Varn nodded at the suggestion. "I might look into large pillows or the like. I'd rather not offend any centaur diplomats on my first meeting with them," he said, chuckling.<br/><br/>He listened thoughtfully. "I hadn't considered that, honestly. Most people see mountains, and think of mining for gems or metals, but stone itself? A little on the mundane side, sure, but we're close enough to Restov... it'd make a good trade for their lumber. Brevoy is notably light on good quality stone. And a dozen advisors, really?" he asked a bit incredulously. "Must have a dragon's hoard of treasure to be able to afford that many specialists. It's enough work keeping those I do have employed paid."<br/><br/>He shook his head at the mention of dealing with problems. "If only it were so easy over here. Seems every time I put down one problem, two more crop up, even worse. Maybe things will turn around; we had a self-proclaimed treasure hunter pass through here a few days ago, claiming he was following a lead on something to the south. Maybe that will open an opportunity we need."<br/><br/>He laughed at the change in topic. "Oh, my friend... that's a challenge of a lifetime, I swear." He glanced over at the elven woman who had accompanied him. "At least for me, the secret's apparently been to get her to open up to me at the most embarrassing possible moments, I swear. I think she does it just to fluster me, very twisted sense of humor. I half expect she'll whisper an invite to her bedroom to me in the middle of a serious diplomatic negotiation, without even cracking a smile, just to watch me squirm. Let me tell you, being 'good' and being 'nice' are not necessarily the same thing!"