The smartly dressed and handsome young male seated behind the reception desk that Taneth released the basket to, arched a brow when she told him who she was and to whom the basket was to be delivered. To say it was shock that was quickly covered on his face might be putting too fine a point on it, but he was most assuredly intrigued. "You're very welcome, Miss Mercer. I shall see to it right away."

Watching as the lady left his area and instead of departing began to wander about the firm's waiting room, the young male quickly leaned over an intercom and spoke in hushed words that did not carry beyond his desk. "Lord Dewey, sir. Please forgive the interruption, but I have a basket of fruit and two blossom sticks here delivered by a young Miss Mercer. A tender of the Red Dragon Inn." The last spoken with a hint of incredulity on the young man's part as he knew how the Senior Partners regarded that establishment and those associated with it.

"Thank you, Mortimer. Is Miss Mercer still within the building?" Dewey's rich baritone came back over the intercom with a warmth Mortimer knew was but the gentleman's outward fa"ade. It made him shiver, but his reply was swift.

"Yes, sir. She said she could not stay to deliver it in person, but then began to wander curiously about the waiting room, sir."

Dewey did not respond. Instead, the door to his office was heard to open from somewhere in the rear of the building and heavy footsteps seemed almost hurried as they came muffled down the plush carpet of the back hallway.

Impeccably dressed as always, he wore a custom-tailored Italian suit in a muted steel blue. Upon entering the reception area, one hand tugged up the windsor-knotted tie higher on his starched collar. "Ah, Miss Mercer." A jovial smile upon the kindly, honest face had Mortimer shuddering again as Dewey moved towards the energetic tender. "So good of you to bring this by in person. I hope it was not too much trouble. I am sure to enjoy the bounty." Speaking of the basket, he laid one hand upon it before stepping forward with that hand extended to her.

"Would you like a tour of our offices here? I would be happy to show you about. In fact, I would consider it a pleasure."

Extending his elbow for her to take, Dewey strolled them past Mortimer's desk where the young male contained his revulsion with practiced ease. Only after they had left his sight did his eyes widen saucer-like and he gave an involuntary shudder as if something slimy and grotesque were crawling beneath his flesh.

"Yes, we do nearly match in our choice of colors, Miss Mercer. And might I add that your outfit is particularly becoming. The shade a lovely complement to your hair and eyes. I would almost think it made exclusively for you." Dewey was every bit the charming gentleman, and he played the part well with eons of honed experienced behind the mask, a sharp contrast to the absolute bastard he could be when he allowed himself to act more naturally. "Please, I should like to hear of your troubles and these odd occurrences. I do hope they did not pose too much of a problem. I would hate to think I had been the cause of any distress for you."

Over the thick, lush carpet Lord Dewey ushers his guest on the grand tour. "Besides showing you about the offices, Miss Mercer, there is something in particular I would like you to see, get your unique and, I believe, well-qualified opinion on."

Dewey had taken them down the rear hallway. Every underling they met along the way beamed a bright smile, inclining their head to him and Taneth with respect before quickly moving on their way. Perhaps too quickly.

As Taneth spoke on her troubles, her hand that was resting lightly upon his forearm he patted in a fatherly manner. "Again, Miss Mercer, I am terribly sorry for any distress you have been caused on account of myself and my firm. Sadly, lawyers do tend to generate animosity among many, and unfortunately, my firm is the subject of several terrible rumors due to some nefarious dealing people about town who do not wish us to succeed on the side of righteousness." He gave a grave shake of his head, patted her hand once more and looked intently thoughtful as he contemplated the two friends she'd mentioned who were seeking help.

"Well, Miss Mercer, if they are friends of yours I already consider them to be of the highest caliber. Please, have the one come to the offices here, we have a special division with very capable attorneys on property law. As for your other friend, if there is a niche they can fill I am sure we can find suitable employment for them." Lord Dewey opened a door to a large office filled with desks and busy workers, all of whom looked up and smiled their brightest at them. "I do not wish to keep you, so I shall cut this tour short and show you what I wish for you to see, then."

