[Roa_Aoife]

Roa looked from Snaveling to Tobias, incredulous. Of course, this did not show on her face- she could hide her own thoughts as easily as she read others. Snaveling was very good at hiding the truth. Even now, she barely detect the lie in his words. The hobbit was another story. Spinning lies may be something he did often, but Tobias was no match for the scrutiny with which Roa now regarded him. So, all was indeed a fraud. She cursed silently that she could not remember what had transpired in the cellar. Roa's head had cleared some since drinking the elven draught, but that time was still blank. She had barely enough for her suspicions, but she was sure of them now. Still, it would best to play along until she could fully recall everything.

"Well, then," Roa started sweetly, a gentle smile on her face, "it would appear all is settled." All is settled indeed, she thought, slowly forming her plan. Snaveling looked at her with carefully hidden leeriness, but Roa only grinned childish back. He smiled, or something to that effect, and said, "Just one thing remains unsettled my lady, and that is the matter of the purse." He nodded meaningfully at Valthalion, and the boy made to return the item with all speed. Before the purse was with in Snaveling's grasp, Roa placed her hand on Valthalion's out stretched arm, effectively stopping him with a light touch. You play the game well, she thought, but I am not finished with you. Not yet.

"You misunderstand me," Roa began, looking as innocent as a hobbit child, "While I fully intend to have the purse returned to you, we must first go to the shiriff to have everything cleared up. Of course, that can wait for a while yet," Snaveling's face registered a brief instant of shock and horror, and had Roa not been looking for it, she would have missed it all together. "I think Valthalion should hold on to it for now, until everything has been cleared, and then you can both go about your business." So her prey effectively caught, Roa had Valthalion hide the purse away again. Snaveling would not leave with out it, of this she was certain. He was a liar and a thief, but he was no coward, and he was very patient. She had spoke truly of his redeeming qualities, even if they were self-serving.

"As soon as we are all rested and revived, we can begin helping with the reconstruction of the Green Dragon." And I can find you out, she thought at Snaveling. Normally she would not have pursuedsuch a thing with such dedication, but something inside that part locked away told her this was about a personal insult.