"Of course sir, that is more than a fair price..." Khulekani replied, fishing out the silver from her coin-purse.

While the aspiring Paladin had never seen an Owlbear in real life before, every artistic rendering of them that she had seen had imparted a sense of power and majesty in her. Much like artistic representations of Griffons or Pegusi. Only, those seemed more regal and graceful, while the Owlbear radiated a primal power. Packing the item away in her bag, she lightly walked around while the other concluded their business.

"I'm afraid I have nothing to sell you. I don't have many possessions," the dark-skinned woman replied with a shrug to Culver.

~~Junk, junk, and more junk*,~~ Rhydd thought to himself as he peered around at everything that was crammed inside the building. At least Lady Mallory had the good sense to ask about things that had some real value -- foodstuffs and medicine. Unfortunately the merchant (who answered to "Culver")  replied that neither of those things were available.

It did not take Rhydd long to begin feeling an itch in the small of his back, and he began to break out in a cold sweat. He recognized the symptoms for what they were -- whenever he found himself feeling too closed in and pressed upon, it was not uncommon for him to begin feeling this way. If he ignored the warnings for long enough, he would start to find it difficult to breathe until he got some fresh air and space around himself.**

 Just as the archer had turned towards the door of the shop, he heard Culver speak of not only knowing, but oft-times doing business with Mallory's uncle -- whom Rhydd knew the noblewoman wanted very much to locate.

~~Well, mayhap something useful will come out of this after all,~~ he thought to himself as he stepped through the door, breathing in great gulps of fresh air as he did so.

---

OOC:

* I suspect that there was a medieval word for "junk", but I don't know what it was. So I just used the modern-day wording. :)

**Rhydd doesn't know the word for it, but he sometimes suffers from claustrophobia.

"Well, I haven't seen him in quite a while," Culver told Mallory. "A year perhaps? That was back in Bryn Shander, but I seem to recall him saying something about commuting to Termalaine for business errands. I heard tell that the mine has reopened and the Dwarves have returned, so I imagine there are profits to be found there nowadays. Oh, mere speculation on my part." He waved a dismissive hand, intended mostly for himself. "Don't listen to me. The truth is I do not know of his whereabouts. I wish I could have helped you more."

---

The otherwise stone-faced, mustachioed innkeeper recoiled from Farwalker's stride, and for a moment he seemed lost for words. The Goliath's smile did not help the matter. "I . . ." he eeped, his voice unintentionally jumping an octave. He grabbed his collar and swallowed. "Maybe I saw them. Those adventurers. Mercenaries. A Reghedman, a Dwarf, and a Halfling. They stopped by here what, a Tenday and two ago? I told them the same thing I've now told you — no rooms."

Ultimately, Mallory could only give a somewhat dramatic shrug and toss of her hands - doing so scattered the illusions away like so much smoke.  "That certainly sounds like his style.  He's a wonderful businessman but he's always been a bit lackadaisical when it comes to keeping contact.  Always said it was a Tabaxi thing." she sighed.  "Well, it's of little consequence.  Ten-Towns isn't that big so I'm certain to cross his path sooner than later.  For now, it was worth it to meet an associate of my Uncle's.  Once I begin work with his company here, I imagine you and I might be seeing more of each other."

A thought crossed Mallory mind and her expression shifted to a look akin to having bitten into a lemon.  She brought a palm to bear again and conjured another illusion; the blase demeanor of Niels swirled into view, stood above her outstretched hand.  "Speaking as a soon-to-be associate, allow me to give you some free advice: avoid dealing with this man.  He's a wagon master named Niels. He's the one who delayed and stranded me.  From what I've learned since, he's also doing some unsavory dealings and taking advantage of the merchants he's ferrying." she explained with bitter vehemence in her tone.  "I'll certainly be giving this cad a piece of my mind next I see him, and I'd advise you not to do business with him, for your own sake.  He's a cheat and a scoundrel."

Matters of business outside the shop were one thing to be taken or ignored as one saw fit.  But for the time being, there was business to do inside the shop that was of more pressing importance.  Khulekani might've been satisfied with a simple purchase while Rhydd craved space more than anything, but the young noble was simply far too eager to dig about and gather items into her arms one after another.  Culver might've bemoaned a lack of coin but, with Mallory's arrival, he'd get a bit of a windfall at the very least.

