Iskra had managed to navigate her way to the small library on one of the lower floors thanks to her instructions. Once again she was in the guise of Lady Grace.

She had to smile at John's audacity bringing her in to the palace once again. Sometimes it was easier to do business right under the nose of the authorities rather than in the depths of the city.

She gazed around and idly picked up a book and turned the pages.

John entered the library, idly snagging a book out of the book. Had he been paying attention, he may have not have pulled out that particular book—Anatomy of the Horse, but it wasn’t like he was going to read it.

He looked over at a smiled, walking over to the Lady Grace. He sketched a bow appropriate to her station. “Lady Grace, I had not seen you. How are you?” He asked, making small talk.

"Ah, Sir John!" She dropped in a curtsey and smiled, "how pleasant to see you again. We do keep running in to each other!"

She glanced around the room quickly and lowered her voice.

"No doubt you've heard the joyus news. There has been some garbage in the lower city cleaned up."

“In a most neat matter, I trust?” John asked, raising a brow. John almost wished they were in a secure enough that John could how she did it. He ran a hand over the table top.

"But of course. Incidentally, talking of the city Sir John, have you heard, a merchant in the city suffered a sudden and terrible seizure of the heart. One minute happily eating with friends, the next stone cold dead. It just goes to show. One never knows. I will certainly be avoiding the eating house he was eating in from now on!"

A wry smile touched the corner of her mouth.

“How terribly unfortunate.” John nodded, trying to repress a smirk of his own. Neatly, neatly, except for one thing. “I have heard however that his son is slightly suspicious of it however.” It was only fair to warn the assassin. Not that he thought the son—what was his name? Dan—could do anything to her, but it was nice for her to know.

Iskra raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't realise there was a child. How unfortunate for him. If I come accross him I'll be sure to console him for his loss."

Iskra had little concience about the family of her targets. She tended to deal with the worst kind of scum the realms had to offer and most often there were few who mourned their passing. She would would make a point of laying eyes on this son though, it was better to be wise to potential enemies.

"I do so hate to ask this Sir John," she asked in her best polite tones, "but there is the matter of a small sum of money you owe me from some time back, if you recall. Of course there is no hurry...," she couldn't resist adding this last bit, "but there is a dress maker I am keen to engage to make me a dress for the summer."

Mirth showed in her eyes, if not in the polite expression on her face.

It was a battle to keep John's face in the pointedly polite and interested face that was typical of noble's in a situation. He doubted the assassin had ever been in a dress shop willingly.

“Ah, yes,” John said. “I may not be the most honorable man in the world but I always repay my debts.” He pulled out the pouch of money and set it on the table with a clank of coin hitting hard surface and other coins. “I think that should suffice.”

"I'm sure it will." Iskra nodded.

"I have to say, I have enjoyed my time in Corus, I am considering staying for some time in the city. Should you hear of any parties I might enjoy, do be sure and let me know."

She would count the money later. She'd heard enough about John of Elden since her first meeting to know he was as good as his word when it came to business deals.

John raised an brow slightly as she didn't count the money. Ah so people did hear about his good traits, few and far between they were. He smiled. "I'll be sure to tell you about that Lady Grace."

Casting a careful glance around the room she reached in to her purse and pulled out a small charm. Lowering her voice so it was barely audible she whispered.

"It is always wise to recognise a good contact. Should you ever find yourself near Scanra or need a place to disappear to, this will guarantee you a warm welcome in the camps."

She passed a tiny silver charm in the shape of a birds skull, a symbol of the carrion crows, the group of assassins and thieves that had raised Iskra. Worn in the slums and camps of Scanra, it would save you a cold quick death.

Louder she said, "My friends would appreciate your good manners Sir John and one does enjoy good hospitality."

John took the charm. A carrion crow charm. He looked at it more closely. Was thank you an appropriate charm for something like this? He studied it. “Thank you for the compliment on the manners; I’m sure Master Harrison and my mother would be grateful to know that something gets through my thick skull.” He twisted the charm a little in his hand giving it one long look before covering it with one. “And the pleasure was mine.”

Iskra appraised this strange noble, looking at him for long seconds, her face and expression unreadable. She smiled slightly, nodded and picked the purse of money up tucking it away in the folds of her gown.

She dropped in a curtsey and said, "Until next time Sir John."