until they comfortably reach midway up Sybella's calf. The fit could put the most skilled cobbler to shame.

"I really must start carrying an umbrella..." the noble muses, eyes yet skyward. "When you're quite ready."

"Then I believe that's the matter decided. When we return to the manor, I'll have my own guards take a description and seek him out."

The shoes offered are no more mundane than their owner; they cinch and lengthen, where needed, and with the downpour approaching, the uppers stretch

to the clouds above, as if they ought beg forgiveness for the coming inconvenience they'll bring.

"And I'm afraid that when the storm hits, it will be too dark to continue searching. Danger in shadows, as you mentioned. I doubt such a man would want you risking yourself for his sake."

[Deception: 💥20]

Sybella might think to find in her hidden fangs and a forked tongue, but she would see only concern that Entarra would take a moment too long to politely mask.

"But I am afraid I have not seen such a man," she lies. The sky darkens further and she casts a withering look

"My, you paint quite the dashing figure. He's quite right to be cautious on the streets of Waterdeep, especially these days.

This Knox is your...?" She had followed Bella and sat beside her now, waving away an approaching waiter. She asks her question with a raised brow.

See that evil, speak that evil, be that evil bold

When were you separated?"

With a sweet smile and a soft word, only loud enough for the girl to hear, she pulls a pair of well-made, comfortable shoes from her clutch of holding.

"These may suit you. I always carry a pair if I can, muck has a habit of finding one just before the most ceremonious of occasions.

She could watch the young woman with the sharp dagger and keen aim, and learn more of the stumbling behemoth who'd twice ruined a perfect ambush. She could lay in wait and allow Bella to grow comfortable.

And in time, she would learn all she could of those that would bring her secrets to light.

No one would catch a glimpse of how sharply her focus finds Bella at the warrior's mention, nor hear any keener an interest than a well-meaning acquaintance to a downtrodden peer;

she could be patient, with so much knowledge just at the tip of her fingers.

[Deception: 💥Natural 20]

No, none would hear an impatient jibe in response to such an absurd question, or see her roll her eyes when her questions after the young rogue's origin bore no fruit; she is a professional, and would hold her tongue even in irritation.

and looking through the small clutch she carries as she does, as if [she] were the one lagging along; for all the world, Entarra seems the picture of helpful concern, the gracious hostess and model representative of the Crown of the North.

"Well, while Waterdeep does tend to attract that sort, I must assume you're in search of a [particular] burly man?

I might know a name more readily than a description."

Listening intently, despite the crowded uptown path, slowing her step to allow better comfort to the ill-equipped newcomer,

about learning the lineages, even those of distant nations. Politics brings all corners of Toril to Waterdeep, one way or another."

and quite recently fashionable, though not this season. The jacket was once well-made, the trousers once tailored to another - and the curtsy seems so instinctive, Entarra wonders if she's ever worn them before.

"You may be surprised, though. You know how strict some families can be

"Oh, goodness, no, it'll rain within the hour. I'd have traveled by carriage. I can respect a mind trained to the moment at hand, and what lies ahead." She set an even, unhurried pace that allowed Bella to catch up quickly.

Her glance flits to the newcomer's shoes: ill-fitting,

Oh?

I am not arrogant. I am seizing all that life owes me.

gesturing for the other young woman to follow her.

"And from what court do you hail, Bella?" She certainly made it sound as if she had more than passing familiarity. With the state of her, many would write her off as a liar, or worse, a mind full of delusions.

But she's seen something deeper.

"Hmm." She seems to consider this, but the appraising eye she cast over Bella passed quickly.

"...No, not unless you should find reason to meet me at Court. 'Lady' is for formalities or those in our employ, and the situation calls for neither.

You may call me Entarra," she concludes,

Hmph. Fucking bloody trespassers...

[She'll have to take a closer look at that one.]

OUT.

Fascinating argument. Fortunately: Ahghairon's dragonward.

Guards!

...What in the Hells are you?

Such auspicious eyes upon me these days...

"I am indeed, and heir to its legacy - young though it may be. I am Entarra Thunderstaff.

And who might you be, my friend?"

"First and foremost, my dear: never disparage yourself, not before judgmental eyes and not before a mirror. You'll give the vultures too prime an opening, or worse, wonder whether they deserve one."

She offered an arm to her new acquaintance, poised and precise.

Oh! The poor dear!

You [must] come visit Thunderstaff Villa. It simply wouldn't do to have you wandering about, completely unaware like this.

All around me are liars and thieves.