Kasimir made it downstairs, tired and hungry. Rising early was usually easy for him, but after weeks on the road and a night of exertion, the sleep he got wasn't entirely satisfactory. He gestured to the staff for a plate of eggs and ham, and asked for a small pitcher of water before he sat down at one of the multitude of empty tables available. There were only a few travelers, hard men in tough leathers, as well as a merchant and a few locals, up at this hour. He heard the slurred speech that betrayed a few of them as talabeclanders, but the rest sounded like they were from his home province, stark accents and to the point in speech. Seemed like the ravaging hordes had interrupted a lot of commerce. Well, it wasn't his problem. He just needed something in his stomach first, then he could brainstorm on what to do. 

The plate of food didn't seem too fresh, but it was hot and welcoming. The breakfast was set down right when another man took a seat opposite to him. Immediately, without making the appearance of it, Kasimir was on guard. He was a fine swordsman, he could clear his weapon out and cut the man's throat before he fully unsheathed whatever long knife he might have beneath that coat he wore. 

"Wanted to meet me, eh? That or the lady is smarter than she looks," the surly ne'er-do-well said quietly. He glanced left and right, his scraggly facial hair looked like the quills on a porcupine.

Kasimir's entire line of questioning came to an abrupt stop, and a new line of questioning immediately surfaced. "Who the hell are you?" 

The vagabond grinned, tapping his head with his index finger. "Riiiight, play dumb. I get you, master. But you can trust me. I already got things settled for ya on the barge. You still got a few hours before it sets off." He assured Kasimir, who absorbed the information, unsure if he should lead the man behind the inn and beat him for information. "You girl might 'ave gotten the seat for the both of ye for her goods alone, but it's good you're up to the task once you get landside." 

A familiar yawn drew Kasimir's attention, and he glanced back with the same subtley one might do if they were being followed. Her hair tousled, Emmaline had dressed quickly and come down the stairs, bleary eyed and as tired as Kasimir was, only less able to kick herself out of it for some time, likely. Kasimir regarded the man, and curbed the sudden feeling to pinch the bridge of his nose. Ulric save him for what he'd done last night, and what he might do now. 

"What exactly did the lady promise to get us these seats?"