Canapes first, but fruit second and just as happily.  The creature seems to get full after a few more bites.

As Wash focuses on projecting images and words into the creature's mind, there's no response from it.  It eats and then settles down for a nap on your shoulder.  When you speak, you do get a mental picture of yourself, Wash, flapping your lips in a slightly comical fashion while a small dragon-like creature gently dozes on your shoulder.  It does then appear to fall asleep.  Little claws dig ever so slightly into  your shoulder and then relax.

Seeing Wash busy with his new pet and Balassar drinking, Alton sets about doing what he can to clean himself up a bit using Prestidigitation. He will also change up the flavor of Balassar's ale when he sees him take a drink.

Alton, you are cleaner than you've been for a while.  Are you doing anything specific to the taste of the ale, or just generally improving it?

Alton would be changing the flavor of the ale to just different fruits, mostly just to prank Balassar.

Balassar seems to just chug indifferent to the changing flavors of the ale as he finishes the first barrel. He looks to a servant and just nods in approval "I like this one, bring me another!" he says in a cheerful voice as he puts down the ale barrel. He just looks to Wash as he waits for more ale to show up "So you brought up some issues back there in the cavern, do we need to talk them out? You're not some Xhorasian sympathizer are ya?" it was clear that the dragonborn had no sense of tact when talking to people, candor always being his preference in conversation.

Wash responds "No, Alton and I were trying to use deception to have the mad-inventor share information about his plans and to stop him from using that mechanical armour against us. I have served with the Dwendalian military and my loyalty remains with the empire, but I have seen the horrors of military conflict and "sympathise" with the people of Xhorhas as far as knowing that they are not inherently evil - despite what some in the empire say - and I do not want to see harm befall them. I saw acts of compassion and mercy from Kryn military about as often as I saw it from our military. Same for acts of cruelty. I also saw many innocent non-military people killed and injured on both sides. As I said just before, I'm extremely concerned that the agents of Xhorhas were able to infiltrate so far west into the Marrow Valley and appear to be willing to escalate the animosity between our empires to all out war. A war would be horrific for both sides."

Balassar just takes a bite of the meat in his hand "Your allowed your opinion, though only good Xhorhsian is a dead one. Burn the land and let the empire have it, we would save a lot of good people by doing that to those monsters." as he speaks his eyes just seem to wonder as if triggering memories of old. The dragonborns body was as truthful as his speech and two things could be made cleared from how he spoke and his distant eyes. The first being that he had served, at some point in the military. The second being that he had experienced something that still haunted him. He just looks around at the nearest servant as his eyes seem to come back to the present moment "More ale...please." He turns back to Wash "So who'd you serve with?"

Alton sits back in his chair munching on some of the snacks he has gathered listening to Balassar and Wash talk. He only knows of the wars and battles between the Empire and Dynasty through stories. However, from what he has heard, Wash and Balassar have more first hand experience with those types of battles. As he listened, his thoughts drift from the conversation the two are having and he would appear to be zoned out while absentmindedly eating the snacks.

Wash smiles a sad smile "It depends when you are asking about. I was a young child... and orphan when I was conscripted to help along the borders as a field medic. I served up until less than half a dozen years ago, before coming here to Hupperdook and practicing medicine. I am sad to hear your view about the people to our east, but it is not an uncommon one and is one that I fear means that war is inevitable. I do understand that some from the Kryn Dynasty and their military have done some truly abhorrent things - and I have witnessed and even experienced some first hand, though I have witnessed people from our own empire also commit atrocities. I have found that speaking of harm and trauma that one has experienced can help heal the internal wounds these experiences inflict, so if you ever want to talk about anything you have experienced, you have my ear."

Balassar just listens and at the end nods "I was apart of the Ash Stalkers Company, as for talking wouldn't do any good. The things that happened are in the past, nothing will be better until Xhorhas falls." with that he just takes another bite of meat throwing some potatoes in his mouth as well.

