Shadoweagle takes a seat next to the podium, sitting cross-legged, and looking like a diligent guard. Whilst he 'guards', the mage appears to practice his spell-craft.
...
Time passes. An hour or so later, those watching the pie and guard, may notice that the guard seemed to be performing identical things as he had done before. It was as though Shadoweagle were set on 'repeat'.
Should anyone attempt to speak to the mage, they would be graced with no reply. And should anyone attempt to touch him, the mage and pie would fade into a vapour of shadow and darkness. In place of the pie, would appear a simple, leatherback book: "Illusion For Dummies".