Featuring: Kalei, Minowa, Valens, and Zea
NPCs: Maura
Date: March 12, 2005
IC Date: June 1, 3931
Summary: A group of sailors from the Makara and Amarada take a little visit around the town of Raven's Cover only to stumble across some unusual items in one of the local shops.

Town Square - Raven's Cove

This town's square is little more than a central gathering place around which a variety of shops and drinking establishments have been built. A dirt road sparsely covered with a layer of stones and shells circles an open grassy area that serves a variety of local functions, or at least that seems to have been the intention. A few trees have been planted and some lopsided benches built in an effort to establish some town pride, but the end result is more depressing than uplifting.

Squat buildings hover around the square, each bearing a sign proclaiming what can be found inside. With the majority of the town illiterate the signs are strictly pictorial; a green sign is painted with candles, a long blue one is decorated with fish and crabs, a circular one has an open treasure chest emblazoned into the wood. The most recognizable to anyone familiar with the town is the one shaped like a mermaid's tail, for it is the sign of the town's most famous tavern, the Mischievous Mermaid. Narrow and crooked lanes between the stone and wood structures lead towards the residential sections of the town while the widest road leads east towards the docks.

The sun is starting to fall below the horizon as work never ends for the sailors of the Amarada and the Makara. Back and forth, supplies and other miscellaneous crates have been carried around, as some of the late workers now look forward to a refreshingly cold ale or the local 'entertainment' of the Mischievous Mermaid soon. While not involved in any fights since his first encounter with Raven's Cove, Valens is still sore around the edges as he hauls a large barrel towards the ships. He pauses for a moment, wiping his face off with a handkerchief as he tells the others to go ahead.

Out from Trinkets and Treasures steps a familiar green-skinned form, one arm carrying a parcel wrapped in parchment. She offers a nod to the sailors making treks to and from the dock; a smile which is returned by some and ignored by others. As she makes her way past Valens however, Minowa stops short, her progression ending with a last jarring step as her head snaps around to regard the large empyrean. Lips purse and eyes narrow. Her words are simple and to the point. "Sit. Now." A webbed finger points towards the nearest dilapidated bench.

Valens flinches as his handkerchief reaches his nose. He's confident it's not broken by this time, at least in any particular capacity. More annoying is the slight limp of his right leg he's developed as a consequence of that fight as he raises a brow towards Minowa, "I'll be..." He stops himself from arguing as he does his best to keep the limp from showing. He plops down on the bench, gleaming with perspiration, as he rolls up his sleeves, "Just a minor sprain. I'll be fine," he protests as he tries to catch his breath. It dawns on him that he's been working since early morning.

Minowa sits down besides him, placing her parcel on the ground under the bench. "Dominus," she says with a soft sigh, "I am a healer. If someone is in pain I feel it, and you do not feel 'fine'. Why didn't you come to me after you were injured?" She hold out one hand towards Valens, palm up.

Valens looks up and says, "I didn't think my injuries were enough to warrant a request to see a healer. Sure I'm a little sore, but these are things that usually heal by themselves." He scratches his head a little as he takes some time to stretch out a bit, "I really should be getting that barrel loaded onto the Makara," He states as he starts to rise, very cautiously.

Minowa tsks softly. "I assure you, I won't take very long, and you'll be able to move barrels all you like. Did you not consider, by the by, that lifting heavy objects may exacerbate your leg?" Minowa holds her hand out yet again towards the empyrean. "Would you give me your hand, please?"

Probably a poor idea, but the Makara's wind mage soars over the town by herself, delighting in the ability to soar over solid soil again, of only for a little while. Looking down she spots the large Empyrean and the green healer, two figures that could be no one other than who they are, for they stick out in a place like this. Zea circles down to earth, aiming for the grassy area rather than the stones and dirt for a softer landing. "Ave," she calls out with a hand lifted in greeting to them both as her feet touch the ground and her wings pull in around her. A few townspeople watch the descent and some mutter angrily about 'birdies' in their town.

