Book II- Chapter 2: Tick Tock

[§~Samwise~§]

Pheuse shrugged. "Whatever you say, Tobias." He looked down and finished making an arcane path on the small ball to create a light. He smiled softly at the effect, glad that he had accomplished a goal.

"If you change your mind mid-walk there is only so much I can do non-suspiciously." He started stowing the tinkers tools into the tool roll to get ready for departing.

[resonance]

"My magic won't work on Chev though..." she frowned thoughtfully at her faithful skele-deer, "I should really make you a fur coat soon, so you can blend in more." She looked over to Tobias, "do you think he should stay here and wait for us?"

[Ancelas]

Tobias hesitated as he looked to Chev, then to Neuks. They weren't like his old squadmates, much to their betterment. It didn't feel right making decisions for them.

"Hn... it would probably be less conspicuous if he stayed. If he comes, maybe we can... through a cloak or something over him too. I don't suppose anyone knows any general illusion spells?"

[vandalaria]

Porter shakes their head. "I'm afraid not, or nothing beyond perhaps the most simple of tricks." They glance between Neuks and Tobias, "I believe I'll check on that cloak. Shall I inquire into anything else that might help? A stable blanket, perhaps?"

[§~Samwise~§]

Pheuse shook his head. "If I had a day or two I could help Neuks skin up Chev. That is the only help I could offer."

He made sure his tools were tucked away into his pockets and stood in his spot.

[resonance]

"Oh! I've got it!" Neuks produced a length of cord from a pocket then turned excitedly to Tobias. "Chev can hold a message for us! I can either record a voice message, or have some text magically displayed, by enchanting this cord. If we're all out looking for Si, Chev can stay here with a special message from you. I know the staff here are super lovely, but she might start to feel spooked if none of us are here to greet her if she shows up while we're gone. This way, we can reassure her she's safe to stay here and we'll be back soon."

[Ancelas]

"That's... actually a really good idea," Tobias admitted. "She knows what Chev looks like - if he were to give her a message like that, then it's authenticity would be pretty legitimate. That's a very good idea, Neuks. If you don't mind him staying behind?"

[vandalaria]

It had only taken Porter a few steps to reach the door. It had also taken Neuks only a few moments to make that suggestion, and it was only appropriate to acknowledge it before stepping out. "Indeed, an excellent suggestion," they confirmed, agreeing with Tobias. They waited a moment to make certain there were no other requests before stepping out with a polite bow and trying to borrow a cloak quickly. Barring that, perhaps something in the workshop would suffice, and would certainly have more than enough wear.

[§~Samwise~§]

Pheuse had a soft chuckle at the thought of the skele-deer playing a stationary messenger pigeon. It was certainly a good idea that also addressed an issue with trying to be less conspicuous in a more down-trodden area.

"That is an ... interesting and surprisingly good idea." He offered softly. He looked at Neuks from his position and then on to Tobias and Porter. He was unsure of what more there was to say while the others attended to what they needed to do.

He stood at the ready in place awaiting confirmation that they were all prepared for the little journey.

[resonance]

Neuks smiled, so pleased she had an idea they all liked. "We probably won't be gone too long, and I'm sure he can take care of himself. Once you know what message you'd like to leave, let me know and I can cast the spell. Then I'll give Chev the chord to hold and have him sit by the main door so she'll see him as soon as she gets here."

[Ancelas]

Tobias nodded. "Alright. Sounds like we have a plan then. Let me work on that message..."