abraxaslogs | I don't trust, but I see right in front of me

Being tracked using it was his second thought, after the surprise of actually being given what he'd requested.

To the question he gives another half grin.

"Deliveries. Hopefully more excuses to be in Borrel, and Hayle."

He can still use the portals when they're open, they're actually still faster than his travel method through the Gray Space. But he doesn't need to wait for one to be set up now. Also -

"After you look at it I'll probably dash over to the beach and back. Just to see what happens."

If anyone immediately knocks on his door when he returns.

He's been listening in silence, absorbing the information and filing it away.

"I assume anything they've given us in general is being tracked," Lucifer points out. He wears the pendant for Nocwich at all times, expecting that has a tracking spell on it. But he hasn't done anything suspicious and it's better for him in the long run to be overt about all his movements so that when he's not, they won't think anything of it.

"I'd also imagine that the item is tamper-proof. A test of your loyalty."

Because Lucifer wants nothing more that to pry his hands into it and see how it ticks, see how they can replicate it. Which very likely means that they should by no means try, not right away, anyway.

"It would be stupid if they aren't." Istredd's fairly positive they have a magical tracker on everyone. It wouldn't be hard to do and it would be the first thing the Brotherhood would do if they were the ones plucking people out of other realms. They probably would have thrown them in the dungeon right away too. Thorne and the Brotherhood have more than a few things in common.

Their movements are already pretty controlled by Thorne and he's gone no where that they wouldn't be able to find him easily. If there is a tracking spell it may be something they have to counter some day, that's all. It will be curious if Kyle sets anything off.

"We're definitely not going to tamper with it." It is too useful to take any risks with. "I'm fairly certain you're the first person the King has actively spoken to from our group." He doesn't know about the originals, but most people still around since then are the people who fled. Yennefer has her connection with the Queen, Stephen with Ambrose, and now Kyle with the King. Not bad.

"Some of us at least know how their tracking spells work now."

Not him, but Yennefer and Strange, from what he can recall. Unfortunately they don't have very many experience mages amongst the Summoned in Thorne, something that only really became apparent during the kidnappings.

"And I might've just been the first person to ask," he shrugs, though there's not much conviction behind his words. The king's been notably absent.

"He might be more willing to speak with others in the future, but - as much as he seems more reasonable than his wife, he's still prepared to go to war to protect the Singularity, and his own kingdom."

So not entirely a pushover, but not quite the divisiveness between them Kahlil had been hoping for. Not as he's seen yet, at least.

"I'd be surprised if she was married to someone that didn't share her views. She seems like the sort to nip that problem in the bud very quickly." He says like he's had much interaction with her except for that time she made all the Summoned watch Thorne firebomb Libertas. That's a good way to judge a person though, right?

"I'd love a weak break somewhere between the two of them that the Summoned could use, but they'd have to provide a united front. Can't show public disagreement."

A pause.

"I do always fear how much the 'walls are listening' yada yada, but the throne room more than anything. I suppose it's too much to hope that even without guards he had to put on a show?"

"The Singularity being a priority to them is why I want to be here right now." Despite him and Lucifer talking about where they could make a new life, that is a 'down the road' possibility, not a next month one. Maybe when they have answers and anchors and can take a break. Istredd would not leave Thorne tomorrow if given the option. He will have no better access to the information he finds vitally important.

"If we weaken the crown too much, it weakens that protection too." Istredd is not saying they should bolster the crown of ignore the reasons and ways they can break it down instead. Those are all pertinent ideas. But priority wise, if the Singularity becomes vulnerable, the Free Cities may fulfill their threats. It is a tight rope they're walking.

As much as Lucifer dislikes being caged, he keeps willingly coming back to this one. And there's work to be done.

He looks to Kyle. "I think you've got the right idea getting someone to look into Free City's history, and what their deal is with the Singularity, and why. Their real reason instead of speculation."

He snaps his finger in Istredd's direction without shifting his gaze. "Because that also concerns me, but if we know Free City's real reasoning, maybe we can prepare for the worst if the Crown does get shaken too much."

He shifts and folds his legs up under him. "Related back to the Summoning spell: has anyone inspected the fountain? Will they let anyone near? Is it just their chosen location or is it a conduit, something necessary about it for the spell?"

"Conduits, if I had to guess."

But he shrugs, unable to say for sure. Only that there was nothing in that room that reminded him of the Great Gates, and water had been a conduit of sorts when he traveled.

"I don't know anyone who's been let back inside after first being Summoned."

"I would guess conduit as well. I didn't get a very good look at the time." None of them really had the best state of mind in that moment.

"There were probably a few spells happening at the same time. To take away our abilities, for example." It could have been a part of the fountain or in the room when they were pulled out. The entire thing was supposed to be confusing.

Istredd considers, rubbing a hand across his beard. "We need reliable sources in Free Cities who have the type of influence that might get actual answers from the authorities there." They have Strange, Yennefer, and now Kyle. He doesn't know who their comparisons would be there.

"I wouldn't say that for sure; in my experience interdimensional hopping naturally weakens the body. That could've been a side effect, not intentional."

He's spent so much effort on Solvunn because Thorne wouldn't that he's been blinded to thinking on Free Cities, not to mention as he had said to Istredd that he was pretty sure everyone he knew from Free Cities wanted him dead.

But...

"I might also know someone," he says. "She may be willing to aid me."

Helping the divine? Of course she'd rise to the occasion.