Valens sits back down and reluctantly takes off his right glove, wiping off the hand before offering his hand to Minowa, "I could just..." A Makara sailor that saunters over to the town square notices the barrel out of place and waves at the big Empyrean that everything is all right as he hauls it back himself. Out of excuses Valens finishes, "...nevermind..." He notices the descent and says, "Ave," not really sure if his voice is going to carry over to Zea or not, not wanting to distract the healer in any particular manner or form.

Minowa turns towards Zea as she lands in a graceful flurry of feathers and lifts one arm in a wide wave. Then her arm lowers and her attention returns to her reluctant patient. She cups Valens' broad hand in both of hers and her eyes close as she listens to the thrum of skin and bone. There is a faint flinch as direct contact brings Valens' injuries into blazing clarity, her own flesh aching in sympathy. Then the general aches and pains fade away and sprained leg muscles ease and right themselves. A slightly swollen nose returns to its proper form, the enflamed skin soothed back into health. The halfbreed opens her eyes again, blinking several times as she withdraws her hands. "There," she says. "That wasn't so horrible, was it?"

Zea watches the pair curiously though her eyes narrow suspiciously on the other Empyrean. He's just *now* seeing Minowa? She shakes her head and approaches once Minowa seems to have finished. "She's amazing," Zea states to Valens with a nod in Minowa's direction. "I would not be here if not for her. I'm glad to see you've gotten that taken care of." She makes a motion towards his nose, the place he was hit when they last visited the Mermaid. Eventually her concern fades and she smiles warmly. "What brings you both out tonight?"

Kalei walks into town, just out for a stroll from the looks of it. Evening seems to be a good time to listen in on folk tales and other stories being told. She stops, however, when she spies the small group from the ship, and tilts her head as she watches for a moment.

Valens takes a deep breath, feeling like a couple years a rough soldier's life had been effaced in a few seconds. He taps his nose curiously, with not as much as a prick of pain, and looking rather pleased. "Thank you Domina," He says quietly with a polite nod of his head as he stands up. He shrugs slightly as he notices his work is done for the night as he nods to Zea, "I haven't felt this good since... it's been a while now..." He says with a pleasantly surprised grin, "I was supposed to be hauling some cargo here and there, but it looks like I'm done for the evening."

Minowa's lift in a tiny smile at first Zea's comment and then Valens. It's always nice to have one's skills appreciated. But then she clears her throat and tips her head up in an attempt to look the larger man square in the eye. 'Please Dominus, the next time you find yourself with an injury, even if you feel it's only a minor one, at least seek me out and inform me. It's part of my job on the ship, after all." She turns t regard Zea with another smile, this one more pen, les shy. 'Ave, Zea. I was just buying something," her foot nudges the parcel beneath the bench. "And as most of the day's work seems to be ending, I was considering getting a meal and a drink. Would the pair of you care to join me? Or do you think the Mermaid would be too risky just now?" Kalei, observing from a distance, hasn't yet been noticed by the halfbreed.

Zea glances down at the nudged parcel, intently curious now, like a child given a birthday gift. "I am sorry I did not know you were going earlier, Minowa, I would have joined you. I've heard that there's a Treasures shop here that carries all sorts of items. I was actually on my way to check it out." Of course, that means *finding* it first, but the town square isn't all that big, it's got to be here somewhere, right? "What did you buy?"

Putting back on his glove, Valens says to Minowa, "I wouldn't mind getting a bite at the Mischievous Mermaid, that is, if the Domina Justinus is all right with it. I didn't have any trouble when I went last night - guess they didn't expect us winged folk to be able to fight any..." He says with another grin on his face. With Zea's question, he too becomes somewhat intrigued at what is out in the Treasure shop and what sort of stuff can be bought, barely stifling a yawn before he can ask the same question. He didn't get much sleep last night.

Minowa bends down to scoop up her parcel. "It's a drawing pad," she says. "For a sort of project I'm working on. I think your treasure shop may be over there." She tips her head in the direction of the wooden sign with a carved treasure box. "And since I find I've forgotten to purchase anything to draw *with*...perhaps they'll have something in there. Why don't we investigate and then have dinner?"

