"The Synod..." The barman said, his tone making it more of a statement than a question. He paused, but his demeanor did not reveal much about his thoughts, aside from some suspicion. "I know the man, but it wouldn't be right for me to start talkin' about one of my patrons behind his back to a bunch of strangers. Not without a really good reason. And I can't really think of what some scholars would want with a simple adventurer."

Meesei answered directly, or at least seemed to do so. "We have learned that Cyrus has obtained a cursed axe. It is a relic, unique, but dangerous in untrained hands. We wish to acquire it for safekeeping, and for our own study. We mean your friend no harm." 

The Nord was mostly steadfast in his expression, though Meesei's warning about the axe being "cursed" did give him some pause. "I've heard a lot of crazy stories from customers over the years. Some drunk, some thieves and con artists. I can't just go trusting every stranger I meet."