House of Toughs

    "You trust her then?" Leliana was still hesitant, eyes darting between the newly revealed Fila, and Madame. Eventually, she sighed, her gloved hands reaching up gently, lifting the hood up and over her ears, letting it sit around her neck. As always, with the hood removed her heritage was obvious, her ears twitching gently. Running a hand through her long golden-white locks, she sighed and extended a hand to the new arrival. "Leliana Leblanc. A pleasure to meet you."

The Madame observed as they exchanged their names and handshakes. Leliana ’s apprehension was sincere given the secret nature of their association, nevertheless it was unnecessary now. Both ladies had complied and consorted with a curious willingness, one that had helped itself along with her own reputation.

The proprietor leaned back and clasped her hands together in delight, addressing Fila, “It may be a leap of faith with dear Leliana, here, but to be completely honest with you, Ms. Filigree, your reputation does precede you with me!” She held a hand out reassuringly to dispel any doubts, “Do not worry yourself, my dear. I simply hear things from other mercenaries and certain members of the Nohrian military. Everything I hear is taken with a grain of salt.”

That said, she wiggled her finger, “Ho, nevertheless I am an advocate for mercenaries. Our efforts are for our dreams, not someone else’s! So! I have a business proposal for the two of you, and possibly for myself to explore as well.” From a compartment in her skirt, the Madame produced a small scroll, “This is a personal request from a friend to thin out a pack of Mauthe Doog that are terrorizing a local distillery. I don’t think I need to tell you why I find this important, do I?”

The Madame took hint of some vague stoicism from Fila . Did she rub her the wrong way? Perhaps it was worth it to allow some clarification...

“Just a good friend of mine, dear,” spoke the Madame with an assuring nod, “He works in the military as a medic. Bless his little heart. He put in a good word for you, so I couldn’t help but oblige.”

Now, back to the task at hand. Fila had voiced her concern about their mission, prompting the Madame to fold her arms tightly one over the other.

“Oh, pooh-pooh, darling,” she smirked ingratiatingly, “Remember when I said this was a personal quest of mine? I will be leading our expedition. I find it far easier to check the state of things if I go myself!” She gestured to both the women, “Naturally, I desire to spearhead this operation. You will oblige me, won’t you?

Fila seems to relax back in her seat at the Madame clarifies the informant. "Oh. I believe I know of who you speak. I'm glad to hear they're doing well, actually." Her tenseness seems to evaporate, and the smile returns to her face.

Fila seems to briefly surprised at the revelation that the Madame will be accompanying them, having not initially pegged them for a fighter. Her expression seems to revert back to its default flatness, and she quickly reviews her demeanor in the inn, eyes flickering over the innkeeper and making note of small details.

The mage gives an assenting nod, apparently satisfied with whatever she sees. "Very well. The three of us should be able to handle them without too much difficulty then. She gives a nod to Leliana bringing up the matter of payment. "That reminds me; I will want my normal rates. As for favors... I mainly need help getting the more 'elite' contracts; I've had my fill of thankless grunt work and arrow-fodder. You seem like someone with connections, Madame."

    "I think you will quite like the favour, perhaps. It is an odd one, to be sure, but it is one I feel you are uniquely qualified to provide to me. Unfortunately, I do not feel it right to ask it until the mission is complete. Payment is given when payment is due, after all," she smiled and leaned back, before leaning to shake the Madame's hand vigorously. She was looking forward to the adventure ahead, and if the Madame could provide what she required, then all the better for it.