Zea's comment draws Kalei's attention, and she nods as she approaches. "The Treasures shop is quite fascinating. She has all manner of beautiful items, some of those the like of which I've never seen before."

Zea brightens a bit at that prospect, because mention of going into the Mermaid again did darken her spirits some. "Well," she muses, looking to Valens. "If you had no trouble yesterday, I might chance another visit, but I certainly would not venture in there alone." Her wings shiver at the thought after what happened last time. As the sun sinks lower there is a definite chill in the evening air, causing Zea to pull her cloak tighter around her. She glances in the direction in which Minowa pointed and squints to look at the sign. "Not a literate group, are they," she comments, noting the vast number of pictorial signs hanging on various buildings. The Atlantean's voice catches her ear, drawing her attention back towards the group with a blink of surprise at Kalei's approach, having not heard or seen her until now. "Then I say that we explore for a little bit and take in a meal at the Mermaid, and hopefully nothing more exciting than a rousing song to get the entire tavern singing." With a smile and nod to Minowa's suggestion, she starts for the shop. "I promised I'd not buy anything too large, but a small token of the visit cannot hurt."

Valens observes Zea's reaction at the mention of the Mermaid and he assures, "Well, if another fight breaks out, it's not like I can't deal with it. It just helped a lot that you were around." He shifts his cloak a little as a slight chill breeze through with the sun barely peeking through the horizon. After all, he isn't out working anymore. He listens quietly to suggestions of heading to one of the shops - he dreads shopping, especially treasure-ish things. For example, why couldn't his ex-fiancee just accept a hammer instead of some silly shiny trinket? But he just offers a sort of wry smile as he has nothing better to do.

Minowa stands up, pausing a moment to stand on her tip-toes and so give her legs a stretch. 'Blessings," she says to Kalei in greeting, and then she begins moving with the others towards Trinkets and Treasures. The sinking sun begins to pull the soft green glow from Minowa's skin, and while she remains in a sleeveless shirt, the cold doesn't seem to be much of a bother to her.

Trinkets and Treasures - Town Square - Raven's Cove

At first glance, this shop might be mistaken for a disorganized storeroom. Shelves and counters are littered with hundreds of objects that do not seem to be in any kind of order. Children's toys are stashed with jeweled boxes, books and smoking pipes. It seems wherever one looks there is something new to discover. Surely there must be a method to this madness. All available wall space is taken up by wooden shelves or hooks on which hang clothing. A small counter near the rear of the store holds a long glass case containing what are obviously the shop's more precious items such as jewelry and fine silver and gold pieces.

A couple of small windows steal some of the shop's precious wall space, allowing curious passersby to glance in as well as provide necessary illumination to the shop. A couple of carefully placed lanterns supply additional light when needed, and they are kept well out of the way of any of the shop's merchandise. A doorway at the rear of the shop, behind the only clear counter in the shop, likely leads to the shop's real storeroom and office.

Trinkets and Treasures is one of those stores where you could find anything you might need, a bunch of stuff you have no use for and even some things you didn't know you needed. It's like a dusty old storage room with some semblance of order that own its owner understands. Said owner is currently near the back of the shop, waggling a finger at a young mongrel boy and scolding him for something or other. However, at the sound of the door her demeanor instantly changes and she's straightening up and smiling brightly. Her dark eyes find the Atlantean woman and to her she gives a huge smile and a clap of her hands. "Aye, me fishie miss comes back an' brings some frien's! Welcome, welcome ta Trinkets an' Treasures! Me name's Maura, if you need anythin' jus' give a holler!" She's a loud woman to be sure, but warm enough for ten people. Her eyes do narrow a bit on the Empyreans. "Ye be watchin' those wings a yers. Don' wan' nothin' broken, ya hear?"

Kalei offers a soft "blessings" to Minowa as well before ducking into the shop behind the others. She looks around to see where Maura is, spying her as quickly as Maura picks her out. "Yes, they mentioned the shop and I told them how wonderful it is in here."

