Grimm gaped: he had never seen Tordun smile since he had first met the swordsman. The smile disappeared from the albino's face in an instant, but the mage could not deny what he had seen.

"Thank you, Armitage. I would appreciate that," Tordun said, bowing.

Armitage said, "You seem very young to be a mage, Master Grimm. What sort of magic do you do?"

The Questor activated his Mage Sight again. He saw no indications of any Technology within Armitage's skull, but he did see small grey nodules in the man's aura, indicating either deception or deliberate concealment of something. This alerted Grimm to be on his guard.

"My magic, like that of most Questors, is largely destructive," he said. "We mature young. Well met, Armitage."

The Administrator seemed more than a little interested in Crest. "May I ask where you are from, good Sir?"

"I'm from Drute, Administrator Armitage," the elf replied, his expression revealing nothing, "as was my father. My mother was from Eeranna. In case you are interested, I am a half-elf."

"Interesting… interesting," Armitage muttered, nodding and smiling as he stepped back to face the group. "Well, my friends, I would guess you're feeling tired and grimy after your journey. I understand your travelling bags were retrieved from the mountain and are waiting in some rooms I've had prepared for you. You will stay for the night, won't you?"

Xylox nodded. "We would be happy to do so, Administrator Armitage. Thank you for the hospitality you have shown us."

Armitage bowed. "Please join me at dinner tonight, gentlemen and, ah, lady. If you'll be so good as to excuse me, I have some business to attend to."

One of the white-clad guards stepped forward. "If you folks'd care to follow me, I'll show you to the hab block: that's where you'll be staying while you're at Haven."