Michael stops by to grab some extra trail rations before double checking his things, ensuring he would be ready for the journey in the morning. After that he takes his time to say a brief prayer to Valkauna,<em>"Valkauna grant us swift victory in our task, and watch over your faithful. Help guide my axe and lead me down the path of righteousness."</em><br/><br/>Arriving at the feast, Michael wasn't disappointed in the lack of food, the ale was all the nourishment he would need. Diving right in, Michael makes an attempt to catch up to the old man, downing more than was probably healthy. After his fourth cup he slows down to a more moderate pace, having to wake up early was on his mind. It had been too long since he had a drink, and it was nice to relax.<br/><br/>He was well into his cups when Cornelius began, and at first the poor dwarf didn't realize the topic had gone serious. Michael listens closely to Cornelius speak frowning slightly as he gets to his request. Waiting patiently he lets the others finish speaking before he opens his mouth, he already knew his opinion wouldn't be the popular one. When the others said their peace he stood stroking his beard,<strong>"While I can understand your concern for your friends, we should respect the councils wishes. There is obviously a good reason behind their decision. The decision was made with more information than we have, and shouldn't be undone without a better understanding. I will make an attempt to learn about your friends, find them, but I won't be part of sneaking around behind the council, and would have to insist that you go through the proper channels instead of acting like vagabonds." </strong><br/><br/>Michael sits back down, quietly finishing off his current drink. He didn't think his opinion on this was likely to win him any favor, but he felt like this was the right thing to do anyways. He clears his throat turning towards Cornelius,<strong> "You said you tried to scry the artifact. Have you tried to scry your friends?"</strong><br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Sense Motive</div><div class="spoiler_body">When conversation turns serious at what was supposed to be a party it puts Michael off slightly. He tries to get a feel to see if he is being told the whole truth, or if someone (Cornelius) was leaving parts out. Sense Motive 16 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=33360)<br/></div></div>