Dragoncrest Cliffs bonders' enclave

At first, Svalinn only responded with a grunt of skepticism. He daren't get his hopes up. This life so far had not been one that attracted much good luck, and whatever left of his life that didn't require odds had been squandered or cowardly spent.

He shifted uncomfortably and leaned to strip off a scaly piece of their shared meal. I pray you're right, Svalinn relented with a huff. Though years older, he'd never considered himself particularly wise, making it easier for him to accept Val's counsel — something his pebblestone nephew might've found hilarious if he was privy to the gilt dunce's thoughts.

Where did you go- what did you do, when you left home for a time?