A drink? That sounds unusual…. But I imagine you know more about how it works than I would. [He makes a sound of assent.]. It's a good idea to have a plan.

[Thancred's quiet for a time, thinking through this. He wants to play it off, but- it seems Rich needs more than that.]

I thought much the same- and still, occasionally I find myself checking for those shadows. [Ascians… don't have shadows of their own, really. Though- he'll elaborate on that later, perhaps.]. I'd say been able to prepare is a start. But if you need the ear of another who's known something of that- I"m available.