Kalem paused and looked at Braiden, his eyes narrowed in thought and consideration. "I keep forgetting you... bah, you're new. Very new; to her life, to her world, to me. It's hard to remember that you have a stake in all this. Cadence trusts you, though, which means I will. A moment, please."
The mage's fingers flickered, and he gestured three times - once to the ceiling, once to the door, and once to the floor. Something in Braiden trembled and tensed, like threads were attached to his hair and skin, and tuggled lightly to the sides. If he didn't know better, he'd say he was sensing the magic Kalem cast, which was, of course, impossible. Only those with magical talent could sense spells.
When the mage's fingers finally went still, he nodded. "There, we may speak in privacy, now. Cadence's mother came to see me, and after she decided to not give me a slow death of suffering, she pointed me to the mountains. She also warned me to tell no one of my concern, nor my reasons, which I'm ignoring by telling you. I imagine you'll likely tell Cadence, which is just as well. I owe no loyalty to Celia.
"She said that the dragons have secrets, which is like saying they have scales, and that shadows grow there. Some are forgotten, and some are sheltered. She indicated that if I wanted to protect Cadence, I would focus on the mountains. So I am, but I've learned all I can without going there myself. I don't waste your time, Braiden; I prize mine too value, if nothing else."
