Either Hani hadn't noticed the Elf voicing his concerns about the Baron's conversation to the good Captain Doryn, or she had chosen to ignore them. Either way, instead of agreeing that the two of them should invite Doryn to relay what he had discussed with the "good" Baron, she instead launched into a fully planned meal with him. Ethirdir couldn't say for sure, but he wondered about the possibility that she was doing this simply to get the Baron out of her mind and resume a more festive mood now that that wicked man had left the premises. Admittedly, Ethirdir found himself enjoying the way she lavished attention upon him, and it didn't take long before he completely forgot about meeting with the Captain at all.<br/><br/>"My dear Hani, you've already have me salivating with anticipation. Elvish food can be an acquired taste, I will readily admit, but even if there are some dishes you aren't fond of, I can certainly recommend some you will find most enjoyable. You say you enjoyed the glazed duck and spicy rice? Well, then, let's see what we can find that will really make your taste buds sing..."<br/><br/>It didn't take long for Ethirdir to completey forget that the Baron had ever visited the Dew Drop Inn; the tavern itself regained its electric atmosphere and people returned to drinking and dining and dancing without a care given to the man who had interrupted their fun times. For his part, Ethirdir focused solely on Hani as much as he could, no longer letting his rival even cross his mind as he dined on delicious elvish delicacies like cinaroot honey bread, roasted bush fowl, and chilled custard. To say that it was a wondrous feast would be selling the meal short, for in addition to the food, Ethirdir also cherished the time alone he had with Hani. Talking with her, laughing at their jokes, trading subtle and not-so-subtle flirtations, it was an enjoyable experience that the Elf could put no price on.<br/><br/>Sometime after the Captain had left - Ethirdir hadn't paid particular attention - was when the Elf started noticing the flowers arriving. It was a confusing spectacle at first, though it didn't take long for word to spread about who was responsible. Mercedes was the first to get a bouquet specifically for her, and by all accounts she was delighted by the gesture. Ethirdir could only grin, seeing Doryn’s grand apology for his behavior a very fitting gesture, one that made clear his sincerity in saying sorry. There was a slight worry that Theolin might be jealous of the Captain’s gesture towards his new lady friend, but later that evening Ethirdir saw his friend sitting down with Mercy during a slow moment in the evening, talking and laughing as if nothing outlandish had occurred. Ethirdir could only smile and hope that Theolin’s newfound relationship with Mercedes was a lasting one.<br/><br/>Speaking of Mercedes, she eventually visited his and Hani’s table that night, bringing announcement of a message that the good Captain wished to pass on to the two of them. It was a message in the Captain’s native tongue, and when Ethirdir heard it, he had to resist tilting his head in befuddlement. “Well, I am familiar with the Northern tongue, yes, though not incredibly influent, especially when accents are taken into account. Good lord, those Northern accents are as difficult to decipher as their language. But if I’m understanding correctly, he’s saying something about home and shelter, but the sentence feels incomplete. Why he would give us only half a message is beyond me, Hani. I suppose we’ll have to ask the good Captain what he was referring to when we next see him.”<br/><br/>The discussion over Doryn’s cryptic message was brief, and they resumed their meal shortly thereafter. The mutual appreciation between them had become fairly obvious by this point, and Ethirdir wouldn’t have been surprised if Hani would’ve accepted an invitation to go home with him. Alas, it was not to be, as she informed him the day had exhausted her and she wished to retire for the evening in preparation for their dinner tomorrow at his home. But before she left, she did part with a kiss upon his cheek, one brimming with affection that made the Elf’s cheeks flustered a little in the light of the inn’s torches. “My dear, it is an honor to have dined with you tonight, and I look forward to our meal tomorrow with the captain.” He didn’t allow her to leave before he brushed the top of her hand with a kiss and told her, “Sleep well, my dearest Hani.”<br/><br/>After Hani left, Ethirdir didn’t stick around for much longer either. He paid for his share of the meal, leaving a generous tip for the cooks who had devised such a wonderful meal and the waitresses who had served them through the evening. Before leaving, he did pay a quick visit to Theolin, who was enjoying another drink while Mercedes was continuing her shift. The man’s eyes never seemed to leave her, and it was clear that he was smitten with the lovely barmaiden.<br/><br/>“I trust your work won’t suffer by coming here so often?” Ethirdir teased. Theolin could only laugh and shrug before returning his attentions to Mercedes, his smile perking up noticeably whenever their eyes locked from across the room.<br/><br/>His business at the inn complete, Ethird exited the building and began the long walk back to his manor. It was getting fairly late, and while he had no fear walking alone - he could take care of himself, after all - he had an inclination to get home as quickly as possible. The Captain’s bizarre message kept rolling around inside his mind, begging him to figure it out. Why did Doryn offer only half a message like that, and in a tongue the Elf might not have even known? Unless...unless it wasn’t the Northern language part of the sentence that was important, but something else? What else was in the message that Mercedes had relayed? Something about how he’ll tell him and Hani himself? Did that mean anything...? Was it supposed to mean anything...?<br/><br/>Realizing he was being tormented by what was likely a sloppily devised riddle, Ethirdir came to the conclusion that he couldn’t let this matter slide. Sure, he would see Doryn tomorrow evening at the dinner between the two men and Hani, but something told him that this message was fairly important and couldn’t wait until then. If the Captain had indeed hidden a riddle in that message, then it would be in Ethirdir’s best interests to visit the Captain and confront the man about it. Go directly to the source.<br/><br/>His mind made up, Ethirdir raced back to his manor, intending on getting his carriage ready to carry him to the Captain’s house. It would be fairly late when he arrived, but something in his bones told him that waiting on this would be a very unwise decision...<br/><br/><hr/><br/>The only light that was visible in the Baron’s manor came from a lone candle in a small candleholder, and it illuminated what appeared to be an enormous office. Numerous books outlined the far walls on thick wooden bookshelves, and directly framed in the window was a massive desk. Sitting at that desk was the Baron himself, and though his back was turned to face the window, it was clear he was writing something on the numerous pieces of parchment scatttered across the surface. Occasionally he would look up, as if hearing something nearby, but then immediately return to writing.<br/><br/>After what seemed like hours, the man finished his writing and placed his colorful quill pen back in the inkwell. The man then stood up, stretching his lengthy limbs briefly, before abruptly turning to face the window. Even from a distance and through a spyglass, the piercing viciousness of his gaze was noticeable, though there was no indication that he noticed Hani at all.<br/><br/>The man unlatched the window and lifted it open, sticking his head and looking around the ground of his manor, as if making sure that nothing was prowling around. Satisfied, the man returned his head to inside the room and slid the window shut...though if Hani had paid attention she would’ve noticed he neglected to lock the window behind him.<br/><br/>Grabbing his cane, Baron Berenholdt then made his way across the room to the far bookcase, which was still visible through the window from Hani’s position. One final glance aroudn the room was made before the Baron pulled an enormous book from the shelf, turning to face his desk before opening it. Inside the book, the pages had been hollowed out to form a cavity, and inside that cavity was...something. Whatever it was, it glowed with a faint, almost sickening blue hue. The Baron gazed at the item intently before smirking that familiar snide grin of his.<br/><br/>The blue light instantly vanished when the Baron slammed the book shut with a snap and replaced it on the shelf. Appearing satisfied, he walked back to his desk and picked up the candle before making his way out of the study, seemingly ready to retire for the evening. The study fell dark, and no additional movement was seen within the room. The blue glow had been snuffed out within the confines of the book, safely hidden on the shelf from prying eyes...well, most of them. The window to the room, by all appearances, remained unlocked.