Gerta listens carefully as Kalila speaks, her eyes tracking the girl's face, her posture. When Kalila mentions the name Wrenfield, there's no flicker of recognition in Gerta's expression. Just patient attention.

She notices the bottle Kalila's holding, sees the smoke inside shifting colors, roiling faster and slower. Her eyes narrow slightly, thoughtful, but she doesn't interrupt.

When Kalila finishes, Gerta is quiet for a moment, chewing on a piece of bread. Then she nods slowly.

[b]"Well now. That does sound like drunk talk, I'll give ya that."[/b] A pause, then her expression softens. [b]"But if that's what happened to you, then who am I to doubt it? Stranger things have walked through my door, I can tell ya that much."[/b]

She leans forward, her voice dropping just slightly, more serious now.

[b]"My brother, he had a motto. 'Trust people till they give you reason not to.' Everyone's innocent until they've gone and fucked up, ya know?"[/b] She gestures around the table. [b]"Most folks here know that better than anyone."[/b]

Gerta takes a sip from her mug, then starts pointing to each staff member in turn.

[b]"That there's Mick,"[/b] she nods toward the sandy-haired man. [b]"Good with numbers, better with a blade. Used to run with some rough folks down by the docks, but that was years ago. Been loyal to me and mine ever since."[/b]

[b]"The lady with the dark hair, that's Isla. Light fingers in her youth, if you catch my meaning. But she's been straight as an arrow for ten years now. Works harder than anyone I know."[/b]

[b]"The older gentleman, that's Petyr."[/b] She pauses, a wry smile crossing her face. [b]"Actually, Petyr's never done a damn thing wrong in his life. Model citizen, that one. Just needed work and I had an opening."[/b]

Then Gerta's expression warms considerably as she looks toward the young half-orc, who's still talking animatedly with Mick, his hands gesturing wildly as he tells some story. His auburn curls bounce with the movement, and his tusks catch the morning light.

[b]"And that handsome troublemaker there is my nephew, Garrek."[/b]

[center][img]https://i.ibb.co/B23MK2rL/imagem-editada.png[/img][/center]

Gerta's voice softens with obvious affection. [b]"I was a bit of a troublemaker myself in my younger days. But when my brother died, I had to take care of Garrek here and keep the Panther's Rest running. Sometimes people just need a chance, ya know? A place where someone believes in 'em."[/b]

She turns back to Kalila, her gaze direct but kind.

[b]"So you don't need to rush off anywhere, sugar. You ain't botherin' anyone. And if you really want to stick around and help out..."[/b] She pauses, considering. [b]"I can pay you two gold a week, plus free food and a place to sleep. Fair?"[/b]

Before Kalila can respond, Gerta reaches into her pocket and pulls out two gold coins. She slides them across the table.

[b]"Here's an advance on your first week. Go get yourself some proper work clothes so you don't ruin that fancy dress while you're cleanin' tables or haulin' kegs. And if you want to make that room of yours a bit more comfortable, well, that's up to you."[/b]

She leans back with a satisfied smile.

[b]"Welcome to the Panther's Rest, Kalila Wrenfield. You're one of us now, if you want to be."[/b]

[hr]
[b]What does Kalila do?[/b]