The Bizarre Adventures of a Half-Elf

Walking the Line

After returning to her room to get cleaned up, Charlotte made her way towards the Dragon's Shadow as the moon crept its way up into the sky. Thankfully she hadn't gotten stabbed during the ordeal with the bandits, so her white blouse was still in presentable condition. But, despite this fact, the rogue still chose to cover herself with her black cloak. It was thick and cumbersome, especially since she carried her swords on her back, but it was best that she had the choice to remain inconspicuous if she wanted. At this time in the evening, the areas close to the docks were laden with sailors and deckhands all ready to drink away their day's work. The Crimson Guard patrols were sparse there, and even still, they could have been bought off by Lady Clara or someone with equal influence.

The Half-Elf pushed open the door to the tavern to find it the busiest she'd ever seen. Boisterous and drunken singing and laughter met Charlotte's ears, while cards, dice, and mugs were slammed down on tables. Nobody seemed to mind how dirty the place was as long as the light was dim and the booze was flowing. Charlotte weaved between patrons and flustered barmaids, before someone took hold of her bicep. "S'cuse me, missy," an unshaven Human slurred, "Would ya bring us 'nother round?"

"Sorry, I don't work here," she replied, jerking her arm out of his grip. But when she tried to push past him, he grabbed for her again. "That so? Girls 'ere don't serve us nothin' but food 'nd drink. Mayhaps ya help us with that?" He gave her a sleazy grin, showing silver-capped teeth.

Charlotte stiffened and reached to slowly unsheathe her dagger. "If you think-" she started, but was interrupted as a smaller, more delicate hand was placed on her shoulder. Turning her head, she saw Lady Clara standing at her side. "My dear, is this man bothering you?" The Lady asked, staring him down.

He went pale at the mere sight of her, and quickly shook his head. "N-no! 'M sorry, Lady Clara, 'ad no idea she was with you! S'cuse me!" He gave a slight bob of respect and retreated hastily into the throng.

Charlotte watched him go, before sliding her dagger back into its sheathe and turning towards Clara. "You really have a reputation, don't you?"

"Perks that come with the job," the other woman shrugged, before motioning for Charlotte to follow her towards the private booth. "The only downside is that I can't always collect information myself any longer."

"You must have eyes all over the city, then," Charlotte commented, somehow feeling calm and unnerved simultaneously as she slid into the upholstered seat.

Clara nodded. "That's part of the reason why I asked you here tonight." She grabbed a bottle of wine from a tray and poured it into two goblets, before offering one to Charlotte. After the Half-Elf took it gingerly, the Lady continued, "I like you, Charlotte. You're tough enough to get your hands dirty, you have an eye for opportunity, and you know when to hold your tongue. Plus, I don't think you would mind making more coin for doing the exact same work you've already been tasked."

"You'd probably be correct. The question is, how I would be doing such a thing?"

"You work alongside a rather diverse group of people. All you would have to do is get to know them and then covertly bring me whatever information you might discover. Great or small, it doesn't matter, as long as it's more significant than their favorite color. But obviously the more scandalous the information, the bigger the payment."

Charlotte took a sip of the wine, swishing it in her mouth as she savored the taste and considered the proposition. The dull burning in her throat from the alcohol was much more pleasant than being strangled. After swallowing, she asked, "And I can choose what information to tell you? Will my companions come to harm because of it?"