(what a sight. his immediate attraction to her lies in his appreciation of her obvious wealth and nobility, and she holds herself as well as any influential chimer woman of resdayn. there is the offputting matter of her heritage, non-elven and therefore lower in voryn's estimation, but today, he doesn't like anyone.)

If a drunk wants a drink, he will find a way to get one. Keeping the finer spirits out of the hand of someone waiting to be impressed is poor showmanship. (voryn says it confidently, vain enough to assume he'll be agreed with.

embroidered robes hang straight from broad shoulders now as he stands up to extend his first courtesy to her. the lord bows his head, though he lacks the practiced smile he would normally wear while truly deferential.)

I seek quality, not potency, but if a bottle that was brewed with both traits were to be opened, I would not turn it down.