MOTH TO THE FLAME To call Spider's a low dive would be an understatement. A pit ... slightly more accurate. In fact, of all the taverns in Parradine, Spider's was probably the meanest, filthiest, rudest of them all. It fit me perfectly. On the afternoon in question, while I sipped my tea, I'd already witnessed three thefts, two attempted murders, and 17 various illegal transactions. Nobody talked, nobody complained. Nosy questions were usually met with a fist in the face, often from Spider himself. Hence, when she walked in, even though she fit in as well as a Kobyiat at a swimming competition, nobody said a word. Everyone noticed her, naturally, since people in hooded silk robes tend to stick out. But her companion, a grizzled land mass in chain mail, was a fairly good deterrent. And of course, there was always Spider. While she shivered at his side, the hunk at her side talked to Ivar, the barkeep. He nodded, and pointed his scarred stump in my direction. I put away the fingerboard, and pulled back into the shadows of the booth. The duo made their way to my booth, and upon arrival, the hunk solicitously pulled back a chair for his petite companion, before taking a guard position behind her. "We seek the Butterfly", she opened, in bell-like tones. "Your search is at an end," I replied, leaning forward. "I am she." The muscleboy spluttered, "B-B-But you are a woman!" "And you are a moron. Life is like that sometimes." I smiled. "How DARE you!" he roared, grabbing at the hilt of his sword. I flicked my wrist, sending a dart spinning into the scabbard. "Like I said, a moron." I purred, "You are looking for me, which means you want my services as bodyguard. Probably for this piece here, right?" "She is the daughter of --" "I don't care, musclehead. But if she is someone worth guarding...why are you standing with your back to the door?" He stopped. While I watched, his emotions battled on his face. Eventually, embarassment won, and he nodded in apology, "You are correct, Freewoman. I apologize." "Isn't that nice." I smiled. "So, do we have business?" The young girl pulled back her hood, revealing glossy black hair, alabaster skin, and the other benefits of a wealthy upbringing. In short, she was stunning. "Please?" Ah well...it's a living.