The path of that stick momentarily draws his eye; it's only a coincidence this happens just as he slows to stand, scarcely more than a cane's length away, but mustn't seem like it. (And there may be something to it, regardless. He's already warned Ralston once.)

"It isn't flattery, Maejyr; these are the reasons I accepted your offer in the first place. So you can imagine how confused I was when this," ugh, awkward phrase, "friend of mine mentioned she'd received a visit from a Mister Ralston on my behalf." His head tilts. "What I'd like to understand is, given what you've observed so far, what exactly made you think this was a good idea?"