---

I'll summarize Mallory's shopping here so we can move along as quickly as need be.  PHB-standard Items:

Bag of Ballbearings        -  1 gp
Blanket                    -  5 sp
Climber's Kit              - 25 gp
Tinderbox                  -  5 sp
Dragonchess Set            -  1 gp
Dice Set                   -  1 sp
Rope (50')                 -  1 gp
Block and Tackle           -  1 gp

There's a few items that aren't necessarily on the PHB list but are in the same neighborhood, so I'll leave that up to DM discretion if they're able to be found:

Matchless Pipe             - ? (This item appears in "Waterdeep Dragon Heist" but has no listed value.  It's basically a combination of a quality smoking pipe and a tinderbox, so 5 SP at least?  If a Matchless version isn't available, then at least a normal, well-crafted Smoking Pipe instead)
Specific Tobacco           - ? (Assuming Culver has any tobacco/a variety thereof.  Mallory wants to try and find the specific scent Naerth smokes, as Astre should be able to identify.)
Petrified Wood or Bone     - ?
Chwinga-sized Doll Clothes - ?
Fine Woolen Scarf          - ?
A Book on An Obscure Topic - ?

Mallory also wants to pick up all of the magic items she spotted, though that depends a lot on their price/whether or not Culver realizes they're magical and charges accordingly.  In general, Mallory will only begin to haggle if an individual item's price tag goes over 30 GP.  Otherwise she'll pay without complaint.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:09, Fri 02 Sept 2022.

"Well, that certainly does seem like Niels," Culver said as he squinted to focus on the illusory figure, "but it doesn't sound like him. He is quite the honorable ranger, given my recollection. Are you certain it was him and that he was behind this?"

---

I'll roll on some of these to see if Mallory finds them. There are certain things he would definitely stock, and some he definitely wouldn't.

Matchless Pipe [20]: Found. It is nonmagical, with a flint mechanism to automatically light the pipe's contents. 2 gp
Naerth's Tobacco [14]: Found. The specific brand is called Sapho Slims and is manufactured in Baldur's Gate. 3 sp/ounce
Petrified Wood or Bone [Not in stock]: Not found.
Chwinga Sized Clothes [In stock]. Found. Mallory has an array to pick and choose from as there are quite a few dolls in the store. 1 cp/item
Fine Woolen Scarf [In stock]: Found. A sapphire scarf that flares broadly and is tipped with long tassels. 2 gp
A Book on an Obscure Topic [In stock]: Found x2.

• From Ghouls to Ghosts by an unknown author. While captivating, the book is chaotic and hard to understand due to an unusual dialect. Contained within are descriptions of the Ethereal Plane along with methods of interplanar travel and how they can be utilized to achieve functional immortality. 8 gp
• Anatomical Studies of Magical Creatures III by Eviure, Arcane Scholar of Candlekeep. It details the interior structure of magical and extraplanar beings. 10 gp

Khulekani's Investigation [13]: A clockwork amulet. She can hear faint ticking and whirring noises coming from within when putting her ear to it. Emits an aura of Divination. 20 gp

Mallory's Investigation [24]: An Emerald Pen. Emits an aura of Illusion. 150 gp
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:30, Sun 04 Sept 2022.

"Oh, I'm quite certain.  He nearly got us eaten by wolves then left us stranded in the cold instead of ferrying us to our contracted destination.  And it appears he's got some racket going as he forced all the merchants to offload their wares in Targos before taking them any further." Mallory insisted primly.  "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but, if you know Niels to be a better sort than that, he's apparently suffered a rather poor turn of character as of late.  Perhaps he has gambling debts?"

---

What about the prices for the five magical items Mallory picked up in her initial scan?

Also, is the price of the Emerald Pen because it's made of gemstone or because Culver knows it's magical?  If the former, Mallory would like to haggle on the price.  If the latter, she won't haggle but would request to cast "Identify" on it first.

“No rooms.” She repeated slowly, letting the words roll through her mouth and into the empty room. Or at least, mostly empty. “No service, either. Yet, you keep the building open and ready.” She crossed her arms and let her eyes take in the rest of place, “I dislike mysteries. Every town since I’ve returned seems to have one. Why turn away good gold, ‘tender? A dislike of strangers? Something else?” A hand moved up to tug at a medallion threaded into her hair, the hair of the bone carving flashing red for a brief instant. ”Speak.” Her voice echoed through the wood as she called on a brief spark of power. “Know that I seek balance on behalf of the Lady Firehair. This land is full of pointless death and destruction. Will you help, or is there no room?” The last word was only a little mocking, and the sneer was barely noticeable.