Zea moves slowly into the shop, coughing heavily as the smell of the place hits her. It takes a while for her eyes to adjust, but when they do, they're open wide at the literal treasure trove scattered out before them. "Gods," she breathes as she looks in a hundred different directions at once. So much to see and only so much the eye can study, one could get dizzy. She nods to the shopkeep and tucks her wings in as a sign of good faith. "Well, I guess there really is no good place to start, is there," she murmurs to her shopping companions. She heads over to a row of shelves and slowly begins picking through some things, though nothing seems to immediately interest her.

Valens takes a deep breath as he looks around the vast assortment of odd items and strange things that seem to crowd the small space and assault the senses. Being extra careful to not break anything today, let it be one of his bones or something at the shop, he looks like a small child who's been scolded by his mother too many times not to touch anything. There's a vague familiarity with one or two of the items, but that's probably because they're Empyrean-made... right?

"Got lots a things ta tempt ye, I does," Maura states proudly, puffing out her chest after shooing the young boy she was just scolding. The child wanders, as if in a daze, through the shop, his eyes on the strangers, each as, well, strange as the last. "Now git, befer yer ma is after ya for bein' late again," Maura shouts at the child, who finally finds a normal walking speed and quickly advances it so he's like a shot out the door. Maura shakes her head and laughs. "Kids," is all she says. With her hips swaying like a bell she comes out to meet her customers and look at what they're admiring. "Got things from places I bet ye ain' never seen before, I do I do. Like I was jus' showin' yer fishie frien' here, I gots things from all over the world. Like them Pandion pearls, right miss?" Nothing helps convince new customers like assurances from an old one, even if Kalei hasn't actually bought anything yet.

Minowa steps inside behind the others, the relatively dim lighting as well as the all-but-set sun outside creating a darkness strong enough to pull the green glow from the halfbreed's skin. Her own blue-green eyes slide over the many shelves with their montage of different items, one not particularly associated with the next. It is interesting for a shaper to observe so many bits and pieces. How many stories could she find in here? How many snippets of history and life? The very thought has Minowa quietly cross her arms to keep from touching anything accidentally.

Kalei smiles and nods, and only hopes the others don't like the pearls as well as she did. "Yes, they were quite beautiful, and I am sure quite rare as well." Last night she was more interested in stories. Today she takes a bit more time to look around, though does not touch anything.

Zea gingerly picks up a scroll and unrolls it, handling it with great care. Her eyes narrow on the map for a long moment and she turns it this way and that, as if trying to make heads or tails out of it. "I recognize the names," she says, holding it up to the light to get a better look. "But they are in all the wrong places." She looks over to Maura and shakes her head. "This map is a complete mess, I cannot make sense of it and I've been looking at Empyrean maps all my life. Someone's sold you a rather inaccurate piece of work here." As carefully as she opened it, so does she roll it back. It may be junk, but it isn't her junk to ruin. She sets it back on the shelf and wanders over to another shelf to pick through the trinkets.

Within what appears to be a rather old scroll is a simple map of what is supposed to be the eastern coast of the Empyre. A few of the larger cities are marked, but those who know such things will note that they are in the wrong place and that a good deal of the coastline is incorrectly drawn. But for all the inaccuracies in the actual mapping, the piece is artfully decorated, with creative sea creatures and the boarder of the map is filled with intricate details in bold and striking colors. It appears this might be more of an artist's rendition of the Eastern Empyre, rather than a cartographer's tool.

Valens continues to look around, observing the miscellaneous items that have accumulated here over time. He looks at the bust and scratches his head. "Well, have I seen this before? Who the hell would sell a two feet tall chunk of marble...?" He mutters to himself as he squints at it, examining the odd bust of the Empyrean man, "Who would buy a large chunk of marble anyway?" He mutters quietly as he moves on to look at some of the other items.

