In the midst of the pass, the central tower of Karazhan rises like a dark omen. Its back is snug against a cliff face and it's ringed with balconies and parapets at various levels. Two shorter towers bracket it to either side, and there are a scattering of outbuildings around the base. Four ley lines cross at the tower, gathered up and used to power enchantments and wards that are visible even at this distance.

Arcanagos lands on a hilltop with a view of the tower. "Karazhan. It is still impressive, even after Dalaran. All the more so for being maintained by one, instead of a group."

Maragosa nods, admiring the massive flow of magic.

"So," Azuregos says. "We must now decide how we wish to approach the Guardian."

"Ideally, with as much information as possible. Maybe the people around here know things we don't about what he's been up to."

"A good thought," Arcanagos says. "Information is power, no matter the source." He shifts into the form of an old human man, with long grey hair.

Maragosa still only has the one humanoid form; if she's going to be doing covert things she should probably get another one at some point.

Perhaps she'll see an inspiring human here.

As to their cover: best they don't advertise their magical abilities. Perhaps they could be traveling merchants.

That works, as long as she doesn't have to know a lot about how much things cost. She keeps an eye on the humans; there's only so much of the actual magical work she can do in her head in advance, but at least she can decide what she wants out of a face.

Azuregos creates a smallish portal in midair and pulls from it two hefty backpacks for himself and Maragosa. It would be a heavy load for a regular person, but as dragons they have no problem with it. Azuregos leads the way down to the path and up it to the tower grounds. They're greeted by a pair of stablehands, and Azuregos draws them into easy conversation. One of them heads inside to let the cook and the steward know they've arrived.

Humans tend to leaner faces than dwarves, with less hair. Still less pointy than an elf, though. Only the males grow beards.

There isn't any reason she couldn't go for a male human form, she supposes, but she's not that attached to having a beard. She'll probably composite something together out of a few of the women, so she doesn't end up weirdly resembling anyone in particular.

The steward, a gaunt, gangly man named Moroes, formally welcomes them to Karazhan and invites them inside to take some rest and perhaps spread out their wares.

Their arrival is timely, he confides, for the master will be hosting a fête over the next two days, and nobles from across the kingdom of Stormwind will be in attendance. They are welcome to stay and join in the festivities, if their schedule permits.

Arcanagos allows as how the invitation is an honor and they would be happy to accept.

Maragosa, or whatever she's calling herself, nods her agreement and follows Arcanagos, or whatever he's calling himself, inside. The fête does sound like a stroke of luck; with that many people around, someone will probably know something.

They lay their wares out and the servants spend some time picking over the trinkets. Some copper and silver changes hands; naturally they don't have anything worth gold.

Soon after, a troupe of actors arrive. It seems they are to be the evening entertainment over the following days.

Commerce is fun, and when things are quiet she can think about magic and keep her ears open for gossip.

She eyes the acting troupe curiously. Actors wander around a lot, right? Maybe they know something useful.

It's very possible they do. They're an eclectic bunch, mostly humans but with a few elves among their number. A trio of gnomes seem to handle the technical matters, and there's even a worgen among the actors who doesn't seem to be entirely feral.

Huh. That's odd. What sort of roles does a Worgen actor play?

Whichever ones he wants, ahaha. Does she want to go ask?

Sure, making conversation sounds like a good idea. She says hello to the group sometime when they don't seem particularly occupied.

"And a fine hello to you too, master dwarf!" the leader greets with a dramatically flourishing bow. "We are the Humbling Bole Travelers, actors renowned from Stratholme to Stormwind."

"That sounds like a great way to see the world."

"Truly it is! Kings and peasants, lords and lumberjacks, all are welcome at our shows. And all can learn something from them. I imagine you must see quite a bit yourself, as a traveling merchant."