He found it easy these days to slip into his own mind and daydream about nothing in particular. He still followed his old habits of wandering the streets of Elyusian, but instead of cataloguing information to pass on to his brother, it was filed away into his own mind. For what? He didn't know anymore. Cyrus's disappearance had left Keion thoroughly lost in direction for both himself and the family.

He had been on one of these mindless walks when he came across the little cart of the man selling the little sandwiches, and they all looked so good. Someone was currently ordering so he leaned up against a nearby lantern pole and waited patiently, studying their surrounding area as he did so.

It took him a moment before he realized someone new had stepped up to the cart. Not their fault, as he hadn't really made it obvious he was waiting. But as he turned, he realized he knew just who had stepped up to the cart and he immediately transformed into the man he was meant to be. His shoulders straightened and the charming smile he was known for came to his face. "Ah, Minister Belcourt, such a nice day for a stroll, is it not?"

Keion raised his hands and opened his mouth to assure the Minister that it was no problem at all that he had ordered before him, but Bowen was already turning and requesting the man behind the cart make his order instead. So Keion only smiled with some amusement and stepped forward, offering his order of three ham sandwiches.

"I always have time for a chat with you, Minister," he added while they both waited for their food to be prepared. He clasped his hands behind his back and turned to Bowen. "How have you been?" he asked simply, opening the conversation.

Keion's would not allow his features to betray any of the thoughts that crossed his mind as Bowen spoke of how peaceful Arynn Frey was. He did know better, of course, and had been Cyrus's tool at one time in assisting to quell the small pockets of groups that spoke against, and sometimes tried to act against, the royal family. Appearances were important, after all, and what better way to maintain one than having multiple Blackwoods serving the Crown?

So he only turned a smile towards the Minister after receiving his food and thanking the man behind the cart. "Oh, just a bit of this and that. I have mostly kept myself busy with figuring out the family's affairs and all."

Following the larger man to the bench, Keion took up the very same pose next to Bowen, except he took a small bite from his sandwich and chewed quietly as Bowen spoke. He hummed in response while he finished chewing and swallowed his bite. "We have, unfortunately, been through the disappearance of a family member before. I worry most about Cyrus's children, but they seem to be handling it in their own way."

He allowed a smile at the praise of the Blackwoods, even though there could never be any less from someone granted the Blackwood name. "I've certainly tried my best, though Cyrus was the best of us and it has been quite hard to fill his shoes." Perhaps harder than he had let his family know. He couldn't allow any small amount of weakness to show.

Taking another bite of the sandwich, Keion gazed out towards the edge of the city, "How is the progress on the wall? All has gone smoothly, I assume?"

He only wished he could feel as carefree as Bowen looked in this moment with his face stuffed with food. There was too much weight resting upon his shoulders, that of his family and of what his family was meant to accomplish. That which he had left fall through the cracks since Cyrus's disappearance, and even the continuation of the Blackwood line.

He continued to nibble at his own food as they chatted. "Not many Arynnites bear such a heavy name as Blackwood," he said, though with a light tone. "Though I will soon join the ranks of the elders and it will be the younger generation leading the charge. My niece and Cyrus's daughter, Calanthe, has shown such great promise with her enchantments."

Leaning a bit further back into the bench, he tilted his head to the side a bit. "To be quite honest, I do not know much about the Dresmondi people, though they sound quite interesting. A puzzle to be unraveled, such as how they could be so powerful and yet fall so easily to just one family." He resumed his eating, allowing a bit of silence if Bowen did not speak right away.

Keion nodded at the mention of Calanthe's training. He hadn't known about it but it was a great idea. He'd have to commend Calliope for it next he saw her. "I expect nothing less from Cyrus's children," he said with a quiet chuckle. The same would extend to his own children when he eventually had them.

He listened to Bowen go on about the Dresmondi, taking in all the details the Minister offered up. It certainly sounded like studying the Dresmondi would be something Arynnite scientists took a great interest in. He idly wondered what could be done with a soul that was shared among two beings, if it would effect enchantments differently.

But he was not a scientist. Perhaps he would have to speak with his brother, or even Calanthe, about such a thing. Finishing his last sandwich, Keion said, "I admit I know very little about the Eldouir." Truthfully, he probably knew more than the average Arynnite due to the time he spent in Lorendale. But admitting that knowledge wouldn't help him here. "It seems to me that family should have been taken care of long ago. Eventually they will become more than just the Dresmondi's problem."

Keion frowned, almost wincing. "I cannot say I share the same confidence in the wall as you. But, hopefully it will not have to be tested anytime soon."

Brushing some stray crumbs from his jacket, he made to stand from the bench. "I am glad to hear we share the same sentiments on the Eldouir though. But we can only that at some point, our allies decide to clean up their own messes."

He cracked a small smile and offered a small bow to the Minister. "This has been such a pleasure, but I won't take up anymore of your day. It is probably time I saw myself back to my office anyway. There is always plenty of work to be done."