Once inside, they found none of the usual clamor of an ordinary inn. Most of the people who came here were scholars, wizards, sorcerers, or priests, with only a small number of sightseeing nobles and wealthy merchants. These people were all extremely mindful of etiquette, speaking so quietly that they barely disturbed those around them.
Even Xianna and Loris's stunning beauty did not cause much of a stir. Most people only glanced at them once or twice before turning back to their own affairs. Of course, it was not that Xianna and Loris did not fit their tastes. On the contrary, quite a few people showed looks of amazement. But most people here were highly cultivated, and no one would rudely stare straight at the two ladies.
Even if they were interested, they would merely have a waiter deliver a glass of fine wine and a bookmark. Most of the bookmarks bore ornate verses praising their beauty. This was the distinctive way Faerun's literary types struck up a conversation. If the girl who received the poem was interested, she would naturally send back a bookmark in reply. If she was not interested, she could simply ignore it.
Educated people really were different. Even flirting was so refined.
Loris and Xianna clearly loved this sort of thing. Loris came from the Cloud Giant race, and Cloud Giants themselves were very fond of literature, poetry, and moonlight. Naturally, Loris was no exception. So although she was ferocious in battle, she was still a literary girl at heart.
As for Xianna, there was even less need to mention it. Though she had once merely been an exiled princess, her status as a princess was genuine, so she had received an excellent education. On top of that, she had not been allowed to study