"Of course it was intentional. It would be stupid to summon random powerful people without immediately having something ready to mute them. They're ignorant at times, but they're not stupid." Thorne, he means. Ambrose in particular. Ignorant, reckless, arrogant. But not stupid.

Istredd doesn't exactly have close relationships in Free Cities himself. A few more post-Pit. "Sam Wilson is one of the originals, and also one of the originals in Free Cities. His domain is the one where Natasha gathered all the notes." Istredd went there to get the notes that he now nods to, on one of the walls.

"We could ask Natasha or I know his friend Steve well, from the Pit. He may have the type of experience to get answers." On the superhero team, as he's mentioned before to Lucifer. Strange as that all sounds. "We could also ask your person. We could have multiple people on it."

Only if you do it wrong, he thinks when Lucifer makes the comment about interdimensional travel.

"We probably shouldn't send too many people seeking the same information at once." If only to avoid suspicion. But it's probably less of an issue in the Free Cities.

"They've got enough ego," Lucifer argues, "all for their 'grand design.'"

But he shrugs it off, leaning back into the books, attention primarily back on his turtle.

"Agreed. Hit up your contact. If that falls through, let us know. Last thing we need is something getting misconstrued and some higher-up in Free Cities spins us asking questions via their Summoned as Thorne Summoned turning traitors. Doesn't matter we're looking for Free Cities information; if anything turns up about Thorne, that's all they need to make a story against us."

"One or two should be reasonable. That's assuming we shouldn't put all our faith in one contact." It isn't that he doubts them or anything, although maybe that is exactly what the truth is. He's paranoid, they're paranoid, it's a thing. It is more that it is hard to say who will do what and also what they'll ask. He's not going to give them a list of things to ask.

"We've managed to get a great deal of information from the Solvunn Summoned safely. Michael and Wanda in particular have been very helpful." So it seems like it's a good idea to add people in Free Cities, the place where they are the most blind.

He nods in concession, uncrossing his arms.

"Another thing - I can cover the costs of two small weapons. Assuming you're both still poor."

Now that they can carry them without getting in trouble.

Well, two of them can.

"I'll pass you the coin when you come to look at my new jewelry."

"A weapon," Lucifer all-but swoons, hand to his chest. "Be still, my vessel's heart."

Forgive him this one, Istredd.

He still mourns the loss of his stolen switchblade, even though he doesn't fault Wilhelm for it. And if he really wanted to keep a blade in hand, he would've dug the one he tried to filet Kyle with out of the tree.

He can kill just fine with his bare hands, but a blade is a necessary part of an angel and he's been missing that piece of himself, even if it won't ever be the same.

"We are very poor, yes."

Istredd glances over at Lucifer and smiles at his reaction. No forgiveness needed. He gets it. He was once a carrier of the switchblade too and while he's not very interested in weapons, he can see the necessity. Lucifer has shown him well enough how to use one, in case of an actual fight.

"That's very thoughtful of you, Kyle." Offering knowing it would be reassuring.

"I think it is fair to say they'd probably take it from you, Lucifer." He knows about Ambrose. Ambrose would not be so stupid. "We can use a cloaking spell or you can always take mine." Istredd can openly carry his so it wouldn't be a surprise.

At Lucifer Kahlil makes a face like he's tasted something sour, but it's mostly a farce, especially with how quickly his mouth shifts to a grin again at Istredd.

"Kell can probably recommend a blacksmith." There's the couple trying to adopt him...

"And I'm sure he can find somewhere to hide it," he adds wryly. Non-magically. He's sure that quite a few Summoned carry hidden weapons and will continue to do so even with the ban being partially lifted. He will, anyway.

Unless there's any other topics to discuss though, he looks about ready to dismiss himself. Not that he doesn't enjoy their company - especially when they aren't overtly having a conversation on the side where he can't 'hear' it.

Don't judge him, Kyle, you've offered him a very rare boon. He is genuinely appreciative so suck it up.

"I held a blade on me for a good seven months, I think I'll be okay keeping it secret, but a cloaking spell might be good."

He sets the turtle into his lap and holds up both his hands, palms facing each other, and uses the pull of the Horizon to conjure an angel blade. "While something like this would be nice and definitely something I'd want under a cloaking spell, I'm not picky." He flicks the item out of existence. "I don't need anything specially crafted, any ol' short blade will do."

"And thank you," he says before Kyle leaves.

They intentionally are not speaking on their bond this time. Istredd knows it's rude so if they're there to talk all three of them, it isn't fair to leave Kyle out of it. Sometimes it can blend together for them, but it works.

"Kyle." Istredd says quickly before he leaves. "We should get that drink. It might be nice, to not be theorizing the entire time for once." Honestly, they may still theorize, but maybe they can attempt to have a real conversation too.

After their talk, Istredd's stayed a little worried for him, but Kyle seems better. Talking to the King no doubt helped give him something else to talk about. But he told Kyle he considered him a friend, and they shouldn't need to have a conspiracy theory in order to talk or spend time together. It's an olive branch.

He actually steps forward, peering at the blade with the discerning eye of someone who has stabbed more people than he'd willingly like to admit. There's something about the make of it that seems unnatural, more perfect than should be possible, and he finds himself getting distracted for a moment. He would have liked to be able to see it in person.

Kahlil blinks at Istredd, finally turning away from Lucifer and the blade. After a half second he smiles warmly.

"I'd like that."

He can even recommend quite a few places.

"Come find me later."

With that, he blinks out of the space.

I don't trust, but I see right in front of me

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