OOC: Just a bit of thaumaturgy for some echoing voice power.

"Perhaps . . ." Culver relucted as Mallory went into further detail on Niels. "Although, I always took him for quite an orderly man. I cannot speak to his current character, but if it helps him escape some judgement I have nothing but good things to say of him. He was no dastard. Perhaps it is this curse that linger over us that is to blame . . . it has shaken things up quite thoroughly, and undoubtedly some people as well. I wonder what has become of Alma then?"

---

Roark gulped. "It is entirely within my right to deny service to whomever I please," he said. Farwalker could tell he was trying to remain confident in face of her booming voice, but his voice was low and weak. "Especially for . . ." he stopped himself short of finishing the sentence. "There are no rooms. Now, out."

---

Orb of Time. Culver knows it is magical and what purpose it serves. 100 gp
Talking Doll. Culver does not know it is magical and thinks it an ordinary doll. 5 gp
Charlatan's Die. Culver knows it is magical and would demonstrate its properties for Mallory if shown it. 75 gp
Needle. Culver does not know it is magical. 1 cp
Metal Can. Culver knows it is magical and finds it neat, but of little worth. 5 gp
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:37, Sun 04 Sept 2022.

"Alma?  Still with him, last I knew.  Same as their other cohorts; Salim and Mikel." Mallory added while she mulled over various nearby trinkets that caught here eye here and there.  "If you're willing to vouch for him, then I suppose I can at least give Niels a chance to explain himself rather than just slapping him across the cheek next I see him.  But I don't have high hopes.  I've seen plenty of merchants fall victim to greed and easy money over the years."

Amid her searching she was quite pleased to find a rather nice smoking set, doubly so when there were different blends of tobacco on offer as well.  It wasn't to her own preference but Mallory still held up each jar of dried weed for Astre to have a sniff at before he pointed one out specifically for her.  "A half pound of this type, please.  Also, do you happen to have a courier in town who will run deliveries?  I'd like some of these items sent to others amid Ten-Towns, but it's no bother if I ultimately have to do it myself."

---

Mallory will purchase all the mundane items and a few of the special ones.  Also, if Khulekani wants to buy that clockwork amulet she found, Mallory will offer to pay for it as a gesture of gratitude for her help so far.

Bag of Ballbearings        -   1 gp
Blanket                    -   5 sp
Climber's Kit              -  25 gp
Tinderbox                  -   5 sp
Dragonchess Set            -   1 gp
Dice Set                   -   1 sp
Rope (50')                 -   1 gp
Block and Tackle           -   1 gp
Matchless Pipe             -   2 gp
Naerth's Tobacco           -   2 gp, 4 sp (8 ounces)
Chwinga Sized Clothes      -   3 cp
Fine Woolen Scarf          -   2 gp
Obscure Books              -  18 gp (total)
Emerald Pen                - 150 gp
Charlatan's Die            -  75 gp
Needle                     -   1 cp
                Subtotal  - 279 gp, 5 sp, 4 cp
                            (299 gp, 5 sp, 4 cp if Khulekani accepts)

If Khulekani accepts the offer, Mallory will offer to round up to 300 GP total and then haggle down from there, just to make the numbers easier if it comes to applying a percentage.  Otherwise she'll round up to 280 GP instead if Khulekani abstains.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:15, Sun 04 Sept 2022.

"Once again, I apologize for interrupting your commerce and conversation, but do you know the provenance and purpose of this device?" the Squire asked, holding up the clockwork amulet.

She knew that Dwarves and Gnomes could make truly intricate devices like music-boxes and clock-towers, so she was curious if this thing was of a similar make and purpose. Being able to accurately tell the time could come in very handy, for instance.

"Giving souls a chance to change and repent is a virtue my friend," she said piously to Mallory.

It might sound like a platitude coming from someone else's mouth, but from the aspiring knight, it sounded earnest and passionate.

(Second attempt, now with 50% less effort!)

"I'm a firm believer in second chances, Squire, but Niels has already crossed me twice.  A character witness is the only thing sparing him a third." Mallory shook her head over the matter.  The odd bit of clockwork discovered amid the sea of baubles made for an interesting distraction though, and she leaned in to give it a curious bit of scrutiny.

"Function aside, its form is quite charming." she observed.  "If you'd fancy it, please, allow me to buy it for you.  A token of appreciation for all you've done for us."

"I'm afraid there's not much traffic to and fro these days," Culver said. "Even the ferry has been shut down. Your best bet for delivery would be to approach the castle with your request."

