The Bizarre Adventures of a Half-Elf

Social Moth

**AN: Hello! I have returned! A big shoutout to Littlemissflawed and RyanneBlackman for the votes and comments on this story! You guys keep me going!

The next few days were filled with tension. Whatever those docks were worth to House Cornello warranted a much higher bounty than whatever they were feuding with House Faistraad over. And House Maritassi seemed willing to match any offer Cornello threw out. Unsurprisingly, this brought in many wandering mercenaries, adventurers, and heroes from all different walks of life.

Charlotte had never considered herself to be a remarkably social person. She could talk to people when she had to, but she preferred to spend her time alone. This meant it wasn't very difficult to slip off to the Dragon's Shadow to receive espionage training from Lady Clara. What did prove difficult was when the Half-Elf was told to be overly extroverted.

"People talk when they're comfortable," Clara explained, plucking a walnut from a dish on the table. "Let them see you. You learned how to be invisible, and now do the opposite. Tell them about yourself-- truth, lies, it doesn't matter, as long as you make it seem like you're opening up to them. Stay out late; get them drunk. Remove their shell, and then..." She skillfully peeled the edible innards of the walnut from the shell, and held it out in front of her new protégé. "They will give you everything you desire."

"So... what you're saying is... People are walnuts," Charlotte smirked.

"Don't get smart with me." The redhead placed walnut and shell back onto the table. "But essentially. Anyway, I mainly summoned you so that you may meet some individuals."

The dual-wielder perked up at that. Across the tavern were the mesmerizing trio she had seen Lady Clara with days ago. They were often present when Charlotte arrived, but always excused themselves when she approached. And today they had a fourth member. "By all means," she nodded.

The Lady waved her hand, and the four people came forward at her command. Three were the same: The Goblin, the Human man, and the blue-skinned person. But the fourth was a Ra'Neca. He was tall and barrel-chested, his movements sleek and fluid under the tanned leathers he wore. He blinked amber eyes with slitted pupils at Charlotte as she took in his rounded feline ears, thick mane of golden hair, and the lion tail that swayed gently behind him. "Introduce yourselves," Clara prompted.

The Ra'Neca reacted immediately, his voice smooth and suave. "My name is Leo Alexander."

The rogue couldn't help the grin that stretched across her face. "Leo, huh? How appropriate." When he did not smile, she quickly continued, "I'm Charlotte."

The Goblin lurched forwards next. "Call me Phengtooth," he cackled, showing sharp, crooked teeth. "Whatever hunting you need, I'll get it done."

After Charlotte nodded, the Human said, "You may call me Oberon." There was the slightest hint of a rough, northern accent when he spoke, and it was clear he was trying to contain it.

Then the last, the blue-skinned person, gracefully glided forwards. "I am Veerle Zhi Catori." The Half-Elf was stunned to look upon pure white, pupil-less eyes. Her mouth must have opened slightly, for Veerle continued, "Do not be afraid. Few have seen the likes of my people before. Would you like a reading?" They suddenly pulled a deck of tarot cards from the recesses of their sleeves, skillfully shuffling between their hands.

Before Charlotte could answer, Lady Clara cut in, "Not now. We have work to do."

Veerle humbly bowed their head, and the deck of cards disappeared. "What would you have us do, my lady?"