DoT: Aftermath, part four

"Mother Lardner," Vallista said politely, and offered an abbreviated bow. "You're a bit outside of your usual haunts."

The older woman smiled. "Your lack of threats and demands made it necessary, dearie. I'm grateful, even if it meant walking all the way up here."

Vallista shrugged, and offered a smile. "I had no reason to suspect you of involvement," she said, them gestured towards The Copper Pot. "May I invite you inside for a meal?"

"I make it a rule never to refuse food and drink, my dear," said Mother Lardner. "I've seen too many times when they were far too precious to spare."

"Just so," Vallista said. "Would you prefer for me to enter first?"

Mother Lardner's expression remained serene. "So courteous; an unmistakable tribute to your father's training. I'll be happy to precede you."

That was a deliberate show of trust; Mother Lardner was offering her back. Vallista nodded. "Then please do allow me to treat you -- and treat with you."

Mother Lardner nodded, then turned to Derlina. The half-orc looked surprised, but composed herself immediately. 

"It was a great pleasure meeting you, my dear. I do so appreciate your company, and your willingness to help an old woman along difficult streets."

Derlina didn't quite glance at Vallista. Instead she simply smiled and nodded. "It was a pleasure for me as well. It seems you're well taken-care of now, though, so I'll leave you to your business."

Mother Lardner stretched out a hand, touched the half-elf's forearm. "Bless you, dearie." Given what Mother Lardner was, that blessing might have carried real, magical weight; Vallista couldn't tell. But this was conversation that needed to happen; the head of the Beggars might have set it up that way, but in truth she couldn't argue. Mother Lardner turned back to her, nodded, and then went into the Copper Pot. 

Vallista nodded to Derlina, and offered a brusque "Well handled" before she followed the older woman inside.