Push Albina to entice him to more

You empty the wine jug into your cup and peer into it as though surprised. "Ah, Castor, I'm afraid we've run out of wine. Would you be so good as to refill the jug?"

Castor blinks in surprise, but nods dutifully. "Of course, Lord Gaius. Excuse me."

As soon as he's gone, you lean in toward Albina. "Have you seen how he looks at you?"

Albina blinks, then blushes. "I - excuse me?"

"Don't be daft. You're a woman, surely you've noticed - he's besotted with you. He wants you, though whether he wants your body or your companionship I'm not sure. Either way, I think he knows something that he's not telling us, and I'm going to need your help to get him to respond."

She frowns. "What do you mean?"

"Flirt with him! Lean on him, touch his shoulder, let your breasts brush up against him when you ask a question." Albina looks slightly outraged, so you backpedal. "All right, maybe that's a bit too far. But still - you're a woman! You'll need to know how to manipulate men eventually. Think of this as practice."

Albina scowls. "I don't want to manipulate Castor! I've known him since we were young. He's - well, he's a good man."

You reach over and take her hand. "And I have no doubt he'd make you a fine husband one day, if that's your wish. But still: we need that information if we're going to make the region safe for you and everyone else here again." You meet her eyes, pleading, and finally she sighs.

"Very well. But I don't like it."

"Thank you," you murmur as Castor approaches the table again with the wine jug.

"Did I miss anything?" he asks as he slides onto the bench next to Albina.

"No, no," she says, reaching over to take the wine jug from him. As she does so, her hand brushes his, and she giggles. "Castor, I'd swear your hands are even bigger and stronger than they used to be! Life in the Legion is clearly treating you well."

He chuckles. "I'd say so! I feel the sturdiest I've ever been.

"I believe it," Albina says, reaching out and squeezing his upper arm. It's a simple enough friendly gesture, but for just a split second she meets your eyes as she does so. You nod.

Albina continues to flirt with Castor as you pass the time and consume the second jug of wine, and over the course of the hour or so you watch as the legionnaire gets increasingly loose. By the end of the hour, he's got one arm slung around Albina's shoulders, though he's not so forward as to do anything that would break decorum further. It _has _loosened his tongue, however.

"I'll tell you, I wish we knew better where these bandits were holed up. I mean, we've had some reports from the Legion's scouts, but..."

You lean forward, pretending simple curiosity. "Really? What do they say?"

"Well, the bandits are somewhere to the southwest. We know tha' much. But where exactly..." Castor frowns. "Well, I shouldn' tell you this, but they're hidin' in those hills because they're no good for farming. Rocky, rough terrain. Maybe a cave or somethin'? But we just don't know. We don't know..." He shakes his head morosely.

You pat his shoulder sympathetically. "Don't worry, Legionnaire. I'm sure the Legion will be able to strike the bandits eventually..." You stand. "But I think it's time for me and Albina to be headed back to the estate. It was a great pleasure to meet you, Castor."

He stands - somewhat unsteadily - and Albina follows suit. "Aye, sir. You as well. Albina -" he embraces her, perhaps a little more roughly than he should. "It was wonderful to see you again."

"You as well, Castor." Albina breaks from his embrace and pats him on the arm. "Now go get some rest."

The two of you make your way outside, waiting until you're out of the camp before speaking. "Thank you for that, Albina," you say. "I know you didn't enjoy it, but {if Bandit Clues < 2}it was vital to get that information. I think it will be useful.{else if Bandit Clues >= 2}I had to be certain that he was telling us everything he knew. I'm sure he was, now.{endif}"

Albina scowls. "I'm glad you're satisfied. I don't know what you think of other women, but I don't like deceiving men who have been good to me." She crosses her arms. "Why don't we just get home?"

You nod, silently, and begin the trek.