This magnificent piece seems out of place here, but here it is. This bust is carved out of white marble, depicting a man in his middle years. While there are no wings, the style of hair, the hint of clothing on the bust's shoulders and the features in the face mark this likeness to be Empyrean. Obviously this man was someone important, for such sculptures are not made of just anyone. Perhaps he was a nobleman, or maybe even an Aegian. It is difficult to tell, for on the small plate at the bottom that should hold the man's name, there is nothing. The piece is quite heavy and is larger than life, standing probably about two feet tall. There is a fine layer of dust in the creases of the carving, suggesting the piece has been here for some time.

"Aye miss, I wouldn' be knowin' about that. Never seen tha' Empyre a yours. Jus' though it looked pretty, don' care too much about what goes where." Maura's still smiling, and not at all insulted by the notion that she's selling junk. "But a pretty thin' like you don' be wantin' some ol dusty map. Come here and look at thi' here jewelry I's got. It's look pretty on ye it would." Likely she's say they'd look pretty on a donkey if that donkey had denarii to spend. She waves a hand at the glass case to hopefully draw the Empyrean to it, birds are known to have money and Maura can just feel a sale coming on. But as soon as the jewelry is pointed out, she's off to try and convince another potential buyer of the worth of something. She hurries over to Valens before he can get away. "One of yer kind a reckin'. Don't know 'is name, I'm afraid, but I don' have much call fer Empy portraits here in a mongrel town. He's a handsome fella, he is. Bet he'd look something stunnin' in your home."

Minowa walks through the rows of, well, trinkets and treasures, pausing to peer at the bust as Valens comments on it. "There's no name, either." she adds, looking at the little gold plate. "That's odd. Why put a plate there if you're not putting a name on it?" Curiosity peeked and fed a bit by Maura's comments, the halfbreed lifts one hand to place it gently against the carved man's cheek.

Zea wanders over to the case, certainly curious as to what delicate treasures the woman might have, but the increased interest in the Empyrean marble has her attention divided. She watches as Minowa touches the stone and then looks into the case. She's silent for a while as she looks over the necklaces for sale when suddenly she gasps loudly at one piece in particular. Lifting her head sharply to see if anyone heard her, she quickly covers her surprise with gushing praise. "Mistress Maura, these are indeed beautiful works! If I may, I would love to see this topaz piece, if you don't mind? I've been looking for something of this color for some time and the stones I've run across are just nothing as beautiful as this." The Empyrean rarely wears colors that might complement a topaz, but whatever the reason she seems quite interested in the necklace.

This piece is finely crafted, obviously done by a master jeweler. The style is Empyrean, of that there is no doubt. The chain of the necklace is made of a multitude of small golden wires, bent and twisted into flowing patterns and woven together, as if the artisan was attempting to depict the flow of the winds in his work. At the center of the necklace is set a large topaz, rich gold in color and polished into a smooth dome-like shape. The stone is mounted in a circular gold setting and on the base of the setting is the image of an Empyrean which can be viewed by looking into the stone.

Kalei doesn't see what interests them about the bust at all, so she pays no attention to it whatsoever. Instead, a small carving of a bear catches her eye, and she reaches out to pick it up, bringing it closer to her face to study the creature.

This small carving could fit into the palm of one's hand, but the artist who created it too great care in making it appear as lifelike as possible. The surface is smooth and slightly yellowed, not carved from bone, but from a very fair wood. The bear stands on all fours, his head lifted and his mouth open wide, as if emitting a terrifying cry. Two small and smooth black stones have been set into the figure of its eyes, but otherwise all other details are carved from the wood. This is no shaped object, for the marks of the chisel can be seen when one looks closer at the piece.

So many customers and so much potential currency coming her way. Leaving the green woman and the Empyrean to look over the marble, she heads back to help Zea with the necklace. "Me miss has got a fine eye she does. But I be warnin' you, that piece don' be cheap. Fine work it is, fine work!" She opens the case and lifts the gold and topaz piece from within, holding it out for Zea's inspection. "Be goin' perfect wit' tha' gold hair a yers, yes indeed it would. Makin' ye look like one a them nobles fer sure. I's even gots some pretty silks iffn ye like. Ye know, to complete the look an all." Of course, Maura would have no idea what a noblewoman would look like, but flattery will get you everywhere and right now she's hoping to get into Zea's purse.

