Mari is feeling dizzy after the last drink. It takes her a moment to focus on the huge barbarian. Hearing his question she blushes brightly. " Fay… I do have an attraction to him. I'm not his type though. He deserves someone better than me. I owe both Lia and Fay that much. " She realizes what she said and tries to cover her mouth but instead she covers her nose. " Please don't tell him that. He will never give up if he hears that. "
Poljen nods agreeably, smiling at her reddened cheeks. "Your secret is safe with me. I ask because it helps me gauge his state of mind." He thinks a moment. "Maybe you should spend time with him, and then make sure you both reach the conclusion you are not meant for each other," he says with a shrug. "Or spend time with someone to make him jealous," he says with his usual goofy grin and his eyebrows bouncing up and down. "That might disgust him enough to leave you alone."
Mari giggles as she can't decide which tankard of ale in front of her is the real one. " Oh, I think the situation is resolved. I told him about my past. I think that he will leave me alone now. " A trace of sadness and conflict is evident on her face briefly before she laughs drunkenly.
Poljen snorts as he says, "Good luck getting that one to listen to you. He barely listens to his mother." Then seeing the somber mood settling over Mari he shakes his head a little, then covers her hand with his own. For a moment she does not focus on the strength of his hand, or the calluses and scars, and can only feel a comforting warmth as he gently lifts her hand, then delicately places it on her tankard. "Now, do you wish to try to defeat me once more, or have you had enough?"
Mari waves him off. " I've had enough Poljen. I see two of you already. " She laughs. " Keep drinking. I know that you can drink a lot more. " She watches him for a moment then speaks. " You haven't seemed yourself for a while. I hope that tonight breaks you out of it. Many are worried about you. "
Mari grins. " Thanks but I'm fine. I'll sit here for a little while and sober up some. I intend to make some money in a card game before I leave. Well done by the way. I've never seen anyone drink as much and as fast as what you just did. " Sie laughs and looks over to the smoke shrouded tables.
Out of Character: Wanted to confirm before I got things rolling again: Fay&Lia heading to meet her parents in the Misty Forest. Cratol heading to see his great uncle in Cormyr. Geoffroy&Elyria off studying at unspecified location. All others remaining behind, possibly doing a few small jobs.
Is this correct?