"How odd. I suppose that's magic, for you. I wish I had some knack with it, myself. I've studied the theory, mind you, but the best I can do is a weak cantrip here and there."

He smiles warmly at Esquie's acceptance of the coal sample, and chooses not to mention it was given to him by a vendor who's hoping to sell the Ironhands several tons of the stuff for their furnaces. At least this piece has a non-flammable home now?

"I'm not sure I ever thought of it quite that way," he says. "As their friend. Earth and stone and gems fascinate me. Always have. My first job was as a breaker boy in the mines in the Underdark. Of course, these days I work more with metal and alchemy."

"...how did you two start traveling together, anyway? You seem close, but you're, ah, different-looking?"