums.  "You don't wish to approach Lord Kevin?  If it's simply a matter of gaining an audience, I could provide that for you."