Keystone smiled as best he could, given his directed course of action (and the dwarf-to-man conversation he'd had with Rocksteady) as Saran fired off question after question about their upcoming travel. 

"It's boring out there, most of the time. I'm mostly findin' myself walking for days an' weeks on end, shouldering a full pack. When I'm alone, anyways. Bandits're a real concern, but they don't like attacking people in numbers, on the usual. Why I wanted to get with a caravan, y'see. Either poor and alone, or with a large, armed group. Best ways to go. Just be advised, Miss Saran, there are those what would try to take advantage of a woman on the road, unless you put some fear into 'em. Real fear, or something sharp, into 'em."

His thoughts shifted to what he had seen personally, being fairly new to this area of Faerun, "We're not nearing war, as I'm aware. And we're on a major trade route. Road's safer, least during the day. Nighttime, may have to get creative." 

The next morning found Keystone honestly surprised that he was the last to wake. He had meant to get an early start. With urgency in mind, readied himself for the day to come. 

In the main room, Keystone neatly folded his black, wool coat and set it on top of his pack, taking the opportunity to retrieve his stash of coins. Good but Expensive didn't bother him much, he would just sell them back when he returned. May still be a loss, but service rendered, he would pretend that he was merely renting the animal. 

He coolly regarded Saran and the newcomer Red Wizard, a trace of suspicion hinted in his glance. Instead of addressing Grom, Keystone gave him a nod and replied to Saran, "Yeah, horses. Let's see to them after I'm back from Kai's, then that other stop we were discussing yesterday. Looking nice, by the way. I'd cover that richer clothing if I was you, once we get out there. Borrow my coat if you like." 

As the tall Magess's attention turned elsewhere and Kaylee made her wrecking ball appearance, Keystone closed his eyes involuntarily and winced, forcing his mind back to proper order. As if to cover for his sudden, growing alarm, he made a pained request in his mindspeak, "Ow! Just a touch quieter, little Kaylee. Haven't had morning tea just yet, today..." 

"Miss Saran, I'd 'preciate a talk on our plan in the workshop, if we could."

Outside, in view of Avar, Keystone shared his concerns with his potential traveling partner, "Look, here's what's what, and there's not room to move on it: If I start acting ...not me... on this trip, or gods forbid do something aggressive at you," he looked Saran straight in the eyes, to make sure she was focused on his words, "I need you to [i]kill me[/i]. Understand?" 

Keystone looked to Rocksteady, calm but intently serious look on his face. "If you have something that'll help her do that, I'd be obliged if you'd lend it to her. Don't tell me what it'll be. I can't know. Call it insurance."

"Something else, Saran, and I mean this kindly - Maybe your man Grom should come with instead. I don't want to separate you from your family, and if I'm putting anyone's life in danger I'd prefer it be some pointy-hat I don't care a copper shaving about. Our deal still stands, I'm splitting my profits with you all when I'm back, though we may have to three way it if that Grom fella's up for it."

"Look, talk it over while I'm off to Kai's. Then it'll be horses, graveyard, and you lot can yell at me, much as you please. Deal?" 

Keystone left his finances with his pack, and set out to acquire his new armor. The short walk in the unseasonable, foggy air was enough to make him wish he'd brought his wool coat with him instead of lending it to Saran, but he shook the thought away. It was quickly replaced by another, creepier thought; a wave of unnatural fog heralded the coming of something horrible, last time he experienced it. 

His pace quickened, and did not stop until he had arrived in front of his armor. 

It was a lovely item, well measured and fitted, despite its creator only having met him the one time. He slipped the coat over his arms and shoulders, experiencing the weight and feel of it. Methodically, he buckled it together. The errant pugilist gave a flex here, stretch there, satisfied with the product. 

"Many thanks, Master Kai. Beautiful work, this. I'll likely be talking to you again come soon, luck permitting." 

Keystone exited the premises and cast a wary glance around himself. Slowly, he pulled his hood up and made his way back to the Rocksteady Forge, preparing to accept whatever hornet's nest he stirred up with his parting words.