We stepped into a smoky pub, filled with noisy patrons. There were mostly humans, although I thought I could pick out an elf or two. They sat at the bar, played poker at tables, and some hung around the stage in the back whistling at a couple of strippers. The smoke that filled the air didn't smell like tobacco, but I couldn't quite place just what it was.
I scanned the area for Shazan, and saw him at a table speaking with a figure hidden under a dark cloak. "Oh, there he is," I told Suzie, pointing him out.
Almost immediately, Shazan turned to look at us. His eyes, tensed with anger, softened at once when he saw me. He muttered something to the dark figure, and then walked over to us. "Well, Misty, it's a pleasure ter see ya again. Won't ya introduce me ter yer lovely companion?" he gestured to Suzie with a smile.
"Oh, um," I stumbled, trying to find my roleplaying voice. "Shazan, allow me to introduce my girlfr- uh, my lover Suzie. Suzie, may I present Shazan of the lower districts?" As I mentioned my relationship with her, Shazan glanced at me sharply, but quickly recovered. On the other hand, Suzie's eyes noticeably widened when I spoke Shazan's name.
"A true delight ter meet ya," Shazan said with a soft bow. "She's a fine prize yeh've won, miss," he said, gesturing to me. "I'd keep a close eye on 'er if I were ya."
"Thank you, I will," Suzie answered, glancing at me.
"Can I interest ya both in a drink?" he asked, spreading his hands. "My treat."
"We really should be leaving," Suzie cut in before I could answer. She grabbed my wrist and began to hurriedly tug me in the direction of the exit.
"It was nice to see you again, Shazan," I called as I followed her out. What's gotten into her? I wondered as Suzie pulled me along.
"Yer welcome to a drink anytime," he said with a slight smirk. "Both of you."
Suzie marched me out of the Giant's Blood and, despite my protests, refused to speak to me until we had reached her apartment. "What the hell's gotten into you?" I cried as she finally released her steel grip on my wrist. I glanced around; it was a nice place, reasonably furnished, though I would have rather seen it under different circumstances.
"Into me? Do you have any idea who that was?" Suzie snapped. At my blank face, she continued, "Shazan, Lord Shazan, is like the king of the underworld around here. One of his goons nearly killed me the other day for stealing from the wrong person," she showed me a scar on her shoulder. "David, for God's sake, stay away from him!"
