The Short Cut

Between the copper fingers of Quyen's arm was a half-eaten apple. He was waiting for the guy in front of him to finish talking to Ror and when the man had finally buggered off, he stepped forward and nudged to his friend.  "Guess who made it in?"   Ror chuckled and nodded, "I read the report."  Quyen rolled his eyes, "Your lady friend was a tough cookie, but she's just your type you know."   Humored, Ror leaned back in his chair and said, "I see.  Well, I guess that's good news.  Did she tell you to keep a close eye on me?"  There was silence across the desk and Quyen spat out an appleseed.  "I see.  She's been worried a lot of late, but trust me I will not do anything stupid before you return."  Quyen tossed the remainder of the apple in the bin, and fetched a pack of smokes from the pocket of his coat.  As he drew a cigarette out and tucked it between his lips, he changed the subject, "You asked me to come.  I'm here, talk."  Ror planted his elbow on the armrest and leaned against his left hand.  "There's a priestess by the name of Calliope who recently left the city for the Port of Thalos.  I believe you met her recently?"   Quyen frowned, "Damn man, you know more than is good for you, you know?" He lit the cigarette with a flame that sparked from his finger.  Ror smirked, "Ah!  It's my job to be well-informed.  Especially within the city walls of Torregiano.  That said, you better hurry to catch up with her.  Or you could take the portal of course."  

Smoking, Quyen raised an eyebrow, "A portal? Where's that?"