The man smiles and directs Guilliame and Velma over to a table in the corner nearest to the fire and furtherest from the kitchen. He then asks, "And what can I get you two lovebirds to drink?"

"What would you like, Velma?"

Order 2 of those.

"Ummm, I think I would like some white wine tonight," Velma replies.

Guilliame orders the two drinks and the couple sits down at the table, at which point Velma immediately brings her knee into contact with Guilliame's and keeps it there.

"I could get used to his," Velma says, looking around the pleasant surroundings. "I hope it isn't costing you too much to keep treating me like this."

The owner brings the drinks to their table and Guilliame notices that he has a musical instrument, a small flute, tucked into his belt.

"I hope you like the entertainment," he says before heading over to a small stool set out by the fire upon which he sits after taking out the flute. Then, without any announcement, he starts waggling his fingers in the air in a precise rhythm and the sound of a small drum starts echoing his finger beats. Once the rhythm has been established, he then brings the flute to his lips and begins playing a lively tune to the accompaniment of the drumming.

"That's clever," says Velma. "I wonder how he is doing that."

"I've no idea how he's doing that. Why don't we split the bill tonight. I must admit we have to watch our lions a little bit although business has been quite good recently. Have you thought of what magickal speciality you would prefer? Do you have any recommendations for me. I'm still a bit torn."

Velma goes quiet for a moment and then she says, "I cannot advise you, Guilliame because I am not a wizard. I am just a poor innate sorcerer from the western end of the Scholar's Ward who had to attend the School of Occult Studies because my uncontrolled magic almost burnt our house down... And, if you want to share the costs for dinner, I'm afraid I don't have the coin on me for this type of place... Would you like to leave now?"

"Sorry. I misheard. It would be my pleasure to pay. How long did it take you to control your magick?"

Looking somewhat embarrassed, Velma says, "Several years... They taught me how to do and control the little magicks... Like how to dry clothes when they are wet and the shower of sparks we used against the Stirges the other night. They also taught me how to read Sorendenese, but it seems I have no aptitude for wizardry, like you... Do you think less of me now?" 

"Magick isn't for everyone. Working in the library must be interesting though. Do you enjoy it?"

Velma shrugs and says, "Although I can read Sorian, most of what is in the theory books is beyond me... I do like the novels in the casual reading section though."

"I almost never read for simple pleasure. What would you recommend?" 

Velma looks a little guilty and then says, "I have to admit I am partial to the romances."

At this point, the host finishes his playing and there is scattered applause from the few people who are in the room at this early time of the night. Obviously feeling self-conscious, Velma joins in, clapping enthusiastically.

The female host then approaches the table, a smile on her face. "Thank you, Miss," she says. "My husband likes an appreciative audience... Now, what can I get you two to eat?"

Order the plait du jour (Gontish?)

Guilliame orders the meal of the day while Velma asks for and is allowed to have the same meal as they had last time.

While they are waiting for the meal, Guilliame notices that the host—the man who played the flute—has now started welcoming particular people and directing them into one of the tavern's side rooms.

Meanwhile, Velma has been engaging in smalltalk with Guilliame and is clearly trying to find out more about him.

"What is your role in the running of your family's shop?" she asks.

"I help out really. My mother organises preparation and choosing stock. I have recently started to do magickal identification to get in a bit more money. Also Master Fini, the stationer, has just left town and we are selling things on his behalf." 

"Magical identification," says Velma, excitedly. "That sounds interesting. Have you found anything exciting?"

As Guilliame prepares to answer, some of the other people in the room start to clap politely. Entering the room is the dark-skinned, Nubian performer that he and Velma have seen here previously. She walks over to the fireplace, sets her harp down on the hearth and then pulls a chair out to sit upon.

"I have seen a few interesting things. It reminds me I copied some markings on something recently and meant to get them looked at. This woman is very good. Did we see her before?"

After about a minute's silence, the harp starts to play by itself and the woman begins to sing along. Her voice is beautiful and the harp accompaniment without fault.

"I know someone who has something that is magical," says Velma. "I will tell them to come to you. How much do you charge?"

"If I can tell them lots about it normally an engle. But I'm happy to help out a friend of yours for free. I just guarantee I'll actually discover all it's secrets."

[OOC: Oops, sorry. I wrote the reply and then must have forgotten to post it. No wonder you haven't responded.]

"If I can tell them lots about it normally an engle. But I'm happy to help out a friend of yours for free. I just guarantee I'll actually discover all it's secrets.

[OOC: I presume the above should read 'I just can't guarantee...']

"That's very kind of you, Guilliame," Velma says. "But are you sure you want to do it for free? Don't forget the end of the month is coming up. You might need the extra coin to pay your taxes."

"Let me have a look and if I can accurately identify how the item works then maybe we can agree on a reduced fee."