Ethirdir was reading some documents in the back of the shop, making sure his inventory for the location was properly itemized and that Theolin was keeping track of the merchandise properly, when he heard the familiar sound of the bell announcing that a customer was demanding some attention. His mental clock confirmed that it was about the right time for the meeting, and he set the papers before getting up and walking through the curtain that led to the front of the shop. He expected to see Hani waiting for him at the front, and he was not disappointed when his eyes spotted her almost immediately.<br/><br/>Her dress was gorgeous, certainly more expensive than a typical barmaid could ever afford, which hinted at her hidden lifestyle that he knew about. The garment wasn't as revealing as her outfit from last night, but it did fit her figure perfectly, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what lay beneath without actually revealing anything. Hani looked beautiful no matter what she wore, and it pleased Ethirdir so to have her come to his shop like this, even if it was for a business transaction.<br/><br/>"Hani, so wonderful to see you again," he said, walking up to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. "I trust you found the store all right? You look so elegant and beautiful in that dress, my dear, if you will allow me the compliment." He grinned slightly at the compliment, unable to help himself when it came to letting ladies know that he thought they were gorgeous in as charismatic a manner as he could.<br/><br/>"Ah, but you are not here for that, are you? No, you are here to discuss the item you wished to show me. Theolin told me all about your item, which is why he requested that I look at it myself. We can discuss matters in the back, where no one will disturb us." The Elf talked about the item without directly mentioning it, knowing that someone might walk in and accidentally listen.<br/><br/>He placed a hand gently upon the small of her back as he stood beside her. "This way, my dear. Follow me."<br/><br/>With Ethirdir leading the way, the pair headed to the back of the shop through the dividing curtain, where the Elf ran into a subordinate who was busy cleaning some of the inventory. Ethirdir instructed the subordinate to watch the shop before continuing to lead Hani through a small series of corridors that eventually ended in a room with a large, simple wooden table in the center and a few chairs surrounding it. There was nothing else notable about the room other than a small hole in the ceiling that allowed a small amount of sunlight to filter into the chamber.<br/><br/>He closed the door behind them, sliding a bolt across the door to lock it, and then turned to face Hani with a more serious look on his face. "So...now is the moment of truth...please, show me this stone you have, Hani. This...Basilisk Heart." He expected it was inside that box she carried with her, and quietly waited for the reveal that would show him something incredible and powerful...and dangerous...<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Mercedes approached Theolin normally, introducing herself to him and asking him for his order. Nothing unexpected. So why did he feel so nervous asking her out? Was it because he knew she had been rejected last night, and he was worried she might spurn his attention? He wasn't normally this anxious, but seeing her again this close made him realize how captivating she was, even in such a simple and modest barmaid outfit. He couldn't let his nerves overcome him, however.<br/><br/>Swallowing his nervousness, he answered her questions. "Hi, Mercedes. I'm Theolin. To start with, I think I'd like...a glass of mead, if you please. And yes, I am alone today...but perhaps that could be changed. Would you...allow me the honor of taking you out for a meal, whenever you are available? My treat..."<br/><br/>That last bit sounded silly - of<em>course</em>it would be his treat - but now he could only hope she would take him up on his offer...