The Overseer came to his feet again, though offered little assistance in choosing a name. It seemed he had no preference toward either and simply wished to hear of the garnet's decision. Grinding its beak, it supposed that only trial-and-error would reveal its own preference. Introducing itself, for example, as different names; not to deceive those it'd never meet again, but to hear the sound of various names from another's mouth.

Garnet scuffed a paw over its ear, scratching at an itch there and near its eye. The dragon could be found again - and already, it knew the foolish beast wouldn't get a degree of sympathy. It disliked the diamond a fair bit, and wouldn't engage the same as it had with Imp. "Of course, Overseer," the champion chirped, standing up atop the chrysalis, "if it is soon, whereabouts do you plan to be? I'll try to return rather quickly."

As for the Tiger's Eye - "it was a series of very fortunate coincidences. Our paths crossed in Tunnel M - where I had meant to follow the dragon - and we talked about the Merchant's trial for some time and its residence - or lack thereof. I mentioned needing to follow after someone, and it volunteered. The opportunity couldn't be missed, unless I lost the trail."

It did regret it, though - but that thought would be left untouched until in private.

@Vargas

Vargas grunted.

Quick thinking, certainly--or, more accurately, resourceful. But he did not overly praise Garnet; he'd already commended his servant, and giving these creatures too much reward--bolstering their sense of self-worth too far--only fed them toward arrogance and, eventually, rebellion.

"Good," said Vargas gruffly, instead--tone dismissive. "You will find me here; and if not, I will not be gone for long. I will revisit Canis periodically. Do not bring her," he warned. "To subdue that one will require the element of surprise. I have something in mind," he added, "but that can wait until after you are familiar with her habits. Go on, then; rest if you require it, we are in no rush, but do not waste time, either."

The Overseer stretched, then paced a few yards off, pushing up to lean against the cave wall. He stretched first this limb and then that, working out the limpness here, the cramps there... the effects of the hybrid's venom.

He seemed to have turned his attention, for now, wholly away from Garnet.

exit the Overseer

Garnet might have exploded if it received more praise - a good decision on the Overseer's part. He planned to return here at some point, which was well enough for the champion. It wouldn't dare be caught by the dragon. The Tiger's Eye's (take notes, stripping the Gembound's identity to bare necessities) attitude had been conducive to manipulation - however unintentional - and blind trust. She, however, was not so friendly-seeming. Foolish, but not stupid. It couldn't be widely known that it was in cahoots with Vargas, but she wouldn't place even a modicum of trust in it.

Proper spying, this time, would be required.

Just before the Overseer turned his gaze away, Garnet bowed its head and spread out its wings, "I will be as quick as possible, Overseer."

Once it was properly dismissed, the strange little creature flew off.

;exit garnet