Istredd knows without it needing to be said that Lucifer is concerned about his continued withdrawal and he agrees it is going to be a problem if he can't shake out of it eventually. He is here though. He is trying. He even went into town with Kyle once, although that meant he was more withdrawn once he got back, despite it being successful. Istredd would rather not talk about it, but both of them are attempting to talk more. It is part of the deal.

"Born one, no, but did I tell you I was an archaeologist as well as a historian and scholar?" Istredd is glad their arms are still allowed to be pressed together, it's nice. Urianger and Stephen are both doing their own presentations at some point so he'll try to not be distracted for those. "I was in many digs and caves." His love of rocks is eternal.

It's an intentional scrutiny. I can hold up under it. Probably. Hopefully. Istredd has to play a lot nicer with the mages here than he would against Stregobor, to be fair. Him being the favorite meant he could call him a liar in a full room of mages and only get a gentle rebuke. He isn't about to show that attitude with Ambrose.

"Don't encourage me to get an ego, Lucifer, we'll all regret it." He runs his fingers along the back of Lucifer's hand but doesn't hold it.