Ethirdir has trouble containing the grin on his face as the bard’s voice rang out throughout the Dew Drop with amazing clarity, letting everyone within earshot hear every word perfectly. It was clear from Doryn’s face that he found the sound very uncomfortable to listen to, though in a manner that didn’t illicit any guilt from the elf. If Doryn has been truly pained by the son, Ethirdir might’ve considered stepping in and putting a stop to the song himself, but the merchant only saw the sweet discomfort of embarrassment in the good Captain’s visage.<br/><br/>Eventually, though, the fun did end and Doryn put a stop to the bard’s tale, leaving several plot threads hanging that the good Captain no doubt would’ve preferred remained unfinished. Ethirdir couldn’t quite tell which story elements Doryn didn’t approve of, but he still enjoyed the overall effect, seeing his friendly rival writhe in embarrassment in front of dozens of patrons of the tavern. No doubt if the tables were turned, the captain would be similarly enjoying Ethirdir twisting uncomfortably in his seat; the elf, though, like to imagine he had thicker skin and a better sense of humor. Regardless, the only harm done was the wounding of pride, and Ethirdir had enjoyed the display quite a bit.<br/><br/>As he tried to get his facial muscles to relax from all the smiling he had done, he turned and noticed Theolin was staring out into the middle of the main hall. At first he thought his employee was staring at Mercedes again, but Ethirdir then realized Mercedes was off in another direction, busy serving some customers.<br/><br/>“What are I staring at?” he asked Theolin, trying to see what the man was looking at amidst the throng of people on the dance floor.<br/><br/>“I think I saw your new lady friend down there dancing,” Theolin replied. “I could be wrong, but I was certain I saw her just now.<br/><br/>Curious, Ethirdir glanced down again, and this time almost immediately spotted what he was looking for. Hana was indeed on the dance floor, dancing with a young male elf with the biggest smile on her face, twirling around amidst the other dances without a care in the world. While it pleased him to see her so happy, seeing her dance with someone else - and another elf, no less - caused a small pang of jealousy to flare up in his chest. He had no right, after all - Hana belonged to no one - but he wasn’t the kind of person to simply let things like this play out.<br/><br/>“Excuse me, Theolin,” Ethirdir said, abandoning the idea of having dinner for the time being as he stood up. “I’ll be right back.”<br/><br/>Theolin chuckled as he took a swig from his tankard. “No worries, boss. Enjoy yourself.”<br/><br/>Calmly and quietly Ethirdir made his way through the crowd to the dance floor, trying to keep an eye on Hana as she danced her way across the floor with the other elf. He seemed like a decent fellow, thought the merchant, the kind of person who was simply enjoying a dance with the innkeeper’s daughter. Still, Ethirdir couldn’t let this pang of jealousy remain idle within his chest, and as he reached the dance floor and the song currently playing drew to a close, he made his move.<br/><br/>Stepping forward, he approaches both Hana and the other elf, bowing politely to both before facing Hana. “May I have the next dance?” he asked sweetly, offering her a hand.