[ Magnus seems to have grasped as much too, about the cynicism. He frowns a bit, tucking the wine bottle into the crook of his elbow. ]

Is that what you're waiting for? The rug-- [ he makes a yanking motion with his free hand. ] If that's the case, we should be looking for whiskey.

[ He almost immediately starts craning his neck, apparently with the intention of finding some. Heartache, confusion, frustration, suspicion...

Magnus cures all with good ole whiskey. ]

Someone recently called me out on my tendency to turn to that drink in particular in times of stress.