“Hm. Will keep that in mind,” Kire said, noting the direction Ruli was looking at. “Been hearing talk about other strange things happening around here, other dangers besides the elves. Know anything about that? It would be a shame to have our visit ruined by any trouble.” 
The man looked at Kire, clearly doubting that these two were the type to avoid trouble, but the promise of liquor smoothed over any apprehensions. “Eh, not any more than your average port city, I wager. Unless you’re an elf. The good lord’s plannin’ on driving the whole lot outta Cordon for good. Got big plans, that, talk’s been goin’ around for months. Maybe settlin’ down’s got him thinkin’ of expanding Cordon’s power.” 
“Mm. As any lord usually does.” Kire paused, remembering something. “Does he own any mines? For gems and such?” 
“Yep. Why’d you think he’s so rich? Good looks can only get ya so far. Now, where’s my drink?” 

 Kire kept her frown, thinking the information over as they left the man to his liquor. A man with resources like Itallo, rich on minerals and slave trade, would make for a formidable lord, indeed. “Expansion,” she murmured. That would fit into the plans to exploit and eradicate the elves. “More flesh for his trade, and more land to sink his claws into.” And with a Gemini by his side? “Maybe this man’s trying to be a king. That’s usually what lords with ambition aim for. When a leader like that takes on a large-scale endeavor, [i]and[/I] making a big deal out of a marriage, that’s usually the first step towards claiming some sort of throne or higher status.”