Her lips quirk into a small smile at your comment about her name. "And what brings Lord Eyton to my table?" she asks, her tone still calm and collected. She glances down at the steaming kettle for a moment before meeting your gaze again, studying you intently.

There's a long pause as you consider how much, or how little, to reveal to this strange woman with the violet eyes. Finally, you decide that some information might be better than none at all.

Her eyebrows raise slightly at your question. "You assume that I'm not merely practicing for my own amusement," she says with a small laugh, though there is an undeniable hint of challenge in her voice. She watches you intently as you manipulate the fire stone, studying your movements and concentration.

"Very well," she says after several moments have passed. "I will give you this one: the stone remains unscathed."

"Hmm," she hums thoughtfully. "Four weeks sounds like it could be consistent with a magical affliction. As to your lord's lack of travel, that would seem to rule out something contracted from another person or place. However, it does make me wonder if the symptoms are a result of some sort of enchantment cast upon him by an adversary who wished to keep him close to home." Zessa pauses again, considering this new information before continuing. "

The strange woman's violet eyes narrow slightly as she regards you with suspicion. "And why would I do that?" she asks coolly. "I have my own affairs to attend to, and aiding your lord does not seem particularly beneficial to me." She pauses for effect, watching your expression closely. "However," she continues, "if you were to offer something of value in exchange for my assistance, we might be able to come to an arrangement."

Her words hang in the air between you like a challenge. What do you have to offer her?