'Rather odd' was a strong understatement for people who claimed to arrive from another dimension, as far as Russell Davis was concerned, but if Namos wanted to play things cool that was his business. When the female elf - Niko, her name was, if Russell had heard right - suggested that they should help the 13th Recon make contact with the king he had to struggle to keep from grinning. Finally they were getting somewhere! However the mayor's reply seemed to shut down that line of inquiry, and from the tone of his voice Russell wondered if speaking out of turn in elven society was a felony.<em>If she's his niece then it seems like there's no love lost between them,</em>the Marine mused. But the blond elf continued to plead her case, and as soon as she mentioned the possibility of royal gratitude he could almost see the local equivalent of dollar signs flash up in Namos' eyes.<em>Jackpot,</em>he thought exultantly as the mayor turned to address the humans.<br/><br/><em>'No sir, we do not,'</em>Russell answered politely. There was no point in beating around the bush, and if Namos wanted to use his knowledge and his access to the nobility to make a side profit for himself then they would have to play ball.<em>'As my commander said, we are here to find who attacked our people and make sure they don't do it again. If you could direct us to your  capital, or maybe spare us a guide, we would be very grateful. While our group is armed our people are not conquerors. In fact our nation was founded and grew strong because of trade, and I'm sure that our rulers would be very happy to open trade with your people.'</em>Russell hoped that hint of potential profit would be enough to secure Namos' aid as he waited for the elf's answer.<br/>