(https://i.pinimg.com/236x/5e/ef/c6/5eefc6a0390d563a505c77b953193b99--character-concept-character-art.jpg) Although Quillian had not mentioned Hani, it seemed that the good Captain had already surmised her involvement with the mage. This intrigued him, the barbarian was far more astute than he had given him credit for. He carefully schooled himself to accept this fact calmly. "Miss Hani is a very captivating woman. Her talents are many, of which you seem to be well aware. It is best if you keep that information to yourself, however, as it would endanger her life if it was bandied about. As to what I will do to a rogue mage who is endangering the public, it will be far more than a public shaming. It matters not to me what the social standing is of someone who abuses the arcane powers. There are certain places where such arrogant fools are imprisoned, never to be heard from again."<br/><br/>Quillian smiled then as he puffed on his pipe. "As to her feelings about you, she has not shared them with me. It occurs to this old mage that she is very independent minded. I do know that she has charmed many people with her sparkling smile and long red hair. The man who captures her heart will have his hands full. No doubt it would be very worth it. If I were you, I would tread carefully. I am told she has quite a temper."<br/><br/>They sat quietly smoking for a time while Quillian contemplated just how much information he could give Doryn about the nobles who spoke with treasonous thoughts. "The nobles in this Court are a fickle bunch. Most are harmless blowhards, making more noise than anything. Only if they gather together under one very ambitious leader will they get anywhere with their treasonous plans.  It is quite easy however, to cause them to switch allegiance if they feel like their leaders are unstable or dangerous far beyond what the Duke offers. They only feel rebellious towards the Duke because he was sent here to govern the captured territory. It gives them a common enemy to rally against, even if the Duke is a very competent governor. I am sure you know they are not thrilled with you either.<br/><br/>What I do need, is concrete proof of a noble who is engaging in the use of Magic to further his aims. You are right, in that Miss Hani was able to remove one very dangerous item. If this noble complains, it will very likely be not to the Duke, but to the crime bosses he is paying to protect him. He may not even report the theft. Or if he does it will be only that someone broke into his home and stole important personal things. He may list everything except the one thing he is desperate to retrieve. This puts Miss Hani in danger, as it is likely the next rumors that surface will include a trap for a thief. If you do care for her, I suggest you keep a close eye on her and who she is associating with. As cautious and intelligent as she is, there are ways to trap a thief."<br/><br/>----<br/><br/>Her steps to the door of the shop only paused as Ethirdir tried to justify his interest and to insist he and Doryn had not conspired. The fact he insisted he would rather be with her and Doryn both rather than treat her as a trophy actually surprised her. She had meant that as a joke! Surely he was not serious! Of course she had no idea what Ethirdir might like as far as bedroom activities. Hani chuckled at the thought and dismissed it as Ethirdir's way of trying to win her over. He would have to try harder! In the meantime, she intended on enjoying every minute of this crazy courtship. Playing one off the other was fun, especially if both knew about it and were each trying to outdo the other!<br/><br/>When she reached the Inn, it was time for work and Hani changed into her work clothes, a simple green skirt and white blouse with a tight corset top of brown leather. Her father was busy in the kitchen and it seemed he was upset about the night before. He glanced at Hani and gave her a thoughtful look. She was not about to ask, and he seemed too busy to volunteer anything at the moment. She knew however, he would talk to her later.<br/><br/>The lunch crowd had left and Hani was clearing tables when she spotted Mercedes. "You look cheerful, I hope you are over the drama from last night? Has Sir Aelland come to apologize yet? I have a feeling he will be in later."<br/><br/>The pert brunette shook her head. "I am not sure I can forgive Sir Aelland, he was treading on shakey ground as it was. I mean, I have no illusions on how he feels about me. I am just a barmaid to him. The rumors of his engagement to the Lady Elena are hard to ignore. But using me to get you jealous was not very nice! I have had a visitor today, who is very intriguing. He is an Elf, and he is very polite and sweet. He will be here later to talk with me. Apparently he was here last night and spoke to your father. It surprises me that he asked permission to talk to me. Kind of refreshing to be treated as something other than a flirtacious ornament. We shall see how it goes. I have not seen the Knight Captain since last night. I am sure we will see him again. I should make him crawl to beg my forgiveness!" She chuckled evilly.<br/><br/>They soon got too busy to chat, with the dinner crowd filling the Inn very nicely. Hani had little time to think much and only had a brief break when she made arrangements for someone to work the dinner crowd in her place when she would go with Doryn to the estate of the Elf Lord Talion.