I am all for some friendly competition, but you - and I mean the characters in general, not necessarily these two - may also have intentionally gathered at the Southwark Tavern for the contract.<br/><br/>After all, it's always good to take on these kinds of contracts with some back up.<br/><br/>So while it's unlikely that Draque didn't hire on Miaren, perhaps Miaren - knowing hills are involved and so expecting caves or dungeons - hired on Draque.<br/><br/>I should also note that Vella is playing a half-elf rogue, and so fits in nicely, between cultures and occupations.