"So I would guess it was some time ago, then," Lanestol responded to Aspasia. "I was not looking to purchase it. Had it not been for recent events, I could have gotten one like it. In fact, I did have one like it for casual attire just after I graduated my village academy, just of lighter color. The hard part was sufficiently turning a trap on him so I could stop him cold and siphon out his life. I would have definitely lost a straight-forward battle and the way I did it guaranteed the pelt stayed whole. Not much risk of tearing it with a weapon, though for some, that gave it a bit of charm or room to sew in a pocket. These days, werewolves of Innistrad are mangled abominations, far beyond how twisted they were to begin with. You may want to keep that one intact as long as possible. It is not replaceable, as it is. You could get another if you not mind the next one coming with tentacles or other unnatural appendages."

Lanestol turned to acknowledge the contact who had finally come to meet with Veronica. Upon hearing the messenger's contemptuous tone toward Alexander and Victoria, his demeanor took a sudden turn. The ruby pendant flashed for a moment before his eyes turned the same shade of red, and a wicked smile curled as he made direct eye contact with the messenger cleric. He stood from his stool and walked right to the agent as he bowed before him. He leaned in and whispered in the contact's ear, a disquieting anger concealed as he grit his teeth.

"[color=ff0000]I would have hoped you would treat your hosts with a bit more respect, especially considering your current status. It is not one which commands respect or draws envy from anyone. If this goes poorly in the Advisor's view, you will be fortunate to stand in line for the Maw. If you do hold respect for my station, act like it and be a more gracious guest or you will be no one's guest again.[/color]"

[i]I could have told him something like that myself without the threats.

[color=ff0000]Someone with his arrogance needs a good whip now and then to know his place. He needs to know just how little control he has of the situation. Whelps like him are why I wonder you still don't just blow them all to the aether and become the Guildmaster.[/color]

I would be no different from him, flexing my power to control people. That, and I know that would motivate you to try to take control of me permanently. I only tolerate you since I cannot exorcise you yet. If you drive me to it, I will seek someone else to send you on your way. For now, I wish to have command again.[/i]

With his own message given to the agent, Lanestol stood and returned to his seat. His pendant flashed again and his eyes reverted back. His face had also returned to its usual forlorn stare before he faced Alexander upon his query.

"I suppose some work would be in order. At least, after I eat. My stomach has settled from the nervous moment earlier."