Halia Thornton

Halia Thornton is a prominent businesswoman and politician in the village of Phandalin.
Since the early days of the town's existence, Halia Thornton made her coin as the owner and manager of Phandalin's Miner Exchange, a place where prospectors can have their valuable finds weighed and sold for cash. They can also rent work horses to carry their gear into the Sword Mountains.
In the aftermath of the Phandelver Adventure, however, Halia Thornton was elected as Townmaster on Mirtul day 1, a role in which she serves ably and efficiently. She continues ownership of the Miner's Exchange, wielding considerable economic and political power in the village.
Several mercenaries have arrived in town wearing black leather armor and cloaks. They have set up a base in the keep in the center of town.
Sildar Winterhall has been expelled from his office and has returned to Neverwinter.
Her bodyguard, Xander, is never far from her side.
MEETING RAINAR ARNOX
"By the gods," Halia scowls as she grinds the coffee beans behind her counter into a powder that will soon render her a dark elixir that will help her make it through another day. "Another day in this boring little back water mining town." She pours boiling hot water from the kettle into the mug, breathing in the rich aroma of the coffee. "Another day watching these dirty miners shuffle in to weigh their little silver and gold nuggets they spend weeks coaxing from the earth. Too stupid to realize my lead weights have a little extra size to them."
She holds the mug up to her lips and blows gently across the surface of the swirling nectar of the gods. "Ah well, such is life in the Realms. Everyone and every thing has a secret. I just wish something exciting would walk through the door."
Rainar Arnox walks into the exchange as she turns around and takes her first sip. "Oh my. That is no dirty miner. I may have to pay the Shine of Luck a visit this afternoon."
"Good morning sir knight!" Halia calls out to Rainar as he is looking about taking in the exchange. Rainar nods as he walks over to the counter. "Good morning."
"My name is Halia Thornton," she says offering her hand to him. He takes her hand and shakes it firmly rather than kissing the back of it. (Ah well, not a knight. A business man I'll warrant) "I am the owner of the Phandalin Miner's Exchange."
"I am Rainar Arnox, pleasure to meet you." He says.
"Arnox?" she muses. "Would you happen to be related to the Arnox family in Waterdeep?"She asks already knowing the answer.  "Yes, indeed I am." He replies.
"I hear your brother is running things, since your father's passing." She states having heard the family is near financial ruin. Time to throw out the hook. "Correct. You are well informed." He replies. "That's actually why I am here. Looking for any business arraignments that might be available in the area. I heard you were the person to see when it comes to such matters."
"Indeed I am." She replies with a smile. She leans in close so that others might not pick up on the conversation. "You seem to be a capable warrior. Perhaps you can help me with a local matter. There is a press gang in town known as the Redbrands. They usually wear something red on their person. Anyways, their leader is a wizard called Glasstaff. Eliminate him and then you and I might develop a lucrative relationship. I have many contacts in the region."
"Yes I have heard of these thugs. Do they not extort money from you as well?" She throws her head back and laughs. "They know better than to fuck with me." She glances at the corner of the chamber and for the first time, Rainar notices a dark figure hidden in the shadows. Only his eyes are illuminated by a shaft of morning light coming in from one of the windows above the doors to the exchange. His eyes are locked on Rainar.
"So if you are agreeable to such unpleasant business," she continues. "I would be willing to pay you and any associates 100 gold dragons for completion of the job." "That sounds like a fair sum." Rainar agrees.
"Excellent." She replies taking out a stack of parchments and a black quill and ink. She swiftly scribes a contract stating it is for undisclosed "services rendered" and signs the bottom with her name and stamped wax seal. She hands the parchment to Rainar. "Pleasure doing business with you."
"Likewise," Rainar replies. "Have a pleasant day." He turns to go and she suddenly grabs his forearm. He looks down at her hand and she slowly pulls it back. "I almost forgot." She explains. "If you find any documents. Please bring those to me as well. Any treasure you find is yours to keep of course. But i want any information."
"I understand." Rainar replies. "Information can be just as valuable as any treasure." She smiles. "Exactly!" I like this man.
She takes a sip of her now cold coffee as she watches Rainar leave. She turns and grabs the kettle to warm the contents once more. The shadow at the back of the room detaches itself from the wall and moves up beside her."Should I kill him?" he asks. She looks at the assassin. "You're as bored as I am aren't you?" He nods. She lifts the mug to her lips, burning her mouth. "No, he is my new business partner." She sets the mug down and picks up her quill. "You can take some messages to Daggerford for me though." she tells him as she begins to write. "You can kill someone there if you want. But hurry back, I will need to send a message to Urlam in Triboar as well. Not such a boring day after all."