It was odd that such a fine looking Elf had come into the Dew Drop Inn looking specifically for Mercedes. Oh she had plenty of men vying for her attention, but the Elves seemed to go for the more elegant females. Not that Mercy was ugly by any means! She was slender but curvy, a little on the short side, and had long lustrous dark hair and pretty grey green eyes. Mostly a little on the perky side, she flirts outrageously with the men to get better tips. However, the blow up between Hani and Doryn has sobered her a little and she is wondering if she should cut it back a bit. She is still a little upset with Doryn for using her like that.<br/><br/>She was not totally out of sorts, as she knew for her to do a good job meant she got paid well for her efforts. The young Elf seemed sincere and when she thought about it, he did not deserve being shut out, simply because he made a little mistake. Possibly he did not mean what he said in the way she took it.<br/><br/>When she took him his mead, he seemed very nervous. He ordered the elk roast at her suggestion and then stammered an apology.<br/><br/>Mercy felt her smile would let him know she was not really that angry at him. To further explain, she took a deep breath, “No, Theolin, it is I who should apologise. I have been out of sorts ever since last night. I should not take my personal problems out on strangers. You have been polite and sweet. Tell you what, if you will meet me back here after the dinner hour, I will sit with you after my shift and we can talk. I can’t exactly go out for a meal, as I work here and at almost all the meal times. But I can visit with you for a few hours after my shift. Is that alright?”<br/><br/>----<br/><br/>Hani smiled as Ethirdir explained he had known Doryn for a few years, mainly as a contemporary who attended the same social functions. It amazed her how kind and compassionate Ethirdir was. He took her hand and squeezed it gently. His eyes gazing into hers with wisdom and understanding.<br/><br/>When he mentioned that Doryn had never acted like that before, it surprised Hani. Was it true? Did the brash barbarian have actual feelings for her? “If he cares so much, why hasn’t he said something?” She sighed in frustration.<br/><br/>As he explained that Doryn was worried he would lose her, Hani felt annoyed. “So he was jealous because he was too chicken to actively pursue me until he thought I was slipping away from him?”<br/><br/>A soft smile formed on his lips as he lifted her hand close to his lips, his long fingers tenderly caressing the back of her hand as he held it. "And maybe he has a right to be concerned, because I do admit to being very intrigued by you, Hani. You have an air of excitement and an energy I have not seen in ages, and you have a beauty that caught my eye from the moment I first saw you. I cannot deny that I am drawn to you, and would not be opposed to learning more about you if you would give me the opportunity."<br/><br/>His voice filled her with warmth, so there was a reason for Doryn to be jealous? Here the Elf was, talking to her with all his charm, enticing her to get to know him better! Part of her wanted to burst out laughing! Suddenly it seemed like there could be some entertainment in all this! So these two very handsome males were both attracted to her and were in some kind of competition to gain her affections? A moment of sly mirth crossed Hani’s features.<br/><br/>“Oh, now I get it! You two have some kind of wager going? Hmm? Maybe to see who can get into my pants first?” She could not help it, a very amused giggle came from her. “That is hilarious! And I walked right into it! So Doryn is the tease, flirting and holding back, making me pursue him, while the charming Elf seeks to influence me with his suave manners.” She could not help herself and now was laughing openly.<br/><br/>Still, she squeezed Ethirdir’s hand. “I will tell you the same thing I tell every man who comes after me. I am not ready to settle down. I am not even sure I ever will be. Honestly, I do not see myself as the motherly domestic type. I am a rogue, Lord Talion! I crave adventure and excitement. If anything, I would have fun with both of you in my bed! Does that shock you?”<br/><br/>Hani was delighted, this was the kind of thing that made her life so much fun! “That does not mean I am inviting the two of you, no not quite. I am sure Doryn will only get more jealous and do something silly, and I can hardly wait to see what you will do to charm me. I can flirt with who I want and enjoy it, but the ones who make it into my bed will have to work for it!” The giggles continued as she rose to her feet. “I think our business is concluded for now. You can let me know when you have a buyer contacted. I need to get back to the Inn. I also have plans later tonight. And so you both can have something to think about, it is with another gentleman, I shall not name.”