After another couple of days walking the snaking mountain paths, she came upon an inn: The Leaping Gazelle. It had a picture that matched its name rather well.
Samia headed in, ordering wine and renting a room for the night. She stayed in the bar where a mixture of humans and elves sat and drank. She was getting close to elf country now, and the mixture of races became more prevalent. She couldn’t help but admire how the elves looked; it’d been a while since she’d last seen one.
She sat in a corner, drinking her wine and watching the patrons. As the night wore on, she began to eavesdrop on the conversations around her. The elves spoke of a local crime lord in Vellanor named Kodon, who was rumoured to be involved in human trafficking and other illicit activities. Slavery was legal in Hellsmere, but it seemed Kodon wasn’t following protocol; he was taking anyone he wanted as slaves, and not using the scrolls of ownership that were legally required.
She couldn't help but notice a group of elven men in the corner, deep in conversation. They seemed to be wealthy and well-dressed, but there was an air of suspicion about them. Samia decided to make her way over and strike up a conversation, hoping to gather more information.
"Excuse me," she said, approaching the group. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Is there something going on in this town that I should know about?"
One of the elves, a tall and a tall and intimidating figure, turned to look at her with a cold expression. "What do you want, slut?" he said, his voice dripping with contempt.
Samia balled her fists, feeling her cheeks flush with anger. "I'm Samia, and I'm trying to find information on a local crime boss named Kodon. I was hoping you might have some insight into him."
The elf let out a scoff, but the others in the group exchanged glances. One of them, a human with a grey beard and kind eyes, stepped forward. "I am Fendel. We've been discussing the rumours of Kodon's involvement in the human trafficking ring that plagues this region. It is a dangerous game we play, but we cannot ignore the suffering that takes place. Are you headed to Vellanor?"
Samia nodded, suddenly feeling a little worried about going there.
“You’ll be safe in the city, but perhaps we should escort you there. We’re leaving in the morning, if you wish to join us?”
“That would be great, thank you.”
She drank and played cards with the group for the rest of the evening, before eventually heading off to bed.
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