Just when Hani thought everything was under control, Doryn had to speak up, admitting to his jealousy! That was all Hani did not need! The only way she had gotten around her father most of the time, was to insist that none of the men who flirted with her took it seriously! She did it because it got her better tips! As did all the girls, it was a common and accepted part of the Southern culture. To hear her father laughing at Doryn was a bit of relief, at least he did not think it was that bad. Though he was sometimes a little over protective of all the staff, he seemed to take a rather different view when it came to Sir Aelland. Nobles were encouraged to come in the Dew Drop, and their gold flowed freely into the till. It was only good business to remain cordial to the Captain of the Guard. But he remained her father and would not tolerate any monkey business, as he clearly stated.<br/><br/>Hani remained quiet and on edge as they spoke looking from one to the other as if expecting them to explode at any moment. Then her father was distracted by the Elf, who was gracious enough to continue to smooth things over. Hani grew increasingly grateful to Ethirdir, admiring his finesse and manners, so much in contrast to Doryn's rough at times ways of dealing with trouble. The fact he had assistants who often interceded on his behalf only pointed to a well organised business. The assistant was very handsome in his own way. A bit scruffy by Elven standards, which surprised her. But his eagerness to meet Mercy made Hani grin. The pert dark haired beauty would be suitably impressed. She seemed to like the type.<br/><br/>It was Doryns final words to Sy that made Hani quirk a brow, it did not seem like the normal Doryn...what was he thinking? Before Sy could come up with a retort, Hani decided she had enough for one evening. Hugging her father and giving him a kiss on his bearded cheek, she smiled. "You are always number one Papa! I think I will turn in for the night. I have early shift in the morning and you know how that crowd is!"<br/><br/>She then turned to Ethirdir and smiled. "I would be delighted to attend, Lord Talion. I have never visited an Elven estate, I quite look forward to it. I shall wear my Sunday best and I am sure Sir Aelland will have a carriage to bring us there, as it would be difficult to ride a horse in a dress. The day is open as far as I can see, whenever you and Doryn decide is best. Now I must go, I beg your leave. Tomorrow is a busy day, I will see you at noon?" She gave Doryn a meaningful glance to make sure he understood his duty to bring her to the Elven estate in style!<br/><br/>Hani gave one last cheeky smile at Doryn, before she left. The men seemed intent on finishing the wine, which was fine with her. Let them discuss the wine or whatever, she was out of there! The night had been strange to say the least. Hani made her way to the upper floor of the Inn where she had her private room. It was not much, just a single large room with a huge closet and a dresser and bed. There was a chest at the end of the bed that contained her treasures. It was locked, not with a key, but with a magical lock. Not only words but certain levers and pressure points to push, and a deadly bit of poisoned needle inserted into the final opening, that even she had to be careful to avoid. Hani got ready for bed, crawling into the soft sheets to snuggle under the covers. Reaching one hand to snuff the candle out, she relaxed.<br/><br/>She would need to open the chest tomorrow, before noon. She would be ready for the handsome Elf, Ethirdir to appraise her latest acquisition. She had to get rid of it soon. Hani knew he was the only one who could even begin to know what a dangerous thing the Bloodstone was.<br/><br/>That idiot Lord Berenholt had found it in some corner of his estate. Not knowing what it was even until his servant speculated on the possibility of it being the famed Bloodstone. Not many people knew where Bloodstones came from. It’s proper term would have been a basilisk heart. That is what the Elves called them, as that is where they were found, in the belly of a basilisk, next to its heart. The basilisk formed the red crystal from its own body secretions, in answer to the ingestion of a grain of Nullstone. It was an attempt to rid its body of the irritation, much like an oyster manufactures a pearl.<br/><br/>Nullstone on its own was a highly prized commodity, found only in the deepest parts of the earth, mainly in Dwarven mines. The Dwarves hated magic, they considered it dishonest and deceitful to use magic, when a hammer or axe or even a sword would give opponents an even chance. They knew that Nullstones were a potent anti magic force. They absorbed magic, taking it away from a caster like a leech from a body, sucking the life out of them as sure as if they were being drained of blood.