Sal favored the shadowwalker with an evaluative glance.  "To be honest, I have no idea what their criteria were.  I know why I was chosen: proximity and skills.  As to why Ms. Faeyt is preferable to, say, Thorvad 'The Hammer' Naiytersohn, I have no idea.  There must be some reason why she was chosen, just as there is some reason you've been chosen.  Mages aren't that common, true, but you have the appearance of having come some distance, Mr. Valtiere.  I'm sure you must have some special skill or ability, some quality that made them choose you."  He kept a straight face, innocently nodding to the young man.<br/><br/>"Whatever the reason, you've been tapped.  You each have.  And, as a result, your destiny is in motion.  No, I'm not sure I like it any more than you do, based on the set of your shoulders, but I am a pragmatist at heart."<br/><br/><insert further exchange as necessary until Lucrecia is done eating><br/><br/><i>Not your fight?</i>Sal thought, as the gorgeous woman stood up from the table.<i>Ah, I remember when I used to think that way.  The glories of youth...</i>But he said nothing, just watched her get up and listened to her go, noting her drink order.  He held up one finger to Vincent, asking for a moment as he took out a scrap of paper and an artificial quill of his own design, its delicate metal point embedded in a cork.  He used the quill and a tiny stoppered bottle of ink to swiftly write a short note, and managed to catch up to the serving maid before she carried a bucket full of bottles of fine local spirits up to the room.  He dropped the note in the bucket of booze bottles, and tipped her a gold piece as he placed a finger to his lips, then smiled as she continued on up the stairs.<br/><br/>Turning back to Vincent, he sighed.  "Well, good sir, it appears the lady has retired for the night.  Are you tired after your journey?  I can arrange for a private room, if you would care to rest.  I, myself, have to make some more inquiries about the others I have been told of."  He shook his head.  "It's been a busy hour since I got my Gift.  And so much more to do."  Glancing back at Vincent: "You're welcome to accompany me, but I'd appreciate it if you'd take my direction when I'm trying to make inquiries; not everyone appreciates having a mage lurking about when someone is asking for sensitive information.  It's your choice; the innkeeper is handy, and so is the door."<br/><br/>Sal would not be taking a room for himself; he no longer required sleep.  He wondered if he would miss it...<br/><br/>The note, when Lucrecia gets it, says "I will pay 1,000 gold a month for a bodyguard and wilderness guide - Sal"