'<em>Or, it could just be a mildly interesting piece of statuary</em>,' Ethan thought sheepishly, biting his bottom lip in silent gratitude that he managed to avoid opening his mouth and looking any more like a fool than he already did. He watched from the corner of one eye as Linwood withdrew a small cigarette from somewhere beneath his armor and lit up. The smoke wafted through the air with much more energy and volume than it had any right to from such a small flame, and within minutes a new form appeared from the trees.<br/><br/>The figure approached casually and greeted Linwood with an easy familiarity. '<em>Huh. So that's Linvale's demon. Interesting</em>,' Ethan thought, making a clear mental note for future reference. It was always interesting watching other sorcerers call their demons; so far, he didn't think any two did it quite the same way. Ethan rarely used psychoactive substances himself, especially in his dealings with demons, but he readily admitted they could be remarkably useful in the right situations.<br/><br/>Linwood wasted little time in barraging the Grimalkin with question after question, and soon Ethan's curiosity refused to be held in check any longer. There were perhaps a dozen questions floating ready at the forefront of his mind, and without bothering to weigh the pros and cons of becoming too chatty Ethan piped up and let them fly. "So, what's the significance of that book? Who owns those castles in the distance? And is it true that the Swamps of Tantalos are filled with the unattainable objects of every heart's desire?"<br/><br/>Ethan took a brief moment to breathe, then turned to Linwood and began badgering him with just as many questions. "Who did you contact to gain a Grimalkin's assistance? Who's this princess we're trying to rescue? And what did that dragon you mentioned look like ?"