"Hmm, this thing?" he began when shown the clockwork amulet. "A peculiar contraption, indeed. I found it in a box of things, and I have not been able to pinpoint its purpose as of yet. At first I thought it a timepiece, but there's no lid to reveal neither face nor hands. But the ticking is very regular . . . perhaps that is enough for some?"

---

Sorry, I forgot to address this; Culver knows the Emerald Pen is magical and that it is used to write illusory script.

Roll me a Persuasion, Mallory, to haggle.

"A metronome, perhaps?"

One by one Mallory laid out the various items she'd either gathered up on her own or pointed to for Culver to retrieve, were they out of her reach to begin with behind his counter space.  Any item for purchase was due proper inspection, though that went double for used goods; various scuffs and dings were perhaps to be expected, but that didn't mean it would allow the price to remain at full either.

"Speaking of the castle and ferry, what's gone on there of late?  Mister Roark mentioned there's been no sighting of the Speaker in months from illness, and bade us to ask on the state of the ferry." It wasn't exactly small talk while she appraised the items, but something well worth considering given their options ahead.  She didn't like the idea of walking blind into a suspicious place when everyone else in town seemed to be aware but keeping tight-lipped.  "I must say, I'm highly disinclined to go anywhere near the castle if there's plague afoot."

---

Persuasion - Haggling
Mallory Bonheur rolled 13 using 1d20+4

"Well . . ." Culver began, fidgeting with his fingers as he averted his gaze. The topic clearly brought him some discomfort. "Crannoc has been bedridden ever since his . . . guests took up residence. Frankly, it's been almost a Tenday since we've seen or heard from him, and I can only hope he hasn't succumbed to his illness. It is Kadroth, the castle steward, who has managed affairs while Crannoc is indisposed, and as of recently . . ." He stopped himself and jumped over a couple of words mid-sentence. "Oh, listen to me meddle. Pay me no heed. Statecraft was never my forte, hence why I only manage a modest shop."

---

Mallory's Persuasion to haggle on price [13]: Mallory and Khulekani have been nothing but cordial with Culver. He appreciates that, and is willing to give you a 15% discount on the total (so either 30 gp or 27 gp, depending on Khulekani's decision).
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:45, Sun 11 Sept 2022.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly expect you to pay for it. I appreciate the gesture, but please allow me to pay for it," Khulekani replied, despite looking rather touched by the gesture.

"Besides, I'm pretty sure the ideals of generosity and honesty mean 'pay for your own damn things,' as my old weapon master would say," she said with a wry grin.

She hastily passed over the coins so that Mallory wouldn't insist. It's not that the Squire disliked presents. But something about shopping for your own gift that someone else paid for felt a bit off to her sensibilities.

OOC Mechanics
Pay 30 gp
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Mon 12 Sept 2022.

Culver's particular reply brought an ever-so-faint narrowing to Mallory's carefully mascaraed eyes.  But, rather than press on him, she simply gave a gentle shrug and toss of her dark hair to one side.  "Well, no need to go sticking our noses into others' affairs, really.  It's none of our business." she dismissed the matter without further ado.

Khulekani's polite refusal was indeed initially met with a soft "But please, I insist--" only for the young noble to be overruled by coin pushed out in hasty denial.  Mallory could only shrug it off as she sifted about through her own purse, quick to stack a row of tidy little towers of twenty gold apiece along the countertop.  "Suit yourself, Squire.  Though you've only assured that I'll find some other way to repay you, with interest." she cast a good-natured wink Khulekani's way.

"We've taken up enough of Mister Culver's time, I feel.  You've been wonderfully generous with our company, sir, though if you'd indulge one last question?" All business even among pleasantries; Mallory made quite a bit of impressive packing when it came to stowing away the smaller items into her satchel, though shouldering it made her keenly miss Dannika's Bag of Holding.  She'd have to fashion one herself sooner than later.  "Mister Roark denied us rooms at his establishment and urged us to stay at the castle.  Is there anywhere else in town we might find a friendly roof to sleep under instead?  Along with a pair of riding beasts in tow?"

---

Mallory pays 252 GP, 5 SP, 4 CP for the lot.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:07, Mon 12 Sept 2022.

