The street pharmacist sat in the cold beyond the window of the inn, watching Rayvan and her "friend" carrying on with Talissia. He had meant to return to the booth and apologize to the young halfblood, to offer only his friendship, as he had on the escort home he had provide two nights ago, but his resolve had faltered upon seeing that smile and those arms around the male drow, who could only be the one she had been missing.

He frowned and turned away from the window, feeling a heavy hand on his shoulder. Xun"afein stood off to the side, looking through that same glass at those gathered inside.

"I ruined the meeting," There was a twinge of regret in the half-elf's tone. "Talis has asked for my head, no doubt."

"Not at all." stated the drow, pausing then and letting his hand drop to rest against the sword on his side, "Well" yes, you did ruin the meeting, but she may not be as pissed off as you would think. She's far more aware, than she makes apparent, of these subtle nuances between the group members and one would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind to miss the affection that you hold for her daughter."

Xavril, glancing back through the glass, made a fist of one hand and pressed it to his forehead with frustration. "And the lack of affection that she holds for me?"

"That, as well. Rayvan has never been the lover. She's stayed to her studies, all of these years. You know that. She was never interested in taking a mate. Even that fop that she was involved with more than a decade ago wasn't thought of as permanent on any level. I do not understand, though, why you would dare to speak that way in front of Talis."

The drow shook his head and placed both palms on the porch railing, staring out towards the street.

"I lashed out. I'll apologise," the half-elf reasoned.

"It was disrespectful, and there is no need to disrupt the evening any more than you already have."

A small stack of parchment was taken from within the drow's cloak and held out to the side for Xavril.

"You're expected in Xorhun by the end of the week. Let me know if you'll be needing anything, by the morning, and we'll have provisions ready at Valas" shop."

"But what about Rayv?" he asked, taking the packet and sliding it into the pouch on his belt. "Was she not to undertake this journey with me?"

"After a little research, we've decided it would be too obvious. We need your surveillance and the mark knows the family all too well. Also, she would stick out in the surrounding areas" as would I or any of the other drow. An if you really feel that you need an escort, I'll arrange for a member from Cormanthyr to meet up with you."

Xavril nodded and turned one last time towards the window.

"It's just so unfair. After all of this time..."

"Unfair how" You came into town on business. It is only right that you keep that business as your focus."

"Yeah' that really means a lot coming from you."

The look and temper that flashed in the red eyes of the drow caused Xavril to shrink back almost to the outside of the Inn. Xun'afein rushed the half-elf and seized him by the throat, pushing his back to the wall and lifting him quite easily for one so compact and wiry.

"Be on your way, or I'll make you regret all of these inappropriate and uninvited quips you seem to enjoy spouting. You've already likely made an enemy of Rayvan's suitor, would you prefer to provoke another capable assassin tonight?"

"Got it, boss" Follow directions and keep my comments to myself. All business."

He wriggled loose from the drow's grip and rubbed his neck with a disagreeable look towards the male. Quick steps took him down the stairs and towards the forge. He would prepare for the journey now and leave out at first light.