Paileen had closed her eyes, letting the fires warm her.  She half opened them and turned her head towards the sound of hunters discussing amongst themselves by the billboard.<br/><br/><em>"Damn him."</em>she thought.<em>"That one is already thinking about hurrying to the mines."</em><br/><br/>She closed her eyes again and sighed.  Comfort.. she was experiencing true and well earned comfort, resting by the lodge's hearth.  And before the snow had even gotten a chance to melt off of her boots, there was work to be done.  Of course, she didn't<em>have</em>to be a part of the mine expedition.  But if she let the opportunity go, that would make things just a little less easy for her.  She imagined herself kissing the hearth-warmth goodbye, and opened her eyes again.  Oh, well...<br/><br/>She lurched forward and stood, crossing to the billboard to greet the others there.  She waved and smiled merrily at them, but it was obvious that her bones were weary from whatever she'd been up to, even in her red scaled armor.<br/><br/>"Good evening." she said, offering a hand to the one that had been called Cairus. "Paileen, the merchant.  A pleasure."<br/>She had a strong handshake, if anyone cared to notice.<br/>"I couldn't help but overhear that you're planning to go to the mines tomorrow.  It happens that I'm attracted to that venture myself.  Would you be opposed if I joined you?"<br/><br/>Paileen was a shrewd people reader.  If she sensed detected any hesitation, she would add: "I won't get in your way.  And I may be able to help with some of your supply needs, if you'll have me."<br/><br/><em>"That's the way, Paileen.."</em>she thought to herself.<em>"Feed the hunters to feather the merchants, and get the graces of both.  Two birds, one chunk of ice."</em>