It would've been a lie to suggest that Ethirdir's apologies were entirely without an underlying purpose - appearing contrite and offering a small assignment of blame upon himself would play well - but it also would've been a greater lie to suggest his apologies were insincere. The Elf did feel some small amount of remorse for instigating the argument between these two, and did feel some responsibility for doing what he could to repair their relationship, despite how detrimental that would be to his chances with Hani. So his relief was genuine when Hani didn't blame him at all for what had happened, and even seemed to agree with his words. He hadn't expected her to take his hand like she did, but he welcomed the gesture, finding her grip gentle and warm. Doubtless she did this to make clear to the Captain that she would not tolerate his lack of an apology, and for a moment Ethirdir wondered if his efforts had all been for naught.<br/><br/>But hark, the Northerner gained an epiphany and realized what he needed to do, falling to his knees and begging Hani for forgiveness. Doryn's efforts were also genuine, if a little over the top, but no one could doubt his sincerity as he begged for Hani to forgive his jealousy and his treatment of her. Ethirdir smiled, and he was about to chime in...<br/><br/>...when someone else stepped in to interrupt the moment, immediately creating an awkward presentation of Hani holding the Elf's hands while Doryn begged for forgiveness of transgressing against Hani's honor. Upon realizing that the newcomer was Hani's father, the Elf immediately grew nervous, worried at what interpretation the man might make of the situation. Ethirdir was prepared to defend his reputation against any unwarranted suspicions, but thankfully Hani stepped in and explained everything, including how Ethirdir had stepped in to make peace between the barmaid and the Captain. The Elf couldn't help but smile at her compliments about his dancing - at least he had made an adequate impression upon her as he had hoped.<br/><br/>"It was my honor to assist as I could, my good sir," he said, addressing Hani's father politely. "I have indeed invited both your daughter and her friend the Captain to dinner at my home, as they are both fascinating individuals that I would love to get to know, and..."<br/><br/>His eye caught some movement by the door, and to his surprise he saw a familiar face: handsome but scruffy, with hair grown almost with the purpose of being wild and several facial markings that Ethirdir couldn't remember whether they were traditional or accidental. "Theolin...what are you doing here?" he asked as his trusted subordinate stepped into the room, joining the group already there.<br/><br/>"Getting a drink, sir," Theolin answered. "Was having a nice sip of mead on the upper floor when I happened to glance down at the dance floor and saw you dancing. Watched long enough to witness the whole mess play out, and figured I'd stop by to make sure you were all right and all."<br/><br/>Despite being an Elf, Theolin held no trappings of the nobility in his demeanor or behaviors, instead acting more like the fence he was. He was in stark contrast to the more aristocratic Ethirdir, though Ethirdir considered him incredibly cunning when it was necessary in their line of business. He was a man whom the noble Elf would trust with his life.<br/><br/>"I'm all right, Theolin," Ethirdir assured the Elf. "There was a bit of...discussion, but everything seems to have turned out for the best, so you need not worry."<br/><br/>"Good, then," Theolin replied before pausing and then shifting a little as he stood. "There was...another question, I had sir. When you were dancing earlier, noticed you dance with...a young lady, one of the serving girls. Caught my eye, she did. Looked mighty lovely dancing with you, wouldn't mind giving it a try myself. Was wondering if you perhaps knew her name."<br/><br/>"Oh, her?" Ethirdir said. "Her name is Mercedes. If you want to find her...well, you could ask the owner of the establishment here." The Elf then pointed a finger at Hani's father.<br/><br/>Without skipping a beat, Theolin turned to face the towering man, but hesitated upon seeing the man, wondering if he might overstep his boundaries by asking him anything. "Um...good evening, sir. Your serving girl...Mercedes...was wondering if I might get a chance to talk to her? Ask her if she'd like a drink...off the clock, of course..."<br/><br/>While Theolin nervously talked to Hani's father, Ethirdir turned to face Doryn and Hani. "Well, it seems things have started to settle between you two, of which I am glad. And I was not making an idle promise of dinner. Would both of you be free, say, in three days time, around five of evensong? I can always reschedule if this time and day doesn't work for either of you."