[VanimaEdhel]

"What do we have here?" Kalia muttered over the top of her mug, looking behind Castar at someone sitting at the bar. "No...do not turn quickly."

Castar slowed his motion and slowly turned around. There was a cloaked woman sitting at the bar, looking around carefully at the other patrons. She appeared almost...Elvish? But no, there were not many Elf maidens in these parts.

"What would an Elf of her appearance be doing in these parts?" Kalia asked, echoing Castar's silent thoughts. She looked at the woman for a second, apparently pondering the question.

"She could not be of the Elvish kindred, you know," Castar said pointedly. "After all, your brother resembles their kind in some ways."

"Even so," Kalia said, "What would a woman of that physical demeanor be doing here on her own? If she is mortal, then she must be of high birth. But look at her demeanor. Even Windheneb is not quite like she is."

Castar nodded his agreement and looked once more at the Elf woman. Her eyes met his for a second, and he quickly turned away. Did she see his stare? He hoped not. That one brief second, however, confirmed their suspicion that she was, in fact, of the Fair Kindred. No mortal woman had eyes like that. Even beautiful Windheneb did not have that depth in his eyes. Castar looked at Kalia, who was still discreetly watching the woman, seeming to hope that this new enigma would suddenly reveal all truths to her. Suddenly, her eyes darted towards the door.

"He is here," she said quietly. "I suppose I should leave you then?"

"Who?" Castar said, turning towards the door. Windheneb was walking purposefully over to the table where Castar and Kalia sat.

"Good morning," Windheneb said, sitting down next to Kalia, who quickly rose. "And where are you going?"

"I should get back to our mother," Kalia said.

"Oh, you are allowed to give the woman some time without you twittering over her. She can still think for herself, you know," Windheneb said, patting the seat and inviting her to sit down again. She quietly did, and Castar noted that she surreptitiously began watching the Elf again.

"Why do you not just go ask her who she is?" Castar asked.

"Who?" Windheneb said.

"I do not wish to be rude," Kalia said simply, "I do hope she does not notice that I am watching her...if it is that obvious to you..."

"Who are you watching?" Windheneb asked.

"You are being discreet enough, m'Lady," Castar replied. "I only noticed because I was paying close attention to where you were looking."

"Where were you looking?" Windheneb asked Kalia. She nodded towards the Elf maiden. Windheneb followed her gaze, then gave a low whistle. "Is that an Elf?" Kalia nodded, and now it was Windheneb's turn to muse, "I wonder what such an Elf would be doing here."

"Are Elves really that rare, even in this large city?" Castar asked.

"We get the occasional lord or lady with their guards, and even more frequently messengers," Windheneb said, "But not often do they come into the Inn to dine. And even less frequently do the women venture into this place alone. It is not dangerous, but such a thing is not necessarily completely..."

"...Proper," Kalia finished after Windheneb trailed off. "We were commented on her before you arrived, Brother. What do you suppose such a thing could mean?"

"Probably not a thing," Windheneb said, "It could just be that the Lady wishes to have some time on her own. For all we know, she could have guards positioned right outside of the Inn, but did not wish to call attention to herself."

"Windheneb, the woman is an Elf," Kalia said quietly, "She calls attention to herself without guards."

"That is true," Windheneb said. He paused for a bit, "So, Castar, what are your plans for this beautiful day?"

"They will probably want the men to begin the building of the new barn as soon as possible," Castar said.

Windheneb nodded and expressed that he wished he could stay, but the family shop did need tending for at least part of the day. He promised he would try to stop by the Inn at some point to verify that Castar had all of the provisions he needed. Castar thanked Windheneb, then the siblings excused themselves, leaving Castar alone at the table. He moved around the table so that he was facing the bar. The Elf woman was still there.

A serving girl came around and asked if Castar would like anything else. He ordered more coffee and leaned back in the chair, enjoying what was left of the aging morning.