Barkley is happy to be an escort, either trotting along at their heels or darting forward to menace any birds that don't move fast enough. It helps the whole thing look more normal: just two young women out for a walk with a dog, nevermind the reading material.

At the mention of the mage council there's a slight hum, Merrill turning to look at Ellana before deciding that she may be better off paying attention to where she's walking. "I've heard of it, sort of. Mostly just that it exists."