Msaka wandered through the plaza, gazing at the stalls he passed as he considered how to approach Aziza. He completed several circuits around the place, considering and discarding ideas, many of which centered on what to tell her he wanted it for. He did his best to ignore the merchants and others who were crowding the place, some of whom were speaking rather loudly, though the noise level in the plaza wasn't great enough to really warrant their doing so.

The fact that he wasn't really certain just what uses they could be put to made it that much harder - while he could probably make any claim he liked, she wouldn't be likely to accept one that didn't at least sound legitimate. He stopped walking, and stood staring at the fountain, letting out a frustrated sigh. His lack of progress had soured his mood, and he found himself frowning again. He quickly forced the frown off of his face, and resumed his pacing, now paying more attention to the people around him.

"This land supposedly has a lot of elementals, so perhaps someone here can tell me more about them," he thought. "It's just a matter of finding them... or perhaps I should find the merchant again and ask him. Of course, I'd have to find him first, which might not be so easy in a city of this size. But the innkeeper, perhaps..."

He turned and headed out the southern exit, hurrying along the street that led to the gate plaza. He quickly reached it, and crossed through the crowds there to the inn.

He glanced around as he entered, taking note of who was present before he approached the innkeeper. The innkeeper rose from his seat, inclining his head respectfully as he spoke. "Good morning again," he said. "How may I help you?"

"As an innkeeper, I expect you have heard many tales." Msaka replied.

"Indeed I have. You wish to hear some of them? Or a particular one?" the innkeeper smiled, gesturing for Msaka to sit near him.

"I have heard... stories... of the elementals that attacked this city a year ago." Msaka said, settling down onto the cushion the innkeeper had indicated.

"Ah yes. I was not present at the time, but I have heard the tale told many times," the innkeeper said, sitting back down. "Is it that which you wish to hear?"

"I am more interested in what happened afterwards. The stories I have heard say that the... hero... who defeated them captured them in various ways, rather than destroying them. What happened to them?" Msaka asked.

The innkeeper nodded. "The elemental of fire, the first one captured, was placed into a lamp, which still retains its power. It is relatively minor, of course, but the lamp now burns as needed, without oil or other fuel. It is said to be in the possession of the Sultan, gifted to him by the hero."

The innkeeper paused for a moment, then continued. "The elemental of air remains bound within the bellows it was captured with. Keapon Laffin had it for a time, though I don't know its present whereabouts. You would have to ask him, if you wish to know more."

"I would rather not." Msaka muttered, drawing a curious expression from the innkeeper. "I find him... irritating." he stated.

The innkeeper smiled. "You are not the first to have said that. Despite his manner, however, he is of good heart, despite his eccentricities."

"Maybe so." Msaka sighed. "Tell me of the other elementals."

"The elemental of earth," the innkeeper continued, "Was spread about the roots of Julanar, the tree-woman, who was later returned to humanity by the actions of another. Regardless, the hero gifted the elemental's essence to her, strengthening her both physically and spiritually."

The innkeeper picked up a mug and took a long drink from it before finishing. "The elemental of water was bound into a waterskin when the hero captured it. When he later defeated the summoner of the elementals in Raseir, he transferred it into the fountain of that city, which had run dry near the start of Ad Avis's reign. There it remains to this day, providing that city with water."

Msaka nodded, considering the information he'd just gained. It provided him with a perfect reason for wanting one, if he could just convince Aziza that his need was genuine. He nodded. "Thank you. One more thing. Where may I find Aziza?"

The innkeeper instructed him at length on how to reach Aziza's residence in the northeastern quarter of the city. Msaka grumbled inwardly at the thought of having to navigate the maze of streets once again, but knowing which way to go would make it easier, so he didn't complain out loud.

Msaka stood when the innkeeper had finished. "Thank you again." he said, then turned and left the building. He walked rapidly through the plazas and streets that led to Aziza's home, knowing that he would still face a big challenge when he got there.