In a message dated 6/26/2002 11:57:22 AM Mountain Daylight Time, tyan at twcny.rr.com writes: > The capitalization reflects the obvious meanings, but isn't it Pel > (not Aerich) who uses female contacts so skillfully? (Eg., before the > 4some's audience with G'aereth, he chats up Shaltre's female escort, > and then plops himself down near the door in the hopes of overhearing > their conversation.) > > That would fit "lady's man". Yes, but both Aerich and Tazendra get introduced to G'aereth by Perl as "Cavalier" as well. (Page 35) So I don't think the "ladies' man" definition applies with this capitalized use of the word. :) > > > p39: Aerich passes 3 weapon-smiths, stops at hostelry with fat partridge > > > > sign, basement door with a small sign of a simple longsword {why this > one?} > > > > Yes, this bothered me. Either he knew of the place previously, or there > was > > some small sign we didn't recognize somewhere that clued him in, or it > was an > > implicit statement of his skill with the sword that he wasn't concerned > about > > getting "the very best." > > Apparently Pel cultivates "favorites", e.g. the Chreotha clothier. > Perhaps Aerich worries that Pel's choices are more friendly than > competent and/or he doesn't like the idea of helping Pel cultivate > favorites and/or he doesn't want to owe Pel any favors -- or at least > not until he knows Pel better. > Except for this passage: (page 39) "Even as he (Aerich) spoke, something seemed to catch his eye, for he stopped, and indicated a door leading down into the basement...." It could simply mean he caught sight of the sword sign, or it could mean something more. Which is not to say that you are correct in that Aerich wants to develop his own "contacts" and not be reliant on Pel's. Stacy