<br/><br/>Gathering her things, she was still chuckling as he led her out the door to the street. He might be trying to explain things, or even try to deny what she had guessed, but Hani did not stay long. “I will see you at the Manor for the dinner. I am really looking forward to it!”<br/><br/>----<br/><br/>Alyssa was certain she was going to die in this job. The Baron scared her half to death. But he paid well and she was half afraid he would do or say something to keep her from finding another job. As it was, she was under an obligation to the Arch Mage to report what the Baron had said. She had no clue what a tri point amplifier was. Maybe Quillian would know.<br/><br/>It was later in the afternoon when she was able to get to the Mage Tower and ask to see him. Jordan took her into the kitchen and gave her a cup of tea. Writing a short note on the chalk board in the kitchen, he explained the Magister was in conference.<br/><br/>Alyssa did not argue and merely sat in the kitchen until she could see her superior.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, in the upper floor, Quillian smiled at the nervous Knight Captain. “You have no need to be nervous, Sir Aelland. Have a seat by my fire and enjoy a glass of wine. There are tidbits if you are feeling peckish. If you care to smoke, I have fine pipe tobacco or cigars.”<br/><br/>Once they were settled in front of the fire, Quillian sat back and contemplated the young barbarian. “It seems you have made quite a name for yourself in Crescent City. The rumors abound and tales grow taller with each telling. The Duke highly recommends you. It seems he has a fondness for your skills and intelligence.” He filled a pipe with fragrant tobacco. Leaving the cigar box open and the bag of tobacco handy if Doryn preferred to use a pipe.<br/><br/>After the barbarian had relaxed a bit, Quillian got to the point. “As you know, the High King in Gutenburg considers this port a very important strategic holding. If you are a loyal servant of the Crown, which the Duke assures me you are, then you may know that the outlying kingdoms are too small to be of concern. Inside the City, however, some of the nobles seem to be thinking of gathering power for themselves. Most of this I can handle very well. I am a seasoned diplomat. There are other things, however, I cannot do.”<br/><br/>Quillian reached for a scroll on a side table and unfurled it on the table. “I have been told there are numerous tunnels beneath the City. Most of them are used as sewage outlets. But some are also used as nests of underground crime. I am well aware of your efforts to contain these ruffians and to blot out the worst of them. You are doing an excellent job, so far. I am concerned with one particular gang. They have been actively abducting people and spiriting them off to some unknown location. I suspect a slavery ring. So far, they have limited their efforts to the poor peasants. It is only a matter of time before they get cocky and decide to abduct some noble and hold him or her for ransom. I am only getting concerned with such mundane matters because I sense a rogue mage is aiding them. Possibly a half Elf. Though I have no proof, on that. Only a suspicion. Only recently have I foiled a certain noble in his attempts to use magic to further his ambitions. I am not certain I have been entirely sucessful in that. He is well placed and I cannot openly accuse him just yet. But the plans are underway to neutralize him.”<br/><br/>Quillian paused to sip the fine wine. “I am certain you will be investigating the abductions, after all, we need our peasants. They feed us, provide a healthy economy and are definitly in need of the Duke’s protection. If I can do anything to aid you in your efforts to rid the City of the slavers, I can only do so if they are using magic. I would also like to know if you can find any proof of any noble who is involved in this slave ring. Perhaps they are delving into the old Dwarven mines. I am told they connect to the city sewers. If there is anything left in the mines after the Dwarves left, it would be good to know. I have heard it said those mines once held the richest veins of mithril in the continent.”<br/><br/>There was a quiet moment as Doryn digested the information and thought of a proper answer. In case Doryn might be concerned that the Duke had any knowledge of this, Quillian smiled. “You are free to discuss this with the Duke. I am sure he will encourage you to be diligent in your efforts. The High King abhors slavery. He had to be convinced to allow indenture, but only when he could implement laws to safeguard the servants so they would not be abused. You can report back to me or the Duke, at your discretion.”<br/>