<div class="floatleft">(https://i.pinimg.com/236x/5e/ef/c6/5eefc6a0390d563a505c77b953193b99--character-concept-character-art.jpg)</div>The Arch Mage had not intended to irritate or confuse Sir Aelland. "Indeed, Captain, Miss Hani holds you in high esteem. She has told me you know your job and do it well. A little smugly, in my eyes, as she seems to think you do not care about her secret hobby, which has now become a very worthy asset of the Court. I am glad you are willing to look aside when she is out doing her clandestine work. It is for that reason I am trusting you with this information."<br/><br/>He paused then to rifle through some scrolls, all of which had some incriminating words on them about a certain Baron. "Hani is not my only agent, of course. I have others in discrete places, and they bring me information. I will allow you to look at these reports, to give you a better understanding of the danger this noble presents to the Kingdom. It was through them that I was informed of the possession of a very dangerous focal gem, used in the most powerful of magics. This particular gem is known as a Basilisk heart to the Elves. To the uninitiated it is commonly referred to as a Bloodstone. It is a very dangerous tool, allowing the user to increase his or her power to near God like levels. Unfortunately, for those who abuse it, it also has the potential to cause corruption to the user, to the point of utter insanity. Only with the utmost care is a Master Mage able to safeguard against this foul tool of demons. For the most part, it is better left to the Elves, who have a better understanding of it, as well as sense enough to protect themselves. It is this Bloodstone I had Miss Hani remove from the home of this Baron." Handing Sir Aelland the sheaf of papers.<br/><br/>The scrolls detailed meetings between Baron Ludwig von Berenholdt, and several of the less than honorable nobles in the Duke's Court. Arrangements to undermine several of the Duke's pet projects, as well as spreading the sedition with bribery and intimidation. There was enough here to hang the Baron, but the Duke hesitated, as noted in a statement he had sent the Arch Mage. He wanted control of the situation, and not outright rebellion. "As you can see, the Duke is cagey and not willing to move just yet. Perhaps you can discuss it with him at your leisure? My only concern right now is to make sure he does not recover the Bloodstone. Miss Hani has sent me a message saying she is in negotiations to sell the blasted thing to someone outside of the City. I am worried that she will find herself in a trap if she is not careful. If the Baron gets any inkling of who it is who stole the gem from him, I fear for her life. As competent as she is, everyone has weaknesses. Be very careful in approaching him, Sir Aelland. He is a powerful man with more resources than you may imagine. His magic talent is minimal, but with the Bloodstone he could do untold damage to the Kingdom. Still, he will be aware of any attempt to mislead him."<br/><br/>At about that time, Jordan returned to see if any further refreshments were needed. He made a sign to the Arch Mage, indicating another guest awaited him. He was discrete as always and bowed out when Quillian nodded in understanding, giving him only a curt. "We are almost finished here, Jordan. I do believe the good Sir Aelland will be leaving soon." It was a polite if not outright, notice to the Captain that their interview was coming to an end.<br/><br/>----<br/><br/>Mercedes saw Theolin come in and grinned once at him as he sat in her section. Before going to his table, she made sure the other customers were happy. When she approached, she had a mug of mead in her hand, as it was what he had ordered last time. "Nice to see you back, Theolin. The dinner menu is quite varied. Everything from seafood fresh from the Bay, to the very finest of beef or game you can imagine. The chef is the owner of the Inn, and he prides himself on making only the best." She smiled as she handed him the menu. It was an attempt on Silas' part to get the nobles to eat at his establishment, if they did not mind the location. He was close enough to the noble residences that a short ride by carriage would take them to the door of the Dew Drop. So far, he had attracted a few, and he knew word of mouth would bring in more. They paid well and he could guarantee a good living if he was careful.<br/><br/>The other waitresses, including Hani, were busy, making sure everyone got excellent service. It did not surprise the red head to see a few of the Guard come in, some with young ladies in tow. She smiled, Doryn was certainly making sure someone kept an eye on her! Either that, or her father's plan was working! By the time the majority of the dinner crowd had started to thin out, Hani took her break and went upstairs to change into something more comfortable. She had no clue if she would see Doryn tonight, he did not come in every night, after all. The staff would let her know of course. She was quite relieved to get off her feet and rest before the late nighters came in for entertainment.<br/><br/>Tonight, there was a Bard singing, a traveling musician named Taliesian. He was a tall dark haired half elf with a wanderlust and a fine voice that had asked to play for the tips. The regular musicians would let him play some solos, as long as he would help with the dance music when the customers demanded it. Hani was looking forward to seeing if he was as good as he claimed. She rested for about an hour before she dressed in her dark blue skirt with a matching velvet blue corset. The white silk blouse set it off perfectly. When she went downstairs, she heard a few whistles, and waved at the regular customers, blushing at the attention. She noticed Mercedes and Theolin had moved to a small cozy booth in the corner, where they chatted like old friends.<br/><br/>Hani took her usual seat in the balcony, where she got a clear view of the stage. The Half Elf had dressed in a bright costume and had already started singing.<br/><br/>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJH6F47sIdQ<br/><br/>(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/0d/41/11/0d411197736a2687bc51aae6cd5a7a33--male-elf-character-concept.jpg)