[ Thancred is relieved that Urianger has chosen to order something, as he suspects that the alcohol might take the edge off of some of their effects. He hopes, at least — there is always a chance it will make them worse, but that's a risk he's willing to take. For his part, he orders a pint of ale and then watches as the server heads off toward the bar.

They could go back and forth on how worthy they each are of the other's friendship, but Thancred imagines all that will happen is them going on and on in circles for little reason. Nor are either of them in the right state of mind about this at the moment.

For that reason, he decides to focus on the facts of their situation. Which is perhaps a cowardly move, but he's going with it for now.

At Urianger's question, a smirk curls his lips as he nods. ] Of a sort. I suppose you could call it field research. As you know, Stephen and I went to investigate the disturbance reported by the thaumametor. As it turned out, there was something amiss, as an undead rat burst forth from the earth.

[ That was only the beginning, of course, as Urianger has no doubt seen and heard of the dead rising, the animals dying of illness, and the spoiled food stores. ]

It's almost as if the very aether of the land has been distorted, wouldn't you say?

[ Not quite like what happened to the Empty. The aether hasn't been sucked dry, but tainted in some way. ]