"Can you imagine, Mr. Variel told of a heir of the duke! Do you know something about those old times? It's so long ago. But somehow it sounds like good old times. I bet they didn't have the hassle with people like Marinelli." Eleanor voices her unfiltered thoughts.
"Duke Fallon was murdered and his heir sent into hiding. Those feelings may remain for some and for that and many other reasons this needs to stay silent. Eleanor, you are very good at acquiring and distributing information. Please keep this a secret until the decision is made. I will keep you both informed. Some very powerful people have given me quite the scare from both sides"
"My husband hasn't told me about it, so it wasn't talked about in the council, or was it?" Eleanor inquires from Lady Margaret.
"The council does not know yet. Fewer know about this than the fingers on one of your hands." Menan looks to Margaret. "You can be sure I will get the council's opinion prior to executing the will or some form of that."
"No, it wasn't. But why the fuss about it? There isn't anything left for that heir, or is it?"
"What's a noble without a manor and the money to live an adequate lifestyle. It's just a name with nothing else to it. Pitiful."
"I do not have enough facts to answer any of that. When I do and if it is of consequence, I will seek the council's advice before taking any action. My great uncle was tasked to carry out the Duke's final wishes. My uncle died soon after the duke was murdered. That duty now falls upon my shoulders." Menan looks around for eavesdroppers.
"Regardless this is not the place to discuss such a matter. I have been followed by some spy and I have no reason to believe it has stopped."
"You're pulling our leg, aren't you? Nothing ever happens in this place and now you come up with spies?"
"A spy? Really? Who is he spying for? A foreign country? This is all so exciting!"
Menan smiles at the ladies. "I was able to determine who the spy was reporting to. The nature of his reprimand for being detected is unknown to me. It is exciting and I have no idea what will come of all this. Some are obviously taking this very seriously."
Arawyn stands and whispers. "Menan, can you not take your own advice? Ladies, please. This topic is finished until we are in a more private environ."
A man comes in and orders a coffee on the way past Burston. It is the man that followed Menan the evening before. He walks to the table next to the tea party, gives Menan a nod and sits down.
He observes what is going on in the restaurant, without being subtle about it.
Menan takes note of the man but give him no recognition. "So Adelaid, how are the horses doing? I have not had a chance to check on them."
After Menan whispers something in elven, Arawyn stands and excuses herself. She takes a seat at the table with the stranger. "I am Arawyn. I do not recall seeing you here before. Please introduce yourself and order me a cup of coffee."
"I know who you are. But I can't remember inviting you over."
Arawyn smiles at the man. "You do not appear to be one who misses much. I thought I would spare you the trouble of doing so." The attractive elf smiles and leans toward the man. She pouts her lips and quietly says "Just coffee for now." She places her left hand on the table palm down and relaxed.
The man signs to Burston for another coffee. "So, whom in town haven't you told about your current line of work?"
The she elf sighs a "Thank you." She leans back to a normal sitting position. "My line of work? I doubt even you know that.". She smiles and makes eye contact.
"Well, you told the high priest of Abadar, you hang out with the two girls, one of which parades the crest around already, I guess the old priest is in too, and now some nobles. That might be an interesting strategy, but I really can't make head or tail of it."
"Perhaps because there is none at this time. You should meet Menan. He is very thoughtful and takes this matter very seriously. As serious as the one you report to. He is gathering information...Your name, or any name. How shall I address you?"
"Let's go with Dearil for now."
Burston brings the two cups of coffee and places them on the table.
Then he moves on to the tea party to ask if anything else is needed.
Arawyn's mouth opens slightly as Dearil gives her a name. "Thank you, Randolf." She never took her eyes off of the stranger. She is obviously shaken by this man. She tries to start talking but nothing comes out. Once more, Then twice. Finally she looks down and quietly says "If only it were so." She looks at her coffee and says "I could use something stronger at this point. Please give me a moment. I was not ready for that name." She awkwardly smiles at the man. "Would you object to a conversation with Menan after lunch?" `
"If you have a place with some privacy that isn't a cave in the woods, I wouldn't object."
"I'm sure you two can work something out. Stealth is not my strong suit, but I suppose you have gathered as much already. Have you ordered? May I stay with you for this meal?"
"The horses are fine. We can go on another ride if you want. And this time I'll be first."
"But don't dodge my question - what is up with that spy? Are you serious or not?"
"I'm not here for a meal. Only this coffee. And a little entertainment." He points at the ladies that are tearing Menan apart for the newest gossip.
"We met them at the market and have lunch with them here every Sunday. They have been so kind to us. And yes, gossip is one of their favorite pass times."
Menan gives Adelaid a stern look and holds it, waiting for her to break. He can tell she is not about to so he says "I have no idea what you are talking about, Adelaid. When do we expect the foal? Where is Arawyn? Did anyone see where she went?"
"I think she found more interesting company." Lady Adelaide replies and nods to the neighboring table.
"With the foal we'll have to wait until you can see some signs. Next year around this time if all goes well."
Menan stands and says "Please excuse me, I have some matters to attend at this time. I do look forward to next Sunday. Hopefully I will have more time then. Lady Adelaid, I look forward to meeting this grumpy old man later today. I love speaking with grumpy old men as there is always a reason for that and much can be learned. I hope to live long enough to become one myself. Lady Margaret, Lady Eleanor, it is always such a pleasure." Menan makes his way over to Arawyn. He ignores the man and says "Arawyn, we are done here." He turns and heads for the exit.
"Well, please excuse me, sir. Good day ladies. Next Sunday." She follows Menan outside and tells him "He is willing to speak with you, Menan. He should be here soon enough."
"See you around. Have a nice day." Dearil replies and turns his attention to his coffee.
"Menan, he claims to be Dearil. I believe him. He has been following us more than we know. He is aware of the armor Persephone is sporting, He does not seem to be too happy about that."
Menan takes a few moments to let that sink in. "Hiding in plain sight. That actually makes sense. Good job back there by the way."
The tea party is surprised by this sudden leave of the Variels. "What do think, was that an outburst of jealousy?"
"She was flirting rather shamelessly with the guy." Lady Eleanor concurs.
Standing outside the restaurant is not very pleasant as it is still raining.
"He was also not happy about the Temple of Abadar being approached."
"And he is taking his sweet time. I suppose he is getting quite an education from our ladies while staying warm and dry. Impressive whether he is who you say or not."
"Go ahead. Get some dry clothes and get warm. I will handle this spy when he exits."
Arawyn heads for their quarters shivering along the way. "Soaking rain is nothing new to me, but in these light weight fancy clothes. That is a first."
Persephone crawls out of bed around noon. She climbs to the top floor and looks out of the window to check if some ship has arrived.
The clouds make the outlook over Abadon a dull experience. Everything looks grey in grey. But nonetheless there is a ship under full sails headed for the harbor.
Persephone hurries to ready herself and leave for the harbor. Only to find that once she is there, the ship is only a little closer to what it was before.
She moves on to the Marinelli office and knocks at the door.
Gorm comes to the door, unlocks and opens it. "You are too early."
Persephone lifts her hands in a shrug and looks into the sky to point out the rain.
"Come in. Don't wet the papers." Gorm states and locks the door again, after Persephone enters.
"Take a seat and wait."
Persephone does as told and waits for the ship to arrive, or Gorm to give her a task.
Dearil comfortably finishes his coffee and enjoys the entertainment from the other table. Once he had enough of both, he puts down a gold and gets up to leave.
Outside he straightens his jacket and looks up and down the street. Seeing Menan he rolls his eyes. He then leaves in direction of the House of Flames.