<br/><br/>Hani considered the consequences of her stealing the Bloodstone from the Baron. He might not even notice it was gone. Hani had substituted a ruby in its place, the same size and color. In her eyes the ruby was prettier. Maybe he would like it and never say a word. That is until he tried to use the stone to enhance his very limited magic ability. It might even work for a time. Though not like the Bloodstone…<br/><br/>Hani shuddered. Well she knew of the effects of the Bloodstone on a mage. She had watched one of her friends succumb to the madness. The Bloodstone was cursed from the beginning, with the tiny grain of Nullstone at its core. The resulting clash between the basilisk’s natural magical ability and the Nullstone drove a mage crazy. It was like being in a room with a discordant set of bells ringing, off key and causing the teeth to clench. It was subtle, however. The ability to focus magic spells and increase the power of the spells was so great it fooled them into thinking all was well. Slowly corrupting the mind and eroding the health of the caster until they were almost berserk with uncontrolled use of their most destructive spells. Thankfully her friend had rid herself of the Basilisk Heart before it caused irreparable damage.<br/><br/>As she drifted off to sleep, Hani thought about the slight misunderstanding she had with Doryn. He was so hard to understand at times. He seemed to have no problem bedding women all over the city, yet when he flirted with her, it was all innuendo and play. She had no idea he was taking her flirting seriously at all. He never gave her a clue, just tease and flirt. Even when she brought it up at the table in front of the Elf, claiming she and Doryn were friends, and no more. He was quick to state he was not looking to settle down.<br/><br/>She was comfortable dancing with Ethirdir. He was an excellent dancer and a gentleman! Not like he was flirting with her...well...maybe he was a little. But she did not think he was doing anything wrong by asking her to dance. After all, Doryn would never stay to dance with her. He gave every indication that he preferred the high class ladies in the Upper Terraces for anything like that.<br/><br/>The fact he suddenly decided to get jealous of his friend...boggled Hani’s mind. She punched her pillow and turned over, trying to get comfortable.<em> Dammit, Doryn...make up your mind!</em><br/><br/>The thoughts whirled through her head as she tried to get some rest. Doryn was handsome and strong. He had a marvelous way of saying what was on his mind and not caring who heard him. It tickled her to see him put people in their places with a few well chosen words. He was smart and canny, but most thought him an uncivilized barbarian.<br/><br/>What bothered her tonight was her own reaction to his sudden jealousy. Why did she care? He never even gave her a kiss! Not like Mercy, who was often coaxed into his lap. How could he be so casual with Mercy and openly lusty? He seemed to put Hani in a different light. What did he mean when he said the only barmaid he wanted in his bed was Hani? He was only joking...wasn’t he? Every time that Hani got near him enough to touch him or coax him into doing something, he shied away.<br/><br/>Someday...yes someday...she would catch him alone somewhere. When he had no clue what was happening, and she could trap him into a position where he had no escape. Then he would have to…<br/><br/>Her mind drifted off into the fantasy….Doryn in a room, on a bed, tied to the posts, spread eagled and vulnerable as Hani teased and tempted him until he begged for it. Hani snorted, like he would ever let himself be put in that position…<br/><br/>Maybe...Doryn in a room at the Inn. A private room where he could relax and enjoy a glass of fine brandy and a comfortable chair. Hani bringing him a tray of finger foods, which she would feed him one bite at a time. Her sexiest outfit, the white blouse which had a way of drifting off her shoulders, the tight corset, accenting her tiny waist and full hips. The skirt full and ruffled, with nothing under it but her soft warm flesh.<br/><br/>Hani grinned in her sleep, this was a delicious thought. Doryn gazing at her with that sultry stare. No jokes now...this was Hani’s dream, she would do what she wanted to do. He had no choice in the matter.<br/><br/>Casually she set the tray down and smiled at him. “Are you hungry? I have a few treats here. Imported cheese from the Eastern mountains. Fruit from our own vast hills, berries and apples. Smoked meats from the Gruseman Butcher. I don’t know how he does it, but these are heavenly. The crackers are from the Holloway Bakery, the best in town. Also tiny cakes with flavored frosting...candy that is so delicious you cannot stop eating it.”<br/><br/>While he noticed the tray and eyed it curiously, she smirked as she moved to straddle his lap. He made room for her in the chair, his eyes devouring her in that maddening way. “Hani, you know your father could come in at any moment...is this wise?” Though he did not hesitate to put his glass of brandy down and wrap his arms around her. He was trying to put her off again! But he was not getting away this time. She had him right where she wanted him.