The Askers took me in when my Pa was killed in the war. That's been nearly ten years. Now this is my home, pretty. It's where you'll find me every day and every night.
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Riona Helt is the bartender (and probably keeper) of Asker's Alley, a Tavern in Ysa. She is friendly to every new customer and willingly gives directions. She adores the Fae woman Olaana.
She sells various goods, offers a bedroll for resting in the tavern, when asked about "Hexes" she points to a woman named Cali, where customers can gamble.
“Hey there, pretty. This is Asker's Alley, best tavern in Ysa. Only tavern in Ysa, of course, but you didn't know that, did ya? If you're new in the city I can help. I know everything... about the Understyle, the Embassy, the Scholia Arcana... you name it. I know it all!”
“We provide your basic public service: ale. And if drinking isn't your thing, then you can always stop by the Hexes game in back.”
“Oh if I had the finery, and manners, you wouldn't find me anywhere but the Embassy Hall. I'd even buy a title. But it's dreadful place these days, what with the war. The Dokkalfar and Varani are practically at arms over their differences, and everyone speaks in whisper. I prefer the United Merchants Delegation. Those are my people.”
“When Ysa first opened, the Alfar approached the humans about creating a shared shop, so people here could get their sundries. All of this was lost on the Fae, of course. Most of the United Merchants are good people, like Wystran and Gwenna. But that blacksmith's apprentice Brit Codgan... he's a leech.”
“Like I said, it's all magic to me. If the Fae said this city got its power from glowing purple antelopes, I'd probably believe them. I'm just a hostess.”
“It's the Fae neighborhood on the other side of the city. There you'll find the Hall of Appointments and the Lyceum Grove. They don't mind if you go exploring the Understyle, but I wouldn't suggest it unless you know your way around. The Fae can be easily offended.”
“Olaana and her squire, Brio, they have the good fortune to meet with all the nobles who visit the High King. A life of lords and ladies. That's the life for me.”
“Let me just say that I adore Olaana. She is one of the few Fae that I've met face to face, and she couldn't be more pleasant. She is such a pretty one.”
“Is that the one at the far end of the Understyle? Yeah, I think that's the place. Never been there, but folks say that's where the Fae make the waterfalls. You see, the city gets its magic from the water. They call it the Fountain. Or is it the Wellspring? I never remember. I'm sure it's just a story, anyway.”