Culver shook his head. "Our town has grown most unkind as of recent. Roark would undoubtedly argue it is merely an adaptation, one we must all make shall we make it through the Frostmaiden's curse. I have tried, to no avail, to convince him that the exact opposite must be true." He cast a glance over his own lodging, as if reconsidering the impossibility of housing guests in all this clutter. A fool's errand, of course. "No, I am afraid I don't know where you could head. The inn's closed as well. And if you want my advice," he said in a lower, far more reluctant voice, "stay clear of the castle. Make the journey to Easthaven or Caer Konig. Things here . . . aren't as they should."
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:35, Mon 12 Sept 2022.

Ah, there it was.  Any sense of satisfaction Mallory might've felt at being correct in her suspicions that something was afoot was smothered under her natural inclination to help others.  She passed a look Khulekani's way: despite Culver's advice, she doubted the Squire nor Farwalker would stay well enough away once they heard there was trouble.

"Are the townsfolk in some sort of danger from these guests of the Speaker?" she matched Culver's low voice as she leaned in nearer over their various wares and payments.

Though her mind was promptly abuzz with possibilities, Mallory had to concede it was most likely a case similar to Targos; a less-than-hostile takeover of the town's authority by some outside force looking to turn a profit.  Naerth had mentioned he had agents elsewhere in the Ten-Towns... though it that was the case at hand, Mallory would have to decide on where she stood amid the Speakers of Targos and Bryn Shander much sooner than planned.

"Oh, no, no," Culver was quick to add as he waved his hands dismissively. "It is just the worries of an old man. There is certainly no threat to us townsfolk, most assuredly. Forget I said anything at all."

 A low laugh rumbled from Farwalker as she shrugged. “Yes. It is. Good luck staying afloat, then. A good sailing metaphor, I think.” She smiled again, and then shrugged and turned. “Do take care. And watch out for the werebeasts about. They’re quite upset.” With that, she turned and left, searching for the rest of her traveling companions.

Unlocking the door to Dinev's Rest proved no trivial matter, and Mallory had to fumble with the lockpick and tension wrench for several minutes until it finally clicked open. Thankfully, the watchful eye spotted no guards nearby. In fact, there hadn't been a single sighting of a guard all day.

The inside was dry and dusty. And while it was reminiscent of an inn, with stools, tables, and a bar, it was entirely lacking in decorations and warmth. A proud fireplace, long since forlorn, stood at the back wall underneath a faded spot where a crest once hung. So, too, was it eerily silent. While it was never intended to house animals, it was open enough for Wifni to find a comfortable spot to sit and begin cleaning her feathers, and for Zula to stand. When draped with blankets, Wifni, at least, did not seem to care one way or another.

A staircase led to the second floor where bedrooms still contained beds, albeit just the frames. Another staircase led down to the what appeared to be an empty wine cellar.

---

You all get a Long Rest.

Mallory's Identify on the magical items bought at Culver's:

• Emerald Pen: This pen is tipped with an emerald nib and requires no ink to write. While holding this pen, you can cast Illusory Script at will, requiring no material components.
  
• Charlatan's Die: Whenever you roll this six-sided die, you can control which number it rolls. Requies Attunement.
  
• Needle: No matter the force applied to it, this needle will never bend.
  
• Clockwork Amulet: This copper amulet contains tiny interlocking gears and is powered by magic from Mechanus, a plane of clockwork predictability. A creature that puts an ear to the amulet can hear faint ticking and whirring noises coming from within.
  When you make an attack roll while wearing the amulet, you can forgo rolling the d20 to get a 10 on the die. Once used, this property can't be used again until the next dawn.

A run-down and entirely abandoned inn was hardly the sort of place Mallory fancied spending her evening but it was a far cry better than camping out in the snow, or being ushered into apparent suspicious company up at the castle.  Her protective spellcasting ensured comfort and security no matter where it was set up, of course, but there was something to be said for having a bubble of safety in more private confines to begin with.

"So, shall we take stock of what we've learned while we have the chance?" the young noble prompted from her seat at a table to one side of the comfortably warm protective dome she'd conjured.  There was plenty of space to pull in abandoned furniture or push it away to lay out bedrolls for their own convenience.  A good thing too since Mallory had many items to flex her magics over before it was time to settle in for slumber.

"There's most certainly something afoot at the castle.  From the sound of what Mister Culver revealed, the 'caretakers' looking after the Speaker in his illness may not be as such.  What they're up to and how the Speaker is involved - be it victim or accomplice - remains a mystery though." she summarized as she paused her inspection of her new pen to nibble at some dry rations.  That Roark wouldn't even sell them food he might've had just made her all the more displeased with the fellow's stubbornness.  "Whatever is going on here doesn't seem to be a pressing danger though, at the very least.  What do you lot think?"

