He carefully straightened his tie. It had taken a bit of work to figure out the best way to fold the tie. Or tie the tie? He was unsure of what the proper diction was, it mattered not. He was here to report his findings to the boss and that was what he planned to do. He straightened his back and pulled at the lapels of his suit, a thumb running over the embroidery on the chest. Clean and Efficient Monster Butchery, the name of his company. An unasked for addition but one he couldn’t complain about. Already two people had stopped him in the street to ask for his services. It was unheard of and had never happened before. How could a business complain about an addition that gave him more work.

The drow raised his hand to the door and opened it softly, stepping in and bowing head and body to a shadowed corner. A glint of red eyes and a reflection of an ivory smile was all he could see. He stayed in his bow. The figure twitched a finger and the door closed behind him, “So, what news do you bring.”

“It was as you said, the young man has a variety of works that have been hitherto unseen. He is growing fast, the difference between his works a few weeks ago and his current works are visible. He has either been hiding his skills or has been growing at a remarkable pace.”

He felt the hair on his neck raise as he felt the crimson eyes studying his suit, he reflexively suppressed a shudder when he felt a gust of air behind him. Feeling the slight increase in temperature from sheer proximity to his boss as his suit was appraised. The soft sultry voice of his boss whispered in his ear, “The look does suit you, it is well made. Why the embroidery however?”

The drow straightened and stood with a near military stiffness. “It was an unasked for addition. But I could not complain, I was fronting as a business man and a monster butcher and already I have had multiple requests or questions about my occupation. What business man would complain about receiving more customers? I did not want to draw suspicion.”

A soft humm answered him as the figure behind him was suddenly back in the corner, seated with the shadows falling just so to hide any details. “Well, good work. I guess he is indeed a world-walker as I suspected. Ursmir was acting a little odd when last I met him, I’ve also heard some rumours and rumbling. Send some people to make sure those rumours end would you? I prefer keeping such an asset in my city, I don’t want other people to stick their paws into what is mine.”

“Understood.”

“Do you think he’d be willing to make me something? Is he good enough yet?”

The drow cleared his throat, “If I may be so bold, I’d advise waiting a little longer. He’s growing fast and if you watch over him now you could use that favour when he is of a higher level. I’m assured that he will be level forty before the end of the year.”

Another hum answered him, the shadows vibrating with the sound as the crimson orbs stared into his own. “Very well, I’ll take your advice. Make sure he remains untouched. Ursmir has Face and Miss Arnette on him. They are good, but as with any followers of the law they have their flaws. Fill those gaps, we need a little more time for Xii to become Exquisite. With luck she will reach that far on the coming expedition. Then our city will be truly untouchable. Oh, and get yourself something nice. Good work.”

The drow bowed deeply, “As you wish.”

The drow turned on his heel and walked through the door, refraining from straightening his clothing or showing any other nervous ticks. One never knew if the boss was still watching. And that little gust of air he felt? He was sure it was done on purpose, if the boss was truly trying he’d feel nothing and never know where or what he answered to. He was unsure if the crimson shine of his eyes was fact or fiction - one could never be too careful around the highest level assassin this side of the continent.