Gaining a lead

Some extra insight could prove useful. There's gotta be some regular visitors in a place like this, you think, and if they come here regularly, there has to be reputation that comes with it, good or bad. You don't have the time to parse that out, and doing so could give it away to someone you'd rather not trust. You realize that in the process of trying to "rescue" the princess, you could also be setting someone up to kidnap her themselves, or worse; far more dreadful than the current fate that befalls her. You need someone who can quickly cut through the nonsense, and point you to the person or persons you need.

The barkeep, obviously. This one is well suited to her job, and you dare say is easy on the eyes as well, a welcome combination.. Having shouted down a dwarf that was getting a little unruly, she's clearly got some fire in her belly. You wonder whether she was always that way and she's naturally suited to this job, or if she was molded by the necessity of the task and the clientele. As much as you'd like to get to know this woman better, you focus down, approaching her as you find a spot in the crowded establishment.

"Excuse me, miss, but I was hoping you could help me out"

"Help you out? The door's right there sweetheart" She said pointing to the way you came in. It took a second to recognize the sharp jab she took at you, and you couldn't help but laugh a little

"Thank you, yes. I need help with information."

"Help is bad for business. Information comes with the price of a drink and a room for the night."

"Sure" You dispense the coinage necessary for both easily, without even asking what either may cost. Her eyes squint in curiosity, as do a few other wandering eyes from your new neighbors.

"Well, that was easy. What do you need to know?"

"I need to know who can be trusted for a mission that is highly dangerous that will not directly benefit them in the slightest."

Your straightforwardness caused her to laugh "Oh my, you are as straightforward and gullible as you are tall and sexy. I hope you have a better sell than that."

"True love?" You ask with a smile as you pick up your glass

"No, your first pitch was better. There's a few guys in the back there that are **** for coin. Pay em well enough, they'll do anything, though I can't guarantee the results." From your quick glance, you see a small group of young men, roughly your age, that could at best be described as vagabonds; street trash your family and the remaining nobles have always declared themselves better than.

"Considering you seem to have the coin, I know there's an adventurer or two you could hire. In fact..." She pauses and looks past you and over to another dark corner "looks like one of them's taking an interest in you. Chat her up and you might be sharing that bed you just rented." The barmaid moved onto the other guests, and you quickly turned around to try and figure out who she was talking about.