[ sam listens, his expression serious but with intent. his frown, which had really been more of a thin press of his lips before now, deepens. he listens and nods and when the kid mentions guards, he stills a bit. ]

It makes sense. [ he says, after a moment. ] The people here, from what I've heard, have always been a bit wary of magic. It's an easy thing to light up, especially with everything that's happening...

[ there is...a lot more going on with cloud than sam can see from here, and with every anxious glance and tense moment, he feels it more. but he also knows that the last time they spoke, it went south much quicker. so he doesn't think pushing is going to get him anywhere with him.

still, after another second, sam exhales. ]

Can I ask you something?