"What indeed," Lysander answered, eying Leanna over the brim of his cup.  "I don't believe they quite know.  Some miners went missing in the tunnels and now the rest refuse to go back in, which is why there are so many loitering around here."<br/><br/>Crackclaw snorted as he tossed the dice across the tabletop.  "Some damned trick if you ask me.  Lot of rival claims in the area the company has tried to push out.  Be a good way to get back at 'em."<br/><br/>"A dangerous way.  Besides that whole of the foothills are filthy with vermin come down from the mountains. Goblins, kobolds…dangerous place altogether.  It wouldn't surprise me if something took up residence there or they broke through to the wrong cavern."  Riley puffed at his long-stemmed pipe as he spoke, removing it only so long as to frown when the bones went against him and the half-orc scooped his coins.  "I suppose you could always ask the foreman at the office.  I'm sure he'll dangle some gold under your nose if you're willing to investigate.  Me?  I'm not that broke yet…although I am apparently working on it if this keeps up.  Perhaps if there were others and you needed a guide…"<br/><br/>When the topic turned to the lost elves, Lysander's breezy smile slipped somewhat and he took on a more serious expression.  "Ah.  Yes.  I'd thought to do the same when I first got here…but…"  He shrugged.  "Chances are you won't find anything but your own death if you go wandering.  They say there are ruins out there, but those who claim to have seen them always place them in a different location.  I thought I glimpsed them once myself but when I returned with the proper equipment later on, there was nothing there.  Perhaps I just wanted to see them."<br/><br/>Lysander glanced away from Lia and refilled his glass.  "Anyways, I couldn't tell you where to look.  They say there's an old elf woman who lives in the forest from before the fall but no one's seen her in months.  You might try the blacksmith, they used to do business, supposedly, but he's not talking to any of us sellsword types anymore after what happened with Sir Grell.  Could be you could convince him otherwise since he doesn't know you yet…"  The elf sighed wistfully.  "Truly, I have half a mind to go looking again myself someday, only…"<br/><br/>"Only he never leaves the tavern and the chance to bum coin off gullible pups like you two," chipped in Ygrid with a laugh, the rough looking woman with the blond braid.<br/><br/>Lysander's eyes narrowed slightly although his voice retained its friendly sing-song quality.  "I am recuperating from an injury, that is all.  Ignore them, ladies.  They are a surly bunch that is why they're here rather than gainfully employed, I'll wager.  You'll have to decide for yourself what you wish to try, although if you do find a lucrative lead, I hope you'll remember the help I've been and include me on the venture."