The door closed smartly behind them and the workers wiped sweat from their brows before bending to their appointed tasks. Taneth was led up a grand staircase to a set of mahogany double doors, behind which was a large room dominated by an immense oval table and many chairs. The walls were lined with shelving, and each shelf held several shiny items of varying size; accolades and tokens of appreciation for the many charities and notable causes to which Dewey, Cheetham and Howe contributed.

Releasing her arm, sweeping a gesture about him, Dewey smiled kindly. "This, Miss Mercer, is what I wished for you to see. What I wished your qualified opinion on. You see, a terrible loss has fallen upon our firm recently. A long time employee who oversaw the day-to-day operations of our most worthwhile ventures, has left us suddenly for health reasons. We do wish him well, hoping he will fare better in the days to come, but it has left this favored part of our firm's work void of any who can step up and fill his shoes.

"Miss Mercer..." Dewey walks around the room, a hand touching here and there on pieces as he speaks directly to her. "I have heard of the Masquerade you have so elegantly put together. I have seen your handling of clientele in the Inn. I believe you are the person we are seeking to help us continue with our charitable endeavors. Please, Miss Mercer," coming back around to take her hand, holding it gently in his own and looking deep into grey-blue eyes. "Please consider my offer."

Again, he takes her on a stroll, allowing her to view the presentations gifted the firm for their philanthropic work. "We need someone to organize fundraising parties for our different charities, handle the public relations end and make sure the events garner as many patrons as possible willing to give of their hearts and wallets for these worthwhile funds. We are seeking to branch out into more charitable avenues and would like someone who can best tell us which ones are those that need the most help, so that we may aid more of those who suffer."

Seating himself to the edge of the large table, Dewey's warm, kind eyes sparkle with what may be gathering moisture. "If this is something you could see yourself doing, Miss Mercer, you would not only have mine and the entire firm's thanks, but you would be generously compensated for your time and expertise, as well. The position comes with a townhouse, a vehicle of choice, and a clothing allowance. And, no party you would organize could be too big if it brought in money for the needy, Miss Mercer.

Some might laugh at the idea of lawyers being so high on giving to charity, but I assure you, Miss Mercer, it is something we here at Dewey, Cheetham and Howe take very seriously. Our other work pales in comparison and fuels our funds so that we may give back to others. So, what say you, will you think on it, at least?"

Dewey watched the bouncy Taneth take all this in, savored the manifestations of the energies she thrummed with as if appreciating a fine painting by some Grand Master. Lord Chargym knew not exactly what this creature was that spun before him, but he knew what she possessed could be quite useful. It begs to mention he also considered that it would be quite pleasant if she and he grew closer and he had such wondrous fare to sup on for himself. As Taneth bounced and spun and hopped, however, his face was schooled to a gentle smile that warmed as she faced him.

"Three days, Miss Mercer? Of course, take all the time you need to think this over. I want you to be comfortable with your decision. I would also like to mention that if you have a need and desire to continue your current employment with the Red Dragon Inn, we can be most accommodating. I would like for you to enjoy your tenure with our firm and carry no regrets for taking the position." Dewey rose from the table's edge and offered his arm to her once more.

Of course, having Taneth working at the Red Dragon could prove most practical in the future. The Right Lord Dewey always thought ahead; it was the big picture that mattered. "Now, Miss Mercer, I shall escort you down. I know you said you had things you needed to attend and I shall not interfere any longer on your precious time." Moving them through the hall and down the rear steps, he patted her hand tenderly and smiled to Mortimer as they passed on their way for the front door.

Pausing at the door and slipping his arm from her, his hand rested on the knob as kind brown eyes met her grey-blue ones. "I am so fortunate you came this day, Miss Mercer. I am thoroughly looking forward to enjoying your gift of fruit, and am happy I got the chance to make the offer of the position to you. Those friends you mentioned earlier. Please be sure to send them both to us here. They can mention my name and I shall be glad to see what can be done for each of them." Opening the door and placing a light touch to the small of Taneth's back, Dewey smiles brightly. "Do have a grand and pleasant day, Miss Mercer, and do let me know of your thoughts on what we spoke. I am eagerly awaiting your answer."