<br/><br/>It took him a moment to realize her center was warming his crotch very well. His body reacted accordingly until he was squirming with the pleasant but increasingly uncomfortable sensations. “You know I don’t mix business...with...pleasure…” he trailed off as Hani lifted a brow and silenced him with a grape into his mouth.<br/><br/>“Hush!” she admonished him. “We are having a private meeting, and no one else is allowed in to disturb us. Father is busy in the kitchen, he is making his famous trailbread. His biggest seller. He makes it in huge batches, and it takes him all night to finish.”<br/><br/>One of her hands was gently kneading his shoulder as the other reached for more treats to feed him. “I have you right where I want you now. We have some things to discuss. Or rather, I am going to give you some very important information. When you are sufficiently relaxed.”<br/><br/>His mouth full of food, Doryn could not say much, but he was enjoying the pressure of Hani’s body straddling his. He was still cool and slightly amused by her words. “You have me, what is it you wanted to discuss?” He accepted a bite of spicy sausage that left his mouth tingling with heat. Before he could protest, she offered a berry that had a tart sweetness to it that perfectly set off the spice of the sausage.<br/><br/>“First of all, you have been very cool to me all this time. The flirting and teasing is fun, I will admit. But your behavior the other night suggests that you have feelings that go beyond a mere casual fling. I know I am not familiar with all of the Northern customs. I have no one to ask but you. So...tell me. Why do you act differently with Mercy than me?” She did not give him much leeway to answer.<br/><br/>He hemmed and hawed a bit, not like Doryn at all. Hani leaned forward, her hands cupping his face. “You give Mercy sweet kisses, where are mine? Don’t I deserve kisses for all I do for you?” She rested her forehead on his, their noses touching as she nuzzled gently, teasing him with her mouth so close to his. She thought she saw something in his eyes, was that fear? Or excitement? The bulge beneath her crotch expanded and Doryn shifted as the pressure built. His hands gently roamed over her back and sides, feeling the warmth of her body under the corset. “You are different…” he whispered. He wanted to kiss her, she could tell, but not badly enough, in her mind.<br/><br/>Where was the brave and bold barbarian who stood up to a gang of slavetraders and singlehandedly took down four of them? Trembling in his chair under her weight as if she was something to fear?<br/><br/>“Whatever you are, Doryn...I do not see you hurting me...I do not think you would deliberately do so. I am sturdier than I look.” She whispered back softly. Was he afraid of her father coming in on them? Was there something he was not telling her? The questions irritated Hani so much she continued to tease him.<br/><br/>Now she gave him sweet gentle kisses on his brow and cheeks. Her breath fanned his face as she murmured softly. “I am not asking for much. I am not naive enough to think you want to marry the Innkeepers daughter, not when you have noble ladies vying for your attentions. All I want is a kiss. Can you do that?”<br/><br/>His breathing had quickened even as she tormented him. His hands moved to her hips and the bunched skirt which seemed inclined to ride up a little. “Hani, you are tempting me beyond reason. I should not be here with you now. This is far too easy to lead to trouble…” He trailed off as his hands found a way to get under her skirt. Soft warm skin was what he found. He almost whimpered as Hani shifted and her hips moved against him.<br/><br/>This was so much fun, Hani could only grin and continue to kiss his face. Now she was getting closer to his mouth and he was having a hard time controlling his urges. This was Trouble, and he knew it. But she was pinning him down. As her lips neared his he started kissing her face in return. His lips warm and gentle as he let his fingers wander below.<br/><br/>The moment she finally let him capture her cherry red lips, it was like a chime in her head. His lips were so sweet and delicious..she thought she heard him moan as he tightened his hold on her and deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding over her mouth, seeking inside. Hani licked, then sucked on his lower lip, playfully nipping. It was like a thunderbolt, he reacted with a growl and a firmer hold on her ass. Hani felt him surge below and her reactions matched his. Her fingers now curling into his hair as she let his tongue inside. His hungry kisses now were no longer gentle, but full of passion and need.<br/><br/>It was at that moment that Mercy knocked on her door. “Hani! Time to get up! The breakfast crowd is starting to come in!” Hani jumped up, gasping at the intensity of the dream! It had seemed so real!<br/>