She doesn't like them.

"You could try being a little more subtle about it."

"What?"

"You don't like people, right? I get it, probably got good reason. Can't say I'd even blame you."

"And?"

"Well, it's just- you're sort of glowering. At everyone. Bit intimidating to a normal person, coming from a tiefling."

"Doesn't seem to be affecting you."

"Where'd you get the impression I was normal?"

Snort.

"But a lot of what I do, the reason I can be as effective as I am, is that I use normal people. You can get a lot done if you're not just one person."

"I don't want to make friends."

"That's fine. You don't have to. But- you do acknowledge that that's what I do, and that it works for me?"

"Yes."

Nod. "So, one key and actually really easy step to that is not looking at everyone like you want to kill them on principle, even when you do."

"Kinda like that, yeah! You don't even have to smile, necessarily; just sort of smooth your face out. People want to think that other people like them, and if they can't tell what you think about them, they'll try to persuade themselves that you do."

"Ah huh."

"Just give it a try. There's a time and place for intimidation, but it's good to have more than one trick in your bag."

Now, whereabouts was Lissandra...?

As usual, she can be found in the Lady's  Ward. Today, she's loitering outside the barracks.

"Remember what I said about about not glaring at everyone? This'll be a good time to practice. I've contracted Lissandra to get some more information about where we're going. Try not to get the price raised on us."

Elatra rolls her eyes, but at least is not scowling.

She smiles tightly when she sees Sefi.

"You were looking to hear about travelers?"

"That's right."

She cracks her knuckles.

"A human woman, a larger party, and a few fiends. Which ones would you like to hear about?"

"Talk to me about the larger party."