<div class="floatleft">(http://i66.tinypic.com/2diegso.jpg)</div>In a city full of exoticism, there were still things that stood out.  Mia Lin quickly realized that she was one of those.<br/><br/>It was certainly not just that she was a beautiful woman.  Although she was.  Years of athletic training, with a powerful spiritual component had left her body trimmed and toned, with long shapely legs and flat stomach, a marvel of athleticism.  And yet, it did nothing to soften her feminine aspects, the curving of her hips, the fullness of her breasts, the flawless golden tan of her skin.  Her facial features were delicate, with fine bones, ornate earrings highlighting the lovely symmetry of her face.  Her eyes were a lovely deep brown, large and almond shaped.  Her black hair was long and lustrous.  And the silken garment she wore seemed to flow over her lovely body, concealing little, hinting at more.<br/><br/>But there were many women about whom these things could be said.<br/><br/>It was also not just that she was from far away.  Her features, lovely as they were, marked her as being from somewhere else.  The shade of her skin, the way she moved, and the curious way she looked around as she walked, marveling at unfamiliar sights and sounds, all gave clues to her foreign nature.  But Anfaigh was a cosmopolitan center, and she was far from the only tourist.<br/><br/>It wasn't until later, speaking to Drake, that Mia finally understood.  It was these things, and that she was a free woman, armed and trained to fight, the short staff she carried across her back marking this.  A female adventurer, apparently a rarity in this place, where women were commodities and play things.<em>What a strange thing.</em>It certainly explained the leers she'd received coming into town.  And the occasional gropes.<br/><br/>Mia sat carefully on the edge of her seat, posture relaxed yet upright.  As the wine arrived, she sipped it cautiously.  For a few moments, she considered, tilting her head to the side.  Finally, her full lips twisted as she set the cup back down; drinkable, but only just.  Politely, she nevertheless nodded her thanks.  Travelling meant being exposed to many new things.  Hopefully the town would not prove as sour as the wine.<br/><br/>"My name is Mia Lin.  It is a pleasure to meet each of you."  Mia smiled, giving a seated bow, bending gracefully at her waist.  Her hands were raised in front of her chest, her right in a fist, her left clasped over it.<br/><br/>"A friend of Drake's is a friend of mine."  A hint of an accent tinged her words, and she spoke slowly, deliberately, each word carefully chosen.  She cast Drake a quick smile.  "He was one of the first people I met after leaving my monastery."  She went on to describe how she'd come upon him in her travels.  How they'd worked together to raid and destroy a nasty little cult, dedicated to the training and worship of scorpions.  There were some bits that she left out.  She was surprised at the places scorpions could sting...<br/><br/>"Very wise, Drake."  She said, taking another delicate sip of the wine.  "That is often the best way to find opportunities.  I am...<em>intrigued</em>, as you no doubt thought I would be.  However, first, I must know..."  She smiled just a little, her lips curling up at the corners.  "Which of these do you think I am?"  She waved one hand over the cards, the motion effortlessly graceful.