"If you have plans Captain Waverider we can always talk later," Sir Ackley responds.
Selkie frowns looking around and sees Collin and Starlight. He hopes Kaladin sees them too.

--
"Who is that with them? Do you recognize him Collin," Starlight asks.

Collin squinted to get a better look, then groaned. "I do... Sir Ackley. He sponsors a few of the trading vessels. He has a reputation...." He stated, then whispered, "Slippery fellow, that one. Never was too fond of him myself. I suppose we should go help them." He tapped his heels to Noble's sides and spurred him into a trot.

Kaladin glanced up briefly, having noticed them as well.

Sir Ackley turns to see Collin and Starlight atop of Noble.
He mutters under his breath, "_{Of course now he shows up}."
Selkie forces himself not to smile hearing Sir Ackley's words.

"What can we do to help then," Starlight asks.

"Just follow my lead miss," Collin returned, then reminded himself under his breath, "_{Smile for the politician, smile for the politician...}". He perked right up and flashed Ackley a sunny smile. Never let it be said this hedgehog couldn't act; it was as warm as one of his real ones. "Good day to you sir!" He chimed in greeting.

"Good day to you as well Sir Collin and Lady Starlight," Sir Ackley responds with just as warm of a smile, "Have you been enjoying the festival?"
Starlight smiles as well not sure what Collin is up to but trusting him.

"Certainly! Were you able to attend today?" Collin inquired.

"Unfortunately not I had more pressing matters to attend to. You know how it can be sometimes when working under a royal. Did anything good happen?"

"Oh, yes. You should have seen the archery tournament. I see you've met my companions, Selkie and Kaladin? They both participated. Kaladin especially is quite gifted in the sport." Collin hummed, though something in his tone implied there was a hint there. "I considered partaking in the joust this year, personally, but figured Lady Starlight would need the escort. You know how folk can be around new royals. But what of your... business? Is that treating you well?"

"Ah yes I know that difficulty all too well. Setting up a treasury for a new royal is such a pain but working under one as a knight must be much worse. I suppose my business is treating me as well as it can considering how penny pinching many of the ship captains and debtors are."
At this Starlight and Selkie both narrow their eyes.

"Ah, chivalry is a noble pursuit, though." Collin shrugged. "But it isn't all their fault, you know. If Captain Waverider will pardon me for saying, sailors can be a talkative bunch. I've overheard news of an issue in grain supply, well, that would affect both rations and cargo, a drop in both income and performance. And I regret to say it, but in situations like these, honest creditors become a rare commodity as well." Another sugarcoated, indirect hint. "It's a vicious cycle, really. But everybody needs to make a living, I suppose."