Ianora must be familiar with patriar customs, for instead of pressing Alizeh’s hand as an elf would, she bends slightly at the waist and, taking her hand in her own, raises it higher. Sensual red lips descend on her knuckles, a lingering kiss, soft and warm. Ianora straightens, but does not release Alizeh’s hand. Her aquamarine gaze meets Alizeh’s eyes. In them, Alizeh sees a twinkle of<em>something</em>- merriment? Laughter? Mischief?<br/><br/>“Such wonderful ideas you have,” Ianora says. “I hope to see all your performances. Alas, I fear I must miss a few, for I have duties of my own within the city.”<br/><br/>“We are emissaries on behalf of Aradril,” Nimuel says, referring to an elven city in the Cloakwood. “We hope to build a shrine to the Seldarine here, in hopes of fostering better relations between our peoples.”<br/><br/>Ianora still holds Alizeh’s hand. “Lady Silvershield has generously offered us the use of some of her family’s lands. An old shrine to Chauntea, quite overgrown. She thought we would appreciate its natural beauty. It does have its charms. But then, there is loveliness to be found in other places about the city, as well.” A smile tugs at the corners of her lips.<br/><br/>The musicians strike up a new tune. Ianora glances in their direction, then returns her gaze to Alizeh’s face. “Do you dance, Alizeh of the clouds?”<br/><br/><div align="center">* * * * *</div><br/>“Ah, so your father was in the business,” Lord Whitburn says to Mara. “I see I’m speaking to the right person. You must be familiar with some of the details of his work. There is no better connection than professional insight.”<br/><br/>He chuckles at Mara’s mention of his name. “Yes, I am Lord Whitburn. And the honor is mine - such a smashing act you have! Now, about my proposal. A colleague recently defaulted on his loans, and having acquired some of his holdings, I came into possession of the deed to an abandoned festhall. It’s in Heapside, a good location near Heap Gate. So, I imagine a fledgling troupe like yours has no place to meet, no place to call home other than the theatre. Suppose someone were to offer you a place of your own, a base of operations. Of course, you’ll want to continue at the Eye, nowhere else can you reach such a wide audience. But if you wanted a smaller, more intimate setting in which to entertain a crowd, you will find no better building or location than this festhall. And I am prepared to offer it to you rent-free. All I ask is a commission on your performances at the festhall.”