Petronius wanders off a little while waiting for Fiona, going back outside of the walls. As the guard looks at him suspiciously, the magus touches the outside surface of the wall, caressing it with his eyes closed for some time. He then crouches down to inspect a piece of stone on the ground, about a handspan in size, brushing dirt and sand with his hand before he examines it closely. When he hears the sound of Fiona and Sheelagh approaching, he puts it down carefully back into its hole. He rises, taps it down once gently with his walking stick, then turns to the approaching giantesses.
"As uneventful and quick as can be," answers Petronius with a smile. "I've learned early in my career that this was the best way to travel. Leaves more time for interesting things like research and meeting with friends." Turning to Sheelagh, he nods and says a bit more formally, "Apprentice Sheelagh. You have grown since the last time we met. How goes your study?" As they make their way into the courtyard and towards the statue, he keeps up a light conversation with the apprentice, if she is willing.
Humoring the maga, Petronius closes his eyes and let himself be led to the best place to view the statue. When he opens his eyes, a sharp intake of air marks his reaction, but he otherwise remains immobile for a long time, absorbing the view. He then moves towards it, slowly, and tentatively raise a hand to caress the silvery black surface of the huge pegasus. He surreptitiously wipes a tear from his eye as he moves around the statue, eximining the exquisite details.
He turns back to Fiona and, with a choked voice, says, "Thank you." Clearing his throat and regaining control of his emotions somewhat, he adds, "It is one of his best work, if not the best of them all." He faces the statue again and is silent for a long time, then sighs. "For all of his faults and sins, he was a good man," says Petronius softly. "I miss him."
He finally shakes his head and states, "What were your plans for this masterpiece? I'm afraid he never told me what you intended to enchant it for."