With that little wave from the bird and what can only be called a bow, Thancred at least has some indication that their feathered friend is more than what it seems before Jaskier's voice comes out of it. His back does still straighten in surprise for a brief moment, as his gaze scans the room, taking in their new arrival as well. Sam is a known entity, even if Thancred hasn't had much occasion to talk to him one on one, but he nods in greeting.

No one is going to bother explaining why Jaskier is here as a bird. Right then.

Granted, Jaskier's diminutive form doesn't stop him from throwing out talk of assassination as if that was ever a word that passed Thancred's lips. Thancred heaves out a sigh of his own as everyone else in the room looks to him in unison.

"I never said anything about murder," he clarifies, arms lifting to cross over his chest as he shakes his head from side to side. "I simply think that anyone who's willing to rain fire down on a group of civilians in a fit of rage because her lover was murdered is not someone we can abide having in power. I have spoken with Jolene Sybell about this, a mage who is loyal to Duchess Anastasia of Hayle, though I was naturally far more careful with my phrasing."

Here, he sends a pointed look at Jaskier-the-bird.

"Naturally, she was very diplomatic in her answers, and while she may not be happy with the Queen's actions, she also doesn't view the Free Cities as innocent. She seems willing to function within the status quo, if only because it's all she's ever known."

But why should they stand for that?