For the most part, Mr. Altmeyer stayed silent, allowing the ladies to converse and see how well the might get along.  He ate and drank in silence, not wishing to interrupt unless spoken to.  The serving staff likewise kept their silence unless addressed, and one was quick to bring Skuld another drink.<br/><br/>It became clearer and clearer as time went on that Mr. Altmeyer was just a mortal, trying to perform a task assigned to him to which he wasn't very prepared and which no amount of training could properly teach.  "Well, that's admittedly the rub, Ms. Ihejirika," he explained, a bit of apologetic sorrow in his tone.  "Normally I'd have an elaborate task set up for you, a chance to learn whether you're able to handle matters and a strong sense of if you're the right people for each other.  As it is, all my abilities have told me is that you're going to be going in search of a map, once held by the dreaded pirate Graybeard."<br/><br/>He sat back a little in his seat, explaining what he's been able to learn so far.  "Sources tell me that this Graybeard has been searching the coastal waters and nearby islands for some time, that he used to be in possession of a map sealed in a bronze tube with depictions of a powerful Eastern dragon twirled around and around the sides.  Ordinarily, I'd have more information for you, but I'm not quite certain why."  If he had a guess as to the reason of his uncertainty, he kept it to himself.<br/><br/>"I can tell you that there's a bar near the docks called the Sultry Mermaid where Graybeard and his band of miscreants have been known to frequent.  They might know his current whereabouts and he should know where you might find the map."  He gave a soft sigh.  "Perhaps at my age, my gifts of prophecy simply don't hold the power to which they once did, which would properly help you along your journey..."