---

We don't have to spend long in conversation, but Mallory would like to at least check in with everyone and hear what Farwalker might have to say from her own bit of interrogation.  Also, assume Mallory has explained to Khulekani what her clockwork does for the sake of brevity.

"This place should do nicely for an evening's rest," Rhydd muttered as stepped inside the old inn once Mallory had finessed the lock on the front door. "Nicely done with that lock, by the way. That's a handy skill to have."

The archer pushed the hood of his cold-weather clothing back. Although his breath still steamed in the abandoned room, it was considerably warmer than it was outside. For one thing, the walls of the building blocked the wind.

Rhydd spread his bedroll on the floor. "I'll sleep down here. I don't think that anyone will try to bother us. But if they do, I'm a light sleeper, and I expect that Zula or Wifni taking notice will have me awake in plenty of time to do something about it."

The outdoorsman shrugged when Mallory spoke of what she had heard, and what she suspected insofar as the goings-on in the town were concerned. "I agree that whatever problems this place might be having, they do not seem to be of such immediate concern that we should turn away from our journey to Caer Konig."

"My vote would be to continue on to Caer Konig on the morrow."

"Oh, by the way," he added after a short pause, "did you find any knick-knacks of interest in that little shop? I will admit that the level of interest that those sorts of shopping endeavors hold for me is soon expended."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:24, Fri 16 Sept 2022.

"Nicely done with that lock, by the way. That's a handy skill to have."

Mallory took the compliment with a smile and indulgent curtsy.  "When one works in shipping, one learns to be handy with both lock picks and crowbars.  It's quite bothersome how many imports come bolted shut and having lost their keys in transit."  A fair notion, though the fact that Mallory had her picks stowed away inside her left boot perhaps could've been a mite on the suspicious side.  Though she did also indeed have a crowbar strapped to her satchel too.  A noble unaccustomed to the traveling life, but at least one suitably economic about it.

"My vote would be to continue on to Caer Konig on the morrow."

Again, Mallory was in agreement with Rhydd.  "Indeed.  Though it does make for a tantalizing bit of mystery, the lost mercenaries' lives take priority.  Best we spend as little time as necessary getting supplies in Caer Konig and set into the wilds with all due haste."

On the matter of their purchases, the young noble smiled and shuffled over her pack to sort out a few different items.  The utilitarian tools - rope, block and tackle, climber's gear and tinder kit - were all apparent in their use.  With the group heading out to delve into a Netherese ruin, having plenty of gear suited to scaling broken paths and icy ledges was vital.  Less obvious were the novelties she'd acquired.  Scarves and books and doll clothes, a chess board, a fountain pen made of carved emerald that looked better suited to a royal desk?

"Had a week to spend burying myself in that shop, I'd have done so gladly.  Such wonders at a glance!  I found some lovely gifts to bring back for Dannika and Moyrah when we return.  And our little Chwinga friend as well." she grinned as she held up the tiny doll clothes between her gloved fingers proudly.  Given the nature spirit's fondness for man-made items and their own roughly hewn coats, she expected they'd be delighted.  "I bought a Dragon Chess set as well, in case any of you fancy a game?  I can't play against Astre: he cheats."

"Mmrrrm." the Tressym remarked from where he laid in Mallory's lap in a lazy sprawl.

"Don't you give me that.  My being able to predict the future is no help in chess." she retorted, then primly ignored her cohort's eye roll as she gathered up the other trinkets to show around.  "As for the rest, I spotted some magical bits and bobs.  This pen writes without ink in an illusory script; handy for covert messages.  The die will roll whatever number one wills them to.  And the needle is unbendable - not necessarily impervious to all harm, mind you, but it's quite an interesting thing to have for a mere copper piece." While she seemed pleased as punch with her finds, it would be quite easy for a more cynical eye to label such items as a total waste of gold.  Mallory gave Khulekani a smile and gestured to the clockwork she'd bought for herself.  "That piece of yours is a most curious device too, Squire.  The still-beating heart of a Modron, perhaps?  It's rare to find items directly linked to other Planes so readily, let alone one bound to Mechanus of all places."

Rhydd crossed his eyes, tilted his head back, and made a snoring noise as Mallory launched into an enthusiastic review of the treasures that she had found in the dusty little knick-knacks shop.

"Sorry," he said after a moment, smiling more with his eyes than his mouth.

"Just . . . not my cup of tea. Do I say that right?"