You may get your wish, sooner rather than later, a voice says. 

You all turn, as a gnome in his middle years stands at the door, his face smiling but obviously strained by something that is troubling him. 

Sal, my boy, it is good to see you are still in one piece.  He walks over and shakes  Wash's hand vigorously, as is his habit.  Then he turns and shakes Alton and Balassar's hands too.  No need for introductions, Mr. Silverstone, Mr. Wildcloak.  I've heard all about your adventure, though I'd love to hear it again, in your own words.   I am Bririck Goldcannon, master of this house and something of an old friend of Mr. Washburne here.

Now, please, do sit down.  I have invited you here for a reason, and not a terribly pleasant one I'm afraid.  He sits down in one of the gnome-sized chairs and regards you all.

Wash listens with a worried look on his face.

Hearing a new voice in the mix, Alton snaps out of his own thoughts shaking Goldcannon's hand, "Nice to meet you Mr. Goldcannon."

And you too, young man.  Goldcannon smiles, but the smile fades quickly and his expression grows somber once again.

Sal knows, but I should let you know too, that I am, well, not exactly part of the government of Hupperdook, not officially.  But my family is important, and I have a good friendship with Starosta Zezbok, such that, well, sometimes when important matters come up, I am consulted and included in discussions.  His manner of speech is laboured - he seems almost to be avoiding having to come to the point because he doesn't like it.

I have had a busy day, as I'm sure you can imagine.  He shakes his head in disbelief.  A jail break, orchestrated by a mad fool is bad enough.  That he had plans to destroy the town is terrifying, that he had the means to do so, or was in the process of acquiring them, is worse.  But Xhorhas.  A drow spy, barely half a day's walk away.  Well, such things are not unimaginable, they keep tabs on us, we keep tabs on them, on the margins.  But this was direct Xhorhasian involvement in the plot of mass murder.  

He reaches over and pours himself a drink, downing it and taking a few seconds to recover.

You understand the seriousness of this?  The likely consequences?

Wash sadly shakes his head and says "War. Death and destruction on both sides."

Balassar just nods to the man as he brings up the consequences "It will start an all out war."

It will.  Yes, I think it will.  It's the king's decision of course, but I've met Bertrand Dwendal more than once.  He won't want this, but he won't back away from it either. 

So.  War will come.  Perhaps in a few days, or a few weeks, or a few months.  And I must prepare.  Hupperdook must prepare.  We are a key part of the Empire's war machine, as you may know.  He smiles, a slight hint of satisfaction showing.  We would never seek this, but we are ready, and Xhorhas will learn this to its cost.

Now, I must ask first that you do not speak of this to anyone.  If this incident has taught us nothing else, it is that any wall could hide enemy ears.  Please be discrete.  I imagine the Watchmaster has already made this request, am I right?  Well, I find that I trust you completely in this.  Anyone who can win Mr. Washburne's trust and friendship is.... goodness me, what is that creature?  Is it... snoring?

(It is.  Very gently, on Wash's shoulder.)

Anyway, I have a task to entrust to you, on a matter that relates to the likely upcoming war effort.  I'm afraid I cannot tell you too much, only that I have a package that I need delivered urgently, to Felderwin Tillage.  Have any of you ever been there?  he asks.

Balassar just shrugs "Long time ago, when I was on my way to Ashguard Garrison. Had to pass through it, small quiet town, lots of farmers if I remember right. Ale was fantastic."

Wash is looking uncomfortable, but he would not turn his friend's request down. They have had many slightly heated conversations over nice wine and/or whisky about pacifism, arms-dealing and whether the Goldcannon's high-tech weapons encourage or discourage the bloodshed, but they usually end in them making fun of each other in a friendly way. 

[Would Wash have been to Felderwin? I assume not.]

(OOC:  No, I would say Wash has not been to Felderwin before.  Balassar could have done, yes.)