[ There's been an additional bustle around the castle, with mages darting to and fro with books or other supplies in hand, setting up spells that are supposedly meant to reinforce the castle's defenses. On top of that, the guards at the borders have been tetchier than usual, fixing Thancred with long assessing looks when he decides to stretch his legs. It feels as if the cage they've been placed in is becoming smaller and smaller. He, at least, has three passes that will grant him trips outside of the city. Now, it feels as if he needs to be even more careful with his use of them.

There's also the fact that Y'shtola has left, her small space in the Horizon confirmed as gone. Of course Thancred knows that it's for the best that she's back home where she belongs, but it had been nice to have a close friend at hand — especially one who was so resourceful.

It's difficult not to feel isolated with all of that in mind, and so when Thancred isn't busying himself with various odd jobs, he stops in on other Summoned in their various haunts, to say hello or discuss their current situation. It might be joining them at a table in the library, bothering them while they're working, falling into step with them in the gardens, or perhaps bringing them a snack from the kitchen — a piece of fresh bread, some cheese, or a bunch of grapes. If he does make a snack delivery, it will come with a warning of sorts. ] Enjoy that. When I stole into the kitchen to grab a little something, I was almost chased out by the servants. It seems they're doing an inventory of sorts.

[ When he is more in the mood to keep to himself, Thancred might be found in the communal bathing chamber attempting to relax, running through sparring exercises in the training yard with his gunblade or a pair of knives, or sitting in one of the game rooms studying or idly shuffling a pair of cards. ]

[ As it turns out, Thancred ends up making use of one of those passes sooner than he might have expected. With all this talk of the Queen making a trip to Borrel, he had decided to travel there, quietly as he could, to investigate for himself. What he learned there is of interest and concern in equal measure, and it's information that he would like to share with those he trusts among the Summoned — with the utmost care and discretion, unlike some.

His trip is brief, barely the span of a day, and it's after he returns to the Castle that he hears chatter and hushed conversation about recent visitors. A vampire and a werewolf, guests from isolated lands far beyond what any of the Summoned have seen. There's no doubt that it's a political move, and it's quite interesting that the delegates from Luna and Ikorr have chosen now of all times to step out into the light.

While there's no means to speak with the visitors himself, Thancred at least wants to inspect the goods that they brought along with them. He wanders the markets of the castle town, listening patiently to the explanations of the wine, ales, and delicacies, though not opting to sample any unless given some convincing encouragement.

It's the shadow lanterns which catch his interest, and he can be found carefully examining one as he chats with the merchant who had been lucky enough to get her hands on such a curious item. ]

It will shroud everything around it in darkness, you say? Might I test it?

[ If you're in the area, you might want to prepare for everything to get very dark. ]