His eyes lit up when she picked up the vase as she replied to his question.

"I am indeed, Miss, but these are not bits and baubles, no no. I offer only the best, most good quality antiques in the marketplace. This vase you have selected for example, it is colorful, no? It was not so lustrous when I acquired it, but I have restored it to the same colors as when it was used by Hatsheput."

McNeil re-examined the antiques on the shelf nearest him, curious if he could see any tell tale signs of restoration. Smiling politely at the merchant, he said, ”That is excellent to hear, sir. We really aren’t interested in mere curios. We’re in search of items that have true history behind them. Pieces that are exotic. Unique. If I might ask, do you deal in wares from all eras of Egypt’s past?”

"I do indeed, my good sir, when I can get my hands on these things. It is a difficult market, but Faraz Najir can find things for you, for the right price, of course. What is it you are looking for? What era?"

Price, who had managed to avoid learning anything about antiquities despite studying the classics looked about for a walking stick or an ashtray. As he did he continued to look about to see if anyone was taking an undue interest in the foreign tourists.

"Do you have anything from the Sixth Dynasty?" she asked casually.  "I've heard tale of a mysterious queen that ruled then.  Perhaps she isn't as famous as Hatshepsut, but I think she is far more interesting."

"The Sixth Dynasty, you say? I have heard speculation that there was a woman who was the last pharaoh of that dynasty, but there is much disagreement about whether or not she is true. Alas, I know little of this figure," he said.

Tiny stays outside the shop and appears to be window shopping.
"OCC: Tiny is really just watching the area around the shop. I'll have him do a couple of spot hiddens, in case.
17:19, Today: John 'Tiny' Amboy rolled 25 using 1d100 with rolls of 25.  Spot Hidden (25%): 70% - Anyone/anything around shop?
17:19, Today: John 'Tiny' Amboy rolled 44 using 1d100 with rolls of 44.  Spot Hidden (25%): 70% - Anyone/anything around shop? "

OOC:

You're a group of Caucasians dressed in Anglo-American fashion in the Old City, among mostly Egyptians in a relatively busy marketplace. There are definitely people looking at you, but none of them are hiding or being surreptitious about it in an extraordinary manner

McNeil cleared his throat. ”I also have a great deal of curiosity about the events surrounding the final years of the Third Dynasty. It seems to have been a remarkable period, marked by considerable political upheaval. It is my understanding that Zoser’s successors faced a very real threat to their power. Anyone who was able to disrupt the standing of the Pharoahs is a rare individual, wouldn’t you agree? Possessed of an unusual blend of bravery and influence. Someone that I would certainly like to learn more about.”

He grinned. ”Of course, I may simply be chasing folk tales. I have a weakness for a good story.”

Najir's smile faded as he listened to McNeil speak, his face visibly falling.

"Allahu Akbar," he said quietly. "Please leave my shop. I do not want any trouble."

20:16, Today: Harry Price rolled 52 using 1d100 with rolls of 52. psychology 60%.

Price hearing the quick shift in the man's attitude tried to imagine what was driving the merchant's mood and motivation.

McNeil’s expression became immediately contrite. ”So, it is simply a legend. A fantastic fiction.” He shook his head. ”I am sorry, good sir. You are speaking to a traveler who has a weakness for ghost stories. Who wants to believe that history is made up of the stuff of heroic tales.”

“I have offended you, and I did not intend to do so. And I meant no slight against the rich history of your country. I...merely hope to lay hands on something unique. An antique or two that I can appreciate for its association with a special place in Egyptian lore. Something that lends itself to a story I could share with visitors to my home. Nothing more.”

“Please accept my apologies.”

He seemed to relax a bit at McNeil's change in demeanor, and he gave a careful glance over the gathering of foreigners in his shop.

"There are good stories, Ustaaz, and there are dangerous ones. They may be the same, in some cases. But I do not want it to be even assumed that I am selling the type of thing that you are speaking of. I did, once before, but I have learned my lesson," he said, pointing to the burns on his face.

"There are much safer topics in our history to take an interest in."

”I hope that whoever was responsible for your injuries faced justice,” McNeil said, his words entirely sincere.

”I am appreciative for your warning, sir. The opportunity to travel to Egypt is a rare one for me. I wish to experience its rich history and traditions, not stir up trouble.”

He let his gaze travel over the crowded shelves. ”Is there anything you might suggest? A piece tied to a notable time in Egyptian history? Something with a hint of mystery to it, perhaps? Some of these restorations.,.the quality of the work is remarkable.”

"This is of Minkhaf, a prince in the Fourth Dynasty, Ustaaz. He was the vizier to his father, who was the Pharaoh. They say that he was a man of great faith in Ra. He believed greatly in the power of sacred places to protect from evil," he said, showing the piece to McNeil. "He believed also in the power of information, and he bought and sold information for gold to support his father's rule."

"I am similarly a man of great faith, but in Allah, and I also believe in the power of sacred places. I go to the El Hussein Mosque every day in the afternoon at one o'clock."

---

OOC:

Some idea rolls...

10:09, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of Dominic McNeil, rolled 3 using 1d100 with rolls of 3.
10:08, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of John 'Tiny' Amboy, rolled 56 using 1d100 with rolls of 56.
10:08, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of Harry Price, rolled 66 using 1d100 with rolls of 66.
10:08, Today: The Keeper, on behalf of Rosalie Elias, rolled 42 using 1d100 with rolls of 42.

”This Minkhaf, he sounds like a man who made wise investments,” McNeil said, looking the merchant in the eye, ”Perhaps, if it would not trouble you, I could visit you one afternoon at the El Hussein Mosque. You could share with me more about your faith and the history of your country. I would, of course, bring a suitable...offering.”

"Yes, that is a much better place to speak of these things, if they must be spoken of at all. I go there today as well. I will keep an eye out for you, Ustaaz," he said.
This message was last updated by the player at 15:04, Fri 03 May 2019.

While keenly aware that their very presence drew attention, Price listened and watched still trying to spot anyone who was taking an undue interest.

”I will meet you there as soon as I am able,” McNeil said, ”My thanks for your help and hospitality.”

Taking one last look around the shop, he moved to depart.

"I look forward to when we meet again soon," the merchant said.

"Well done," Rosalie said to Dominic once they were outside.  She paused to have a look up and down the street, gaze shifting over the wares for sale.  "You read the man very well.  Have you ever been inside of a Mosque?"

Harry picked up a small bronze statute of a cat and turned back to Najir, "How much for this one?"

"This? Two hundred piasters," he said.

In reply to Rosalie Elias (msg # 26):

”I understood him. The man’s a mercenary, just as I am. Willing to sell his knowledge and skills for the right compensation.”

He nodded at her question. ”I have, but it was some years ago, in Damascus. I haven’t had occasion to visit one since, so my memory of the proper etiquette is likely rusty.”

"Then I suggest you take our guide with you.  I can be of little help there, I'm afraid."   Throwing him a glance, she lifted one eyebrow in query.  "Have you other locations of interest you would like to visit?  Or shall we return to the hotel and find the others?"