<div class="floatright">(https://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/4/4f/A099c61e24428cfee4fee43167068f37.jpg)</div>Imriel nodded as Isabela indicated nothing out of the ordinary, his gaze shifting to Mathieu as the man brought the fog up. His hand rose to stroke his beard thoughtfully as he considered the fog might be a part of what was going on.<br/><br/>The short commotion from the door had him turn in place to regard the newcomers before Isabela's speech drew his attention back to the table in front of him. "I confess I have never given such an idea much thought." he said. "For as long as my wits and blade can be of service to Montaigne, I suspect I shall still be wearing this tabard." he responded, brushing the front of the cloth. "And even if I were no longer an active Musketeer, I would still be a chevalier of the Rose and Cross." He gave a small smile. "I do not think it likely I am to pass quietly in a bed in my old age, but we shall see what the future brings. All things are possible, so it is said."<br/><br/>His brow abruptly furrowed, and he turned his gaze to Mathieu momentarily before turning back to Isabela. "Have you ever been to Eisen, m'lady?" he inquired. "It's an unhappy land, and it's borders here are close enough that some of their ... troubles ... might possibly cross into Montaigne. I spent some time there, when I was squire to Julien Reinette, in pursuit of a beast that was roaming across the border and preying on those who lived nearby. At first it took animals, sheep and cattle, but then it's hungers .. changed. It came with the fog, you see. Stout walls could keep it out, but few shepherds huts were strongly enough built for that. We got there after the third .. no, the fourth attack. It managed one more before we were able to track it down and see that it would no longer prey on those not strong enough to defend themselves." His left hand rose to absently rub his side.<br/><br/>"Perhaps there is something more than stories spread by bandits here after all." His eyes were unfocused slightly, staring out as if to pierce the walls and look out into the night.