They came to the River Walk, an area of about a half-mile where the river was narrow and there were quaint shops and restaurants on both sides. Small boats and ducks decorated the waterway while families and lovers and business people strolled along the sidewalks that ran along the banks. On the side of the walkway that was opposite the river were the restaurants and shops packed together to take most advantage of the high rent space.

"I'm so glad you could come with me, Ms. Gossip. It's much better to have an interview here than in that stuffy old office. Besides, I had no desire to have either Gavilean or his wife eaves dropping."

Sharon is not a huge fan of Gav, but Des? She adores. Yet the Count's charm and friendly manner has put her at ease. She smiled warmly in his general direction, mainly because she was trying hard not to prove what a terribly klutz she is. For some reason however she found it rather easy to navigate while on Talomar's arm. Of course, she wasn't aware of his efforts to keep her safe from potential obstacles.

She nodded to his confession, another round of head bobbing really, as she wondered how such a handsome man could also have such gracious manners. Her mum would find him quite a catch. She will need to keep him off her mum's radar before she tries to meddle more out of the situation then there really is.

"Oh, I like Des. She's always been very sweet to me!" Sharon quips as she ducks her head to look at the ground while pushing thick, ugly glasses up her nose. Phy keeps telling her she needs to get contacts, but Sharon has plenty of those already and they haven't helped her see any better. Sharon's idea of "contacts" is people she gets information from.

"Yes, I must say that Des is a very fine lady; rather hyper at times, but fine nonetheless. Still, I prefer to be away from that office." He paused and looked about. "Ah, there it is!"

He pointed to a restaurant that had about eight umbrellas out in front of it with tables beneath each. These umbrellas were the outside tables of a restaurant called, "The Oystermen's Wharf". "Do you like seafood, Sharon? I should have asked you what your preference is. Please forgive my lack of manners."

The small talk allowed her a greater comfort than she normally had with her interviewee's; it's refreshing but not the standard. For a brief moment she wondered if this is the right guy. How could the Count be the same person Lucius DeAuster spoke about? Certainly this charming man doesn't deal in slaves? When he asked her if she likes seafood she again gave her rapid head bobs but they stopped abruptly as he apologizes for his manners.

"Oh, no, I mean, ah? I love seafood, and no, you aren't being rude." Sharon didn?t even attempt to address his comment on Des, mainly because she's never had lunch on the Riverwalk. Sure she's lived in Rhy'Din all her life, but that doesn't mean she been able to enjoy all the finer things the city offers. Most of her time has been spent in places most folks tend to avoid. You have to go where the stories take you after all.

"Oh, and I am glad to be out of the office too. It's a nicer one than the Evening Shroud though." That was where Sharon used to work, that is before the Nexus stole it and her Editor away.

Talomar smiled at Sharon and then lifted his hand toward the maitre d'. "We'll take this table here," Talomar announced.

The maitre d' was not about to object. "Of course, sir. Your server will be right over."

Talomar nodded his approval and released Sharon's hand in order to pull out the chair for her. He chose the one that would give her the best view of the river. " Mademoiselle Gossip, please." He motioned for her to take her seat.

A bemused assessment of the Count was made as green eyes widen behind those ugly, thick glasses, her thoughts on Lord Travanix. The Count is nothing like him! She can't wrap her mind around the idea that the two of them are in the same business! There has to be some kind of mistake! Well she will find out soon enough.

Sharon listened as the Count spoke to the man in what looked like rather fancy garb for any place in Rhy'Din. He has such command and confidence. Sharon would never have been so forward. She is sincerely impressed with his demeanor.

When the Count pulled the chair out and offered it to her she gave him a brilliant if shy smile, cautiously taking the seat while trying hard not to display her clumsy nature. To her relief she managed the task quite well. Sharon had yet to catch on that the Count is more than aware of her awkwardness and is doing his best to downplay for her.

"Thank you." She murmured softly as she began fishing about in her pouch of many holding, searching for the tools of her trade. "This is? wonderful!" she said with much sincerity. "Do you mind if I record our interview, Count?"

"You're very welcome, Ms. Gossip," he replied as he took his own seat. It was not the seat opposite her, but the one off to her right side. "I don't mind at all. In fact, I would expect it. Not that I would doubt your integrity or accuracy for one second." The server came over with menus and warm bread, freshly baked. He looked to Sharon, "What would you like to drink, my dear?"