<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div><strong>@ Tagan: </strong>At Madoka's quick response, the old man's face breaks into a smile, which slips fraction at the mention of possible rewards.  Then his smile broadens even wider and more amusedly.<strong>"I suppose even an old man like myself can't rely on the good will of others,"</strong>he nods, as if at some amusing secret.  Pondering for a few moments, his eyes roll this way and that at the ceiling as though shifting through ideas and discarding them.  Finally he give final nod to himself and digs into his robes, and with a rattle of stone, he opens his hand to reveal what appears to be several small obsidian pebbles, before explaining:<strong>"Money is always a nice thing as are items of power, but I've always found the aid of friends to be the most useful - if you are amendable, I shall 'reward' all of you with these Lesser Abryin stones; made with my own blood, they are keyed specifically to me and should you hold them and call for me, I will be able to find you and come to you in moments.  However unlike a True Abryin stone, I will not be able remain indefinitely and when the stone's power fades within an hour, I return to where I once was.  So?  What say you?"</strong><br/><br/><strong>@ Phaia:</strong>As he made his offer of the Abryin stones, his ears pricked to the suggestive offer of aid that Azile was offering.<strong>"I assure you Miss Eliza, you would be the dream incarnate of many a man, and that is well here in the sanctuary, but remember that the outside world has different ideas on the behaviour of the fair folk,"</strong>he muses with a tug of his beard,<strong>"and whilst you attention would still be welcome, it in itself will draw attention, which may come to the notice of certain undesirable elements, if you know what I mean."</strong><br/><br/>At the comment by Lathus, Cornellius nodded with a laugh,<strong>"See here.  Even your own friends are not unaware of the impact you have with you unabashed manner.  I'm not complaining, mind you, as I doubt any other will, but I do worry for your safety my dear.  A little discretion before the wrong crowd and a bit of indiscretion in front of the right ones may get you a long way, as well as provide you with... continuity to your desires, should I say."</strong><br/><br/><strong>@ hgb: "Your mind is still sharp, even after such drink Michael - being of the stout folk has suited you well I am thinking,"</strong>laughs Cornellius softly, though does not turn to look at his guests as he speaks.  With a sigh he continues,<strong>"That I did though, I still do.  Everyday.  I cannot find any of them, save one, though he numbers only amongst those who dug up the relic, not amongst those who are friend to me.  I would have talked to him, but he was sick, feverish, and delirious - I simply could not get him to give me proper answer, and even recalling his own name was taxing on his mind.  He passed away some three days ago."</strong><br/><br/>Finally, old Cornellius does turn to look at Michael appraisingly.<strong>"You are a devout of Valkauna are not Master Michael?  Perhaps you will join me a little later to visit his grave and help me say a prayer for the poor man's soul?"</strong><br/><br/><strong>@ Group:</strong>At the mention of a visit to the miner's grave, Cornellius pauses for a moment, his brow lined as if in deep thought, or perhaps even wracking his brain.  Finally he speaks,<strong>"Thinking upon it, there was never any mention that the relic could not be seen.  Only that it should not be moved from where it has been kept.  I simply assumed that because there were armed guards... of course I could be splitting hairs here.  Still I've always been one to be discreet about matters, so I had not really thought to go through the front door, so to speak."</strong>