<div class="floatright">(http://images2.layoutsparks.com/1/104027/Anime-Guy-wsword-White.jpg)</div>Cael observed as the woman who called herself Mistress Alys and seemingly took some measure of control over the discord that had threatened to wash over the inn.  It was an impressive feat, just as Mistress Alys was an impressive woman, and even though of short stature, it seemed well suited to her.  But his eyes instantly snapped to her companion, at least after he realised he was looking at the man.  Something about it seemed to strike a vague cord of familiarity in the back of his mind - certainly he had never seen such a thing in his life - but had most likely heard of something similar.<br/><br/>Whatever other thoughts he might have had were broken as he realised that the innswoman, Mistress Marin al'Vere, was speaking to him.<strong>"My apologies Mistress al'Vere, my attention was momentarily diverted.  Your local brand will suffice m'lady.  Has Mistress Alys and her companion been with you long?"</strong><br/><br/>Again, his attention was shifted away, if only slightly this time, by the woman who solemnly took a place by the fire.<em>Is she a local?</em>The braid of her hair seemed to suggest so.  Despite her beauty, the melancholy on her face was not especially fitting, and so he returned his attention to Mistress al'Vere;<strong>"Perhaps something to drink for the lady here, whose mood could certainly be lifted before the festivities commence!"</strong><br/><br/>The lad who approached was probably her betrothed, or some similar, to judge from the way he placed his hand upon her shoulder.  Good solid lad from the looks of him.<br/><br/>Cael Saryndor's smile a natural thing, born from the necessity of politeness and good courtesy, charming to most unless of course they witnessed that smile under extraordinary circumstances which might have drawn suspicion onto it's true meaning.  Now he set such a smile upon his face as he offered the innswoman whatever money was necessary and began asking about the goings-on of the region.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Actions</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Gather Information check</strong> +4 (taking 10): <strong>Total</strong> 14</div></div><br/>