The harrowing silence was broken by a friendly voice, "That water seems pretty cold. Sort of unsettling too, considering this place is a total ghost town. I haven't seen a single soul other than our group of adventurers." Coriana turned, assessing the man speaking to her. Human, strong stance, well equipped and in shape. Putting everything into context, the pieces quickly fit together. She smiled.

"Ah, you must be Raoul de Costa, the mercenary I've heard is partaking on this journey. I am Coriana Alaros," she spoke slowly and clearly, her voice gentle and warm. Coriana bowed her head slightly and made her way back to land. She put out the fire in her palm; no need to be waving around what could be misconceived as a potential threat. "The water is not as much a worry as the silence. No guards, no townspeople. Fear is a dangerous weapon," Coriana mused. "In all my travels I have never been met by such a silence. The giants are a great threat, indeed, but there looms a greater darkness, I fear." By now she was completely out of the water and a couple feet in front of the human. Now that she was closer to Raoul, she could size him up with greater detail.

His armor was battered and scratched; many would be put off, but in every imperfection Coriana imagined there was a story behind it. His voice and words were friendly, but his eyes seemed to be evaluating her in return. She gave another smile. "There are four men indulging themselves at the inn, presumably our companions. I am surprised; you chose to approach me instead of join them. To tell the truth, I am indulging myself in quiet pleasures just as they indulge themselves in considerably louder ones. What brings you to me? Is it my magical mystique, or the foreign beauty of my elven nature?" Coriana chuckled, signaling that she was not entirely serious in her line of questioning. She pulled her staff by its makeshift leather sling from her back. Coriana channeled some of her energy through it; the staff glowed and began to emanate heat from its crystal at the head. The warmth was comforting.

"So tell me, Raoul. Is there a greater goal, or are you simply curious? As the human saying goes, curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back. Are you satisfied with what you received?" Her warm smile became slightly darker, though still gentle and lighthearted. To add to the drama of her practical joke, she channeled more energy into her staff. A ball of fire began to form around the head of the staff. Coriana enjoyed fire. It was her favorite element, as it held both incredibly destructive and comforting qualities.

"Or will the cat suffer a hot death this morning?"