For a time, her question seemed to dangle in her mind unanswered, as the Rhaanites turned out to be no-shows in the tavern.  Conversations gradually shifted in other directions, under the lilting tune of the bard, who sang about the unrequited love of a maiden whose beau sailed off to war across the vast waters, never to be heard from again.<br/><br/>In the midst of the song, a serving-wench approached Rian.  She was actually pretty, red-haired and busty, and seemed somehow to remain aloof in this tavern of rough men.  She looked to be around twenty summers or so...<br/><br/>"What'll it be?"  She looked up at the stage.  "My sister has quite the voice, doesn't she?"