Hot and cold, bought and sold

[Naesala is standing around in a lavishly decorated manor with another laguz, a white-winged one with blond hair.]

Very good. I'll go stumble around until I find something to eat. Please...make yourself comfortable.

Naesala!

Yes?

Thank you. For everything you've done. I...I appreciate it.

Don't be ridiculous. We're old friends, are we not?

Right you are! Old friend.

[Naesala heads down some hallways until he meets up with a raven laguz underling.]

Is everything in place?

Yes. That Duke Tanas cannot sit still. He is literally...quivering with anticipation. It's not pretty.

I bet it isn't. Just make sure that mountain of suet stays hidden. If Reyson catches so much as a glimpse of his bulk, he will take wing.

Understood.

Now, time to put on the finishing touches. This, too, I do to raise up Kilvas. Reyson, please don't judge me too harshly. That being said, I'm sure you will. Ah, well. Such is life. Enjoy your new one... Old friend...

[Naesala, Reyson, generic raven.]

[Why are there two Naesalas standing next to each other in quiet conversation? Naesala (either) seems to have mostly accepted the situation.]

So. Now that we've established that you're my future self - please don't repeat what you just said to anyone here - I suppose you'll tell me what I need to know to gain an edge now? It would be unlike me to do anything else.

[The other Naesala, who hadn't spoken, rolls up his left sleeve. There seems to be nothing unusual about his arm, but the current Naesala stares in shock. Slowly, he rolls up his own sleeve on the same arm, to reveal this marking.]

It's... it's gone on your arm. The Blood Contract is gone in my own lifetime. Kilvas is free.

[After saying that, Naesala collapses to his knees, trembling with suppressed emotion.]

Community, I understand why you didn't let me hold anything in my hands these past two days. Punishment, greed, etc. But you could at least have let me had food.

In my latest haul, I picked up something that I can't resell. Not that I didn't try, but some things are embarrassingly stupid, even to me. Not to mention that some things are anatomically impossible.

I don't want it around the castle any longer, so while it pains me to do this for anything, I'm planning to give it away. Foster good relations, and all that.

Does anyone want some Begnion pornography? The Love Slave, volume 9. An epic tale of forbidden romance between a hawk laguz and her master. Or, you know, more exploitative work. I shudder to think who had to pose for this.