Seeing Kel and Geon engaged in discussion, the sorceress waved at the other name giver of the establishment "Excuse me, Loren? Could you tell me what these do?" she asked, indicating some bracers.

As Caitlin approached Loren, she could hear that he was busy with another customer. And he told her as much when she interrupted. He suggested that she wait until he was done with his current customer and he could help her then.

"We do all of our business with extreme discretion and it's much easier to do such business right here," Geon told Keliantharas.

Moonflute waits patiently while Kel negotiates with the artisan.

A little time later, Loren had completed his business with the other customer and he approached Caitlin.

"How can I help you?"

The wizard looked at the sorcerer, his expression a forced calm, if a bit clenched in the jaw.  Geon might be a kindly soul, and no doubt made Loren quite happy.  But he was no wizard, no elf, and certainly not an elf-blooded wizard.  Such did not fill Keliantharas with confidence when it came to discussing matters of magic, even if the human did co-run a magic shop.  Co-run, with a proper wizard, who had to learn her magic from the absolute basics like a normal person rather than simply developing it instinctively.

"Easier, yes, not FAR too public.  Anyone could wander in and eavesdrop here."  Keliantharas's voice echoed out.  The tightness in his jaw reached his words, clipping them short.  He wasn't trying to be unpleasant - that much came as naturally to him as Geon's magic did to the sorcerer.  "I will be researching devices from before the burning mountain fell - nothing from that era aught be privy to wandering ears."

In reply to Dragondog (msg # 317):

Caitlin's face lit up when Loren addressed her, "Thank you, please - I would like to know more about these bracers and some of the rings and necklaces. Can you enlighten me?" she said with a genuine smile.

"Of course, of course," Loren said. "We are well stocked. The bracers we have wouldn't do anything for you, but if you have friends, they could wear them instead of padded armor for the same effect. But we have a necklace or a ring that will help protect you. If you are looking for some more power, we have some beautiful golden necklaces and each golden sphere becomes a fireball when you throw it."

"On the ring side, we also have rings that can make you more athletic, protect you if you fall off a cliff, and most interestingly, a ring you can wear so you don't have to eat and only need to sleep for two hours."

"And if you're interested in something out of the ordinary, we just got this small sack out of which you could pull a bear if you need something extra in a fight."

"Now you lost me," Geon told Keliantharas. "What does the Cataclysm have to do with amphidragon reagents?"

"Ah yes," Caitlin remarked, nodding in acknowledgement of Loren's explanations. "I guess the golden necklaces are not exactly what I was looking for. However, that sack you mentioned. How much would that be?" the sorceress asked, intrigued.

"It costs 3,000 stl," Loren said. "And it's a great investment."

Hiding the extent to which Keliantharas was becoming exasperated by the sorcerer was starting to test the limits of the wizard's relatively new ability to keep a civil tongue.  "The reagents are none too subversive - true.  What is more delicate is the information uncovered in the pursuit of the amphidragon eggs."

The wizard slid his eyes shut, and let out a deliberate breath.  Trying to convince Geon that the information Keliantharas was actually after was important enough for a private room without mentioning aloud that he needed to research at least one great relic from ancient times.  "All right, young man.  Provide a suitably private location and I will explain exactly what I am after.  Meanwhile, I will require spells and wards effective against risen spirits."

"I see," Geon said. "So there are two different things you are after. Information and merchandise." He then turned to Loren. "I'm going into the back room."

"I'll take care of things out here," Loren said with a quick glance back to Geon.

And then the sorcerer finally lead Keliantharas into privacy.

Caitlin overheard a few bits of the exchange between Kel and Geon and couldn't help but smirk, however, when the wizard mentioned 'risen spirits' her expression darkened as she understood what it implied. "So we're really doing this..." the sorceress muttered to herself adding a small sigh for emphasis - even if it wasn't meant for anyone but herself.

"Hmm..." Caitlin mused for a breath, "I do not believe that sack would actually help me with what we are up against next. You mentioned a ring boosting my athletic skills, what exactly would that improve, make jumping easier?" she asked, hoping to find out what use the item could actually be to her.

"Maybe so," Loren said. "But you never know what you will run into next. And if you find yourself in a situation where an extra hand or paw would be necessary. This could be a lifesaver!"

"You look like a very athletic woman, so I'm sure such things are easy for you already. But this ring will make them even easier. It's got jumping covered, but it also helps with swimming and climbing. You'll be an all-around athletic wonder!"

"You'd be surprised how athletic." Caitlin replied with a lopsided grin. "But I do agree, an extra pair of fangs or claws might be useful, yet I believe the animals produced by the bag come at random - right?" the sorceress remarked with a concerned expression. "To be honest I was looking for some extra protection in battle, be it something that can deflect blows against me or boosted my resistance against poisonous vomit or spells in general. Items of that kind would be of great interest to me." she explained.

"Yes, the exact animal can vary," Loren said. "But whichever you get can still be very useful.  And we do have a couple of rings that do exactly what you are looking for. One will help protect you in combat and the other will help protect you against poison, amongst other things."

Caitlin looked intrigued "What 'other things' will that ring protect me against?" she asked the elf with a friendly smile. "And how much steel will it cost me to purchase said ring?" the sorceress added for good measure.

Keliantharas followed the sorcerer without too much ceremony.  After all, the whole idea was not to draw attention to the discussion they were about to have.

(To the back room)

"Anything that requires quick reactions, a sturdy constitution, or a mind of steel," Loren said. "Such as avoiding a fireball. And it would only cost you 1,000 stl."

"That sounds really interesting. Our recent employment has yielded some interesting items we can offer. But I am sure Keliantharas will get into details with your esteemed partner as we speak." the sorceress explained. "Would you be so kind and put the ring on hold for the time being? It would be very much appreciated." she added with a genuine smile.

"Of course, I can do that," Loren said. "When do you expect that you will come and pick it up?"

"I expect within a day or two, if that is not asking too much." Caitlin replied gently, not wishing to exploit the half-elf's generosity.

"I can hold it until we close tomorrow," Loren said. "But no longer than that. If you return after that, I might have sold it."

"Thank you, I'll make sure to be back in time." the sorceress replied and gave the other woman a respectful nod, allowing her to turn to other customers.

After they had finished their interactions at the magic store, the group left.

[OOC: This thread is now closed.]