Valens shakes his head, "Oh, no no, I don't have an estate anymore. I wouldn't like being forced to carry a giant slab of marble in my haversack all day. Maybe another item." He tries to cover up his previously condescending remarks about the piece, feigning a smile. He whispers to Minowa while Maura is distracted, "I don't think many Empyreans would sell a /bust/ of a relative or ancestor, especially something that big... Something doesn't..." He doesn't finish the sentence as he wanders off to look at some other pieces on display.

Minowa stands a moment, expression blank as her hand rests on the marble bust. Then she blinks once, slowly and withdraws her hand. Her brows furrow as she looks around for Zea, only to find her engaged with the shopkeep and some sort of necklace. So she seeks out the other pair of wings, stepping up besides Valens to ask softly, "have you ever heard of an Aegian named 'Juvantus'?"

Zea takes the necklace with great care, holding it up to allow the lantern light to set the gemstone sparkling. She oohs and ahhs a great deal over the piece, making a big show for the mongrel. She studies the stone itself and then looks at the gold itself. "It is indeed beautiful, Mistress Maura and certainly worthy of a noblewoman. But I fear I don't have room or need for fine silks, but I do believe I would like to purchase this necklace. How much?" She does not hand it back to Maura; she has ever intention on leaving the shop with the piece of jewelry and already seems quite possessive of the piece. Her gaze flitters over to Minowa and the bust and she looks curious as the halfbreed engages Valens in a conversation of whispers. Her attention is diverted for only a moment or two, for there is still the matter of the price of the piece in her hands.

Still holding onto the bear, perhaps contemplating purchasing the small item, Kalei turns to look for the mentioned fabric. Not big on clothes, she does like the feel of silk. Though really, she reasons, she should save her money for that necklace.

Valens raises a brow, "I've heard of the name, but not quite sure where..." He tilts his head a little to observe the bust as he says, "If my history serves me right, they had something to do in Parnassus and Atlanteans in that area. I hated provincial history..." he mutters, "What is /that/ doing here?" He asks as his attention falls towards Zea and that necklace.

Maura can actually feel the money pouring through her fingers as the Empyrean asks the price. "Like ye say, tha's a fine piece, even 'his humble mongrel kin tell tha' much. Ten denarii an' its yers miss." She holds up her hands as if she wishes she could so better, but cannot. "'Fraid tha's gotta be me price, not everyday you see something so precious and unusual as that." Nervously she taps her foot, waiting for the Empyrean to dig into her purse and hand over the silver coins. So close, so very close. She's completely forgotten the other customers in the shop, especially since the large birdy has no intention of buying the bust.

Minowa's brows lift so high they nearly disappear. "Parnassus?" she says, voice rising a bit too much to be called a whisper any longer. Then she dips her head and lowers her words down to a hushed murmur once more. "I listened to the marble," she explains. "I saw smoke and fire. Then a long trip by sea. You don't suppose..."

Ten denarii? Kalei nearly faints at the thought of having that much money all at one time. She can't remember ever having anything close to that. Of course, Atlanteans don't need much money anyway, since they can simply live out of the sea. Still... She moves closer, hoping for a peek at something worth that much.

The single word question from Minowa draws Zea's gaze from the mongrel to the halfbreed and she frowns slightly, but doesn't let the look linger too long, lest the mongrel grow too curious. Turning back to Maura she is all smiles again as she considers the price. "Well, I don't know. Ten denarii is quite a tidy sum of money, Mistress Maura. And I am certainly not one to tell you how to do your job, but I'd imagine there aren't any in this town who could afford ten denarii for this. You're as likely to have a buyer for this as you would for that hunk of marble. I will give you six denarii for it, which is more than fair, don't you think?"

Maura wrings her hands together as if Zea had just asked for her first born. "Ooh, I don' know, miss. Tha' necklace is worth quite a lot. An spring is comin ya know. Lots a traiders comin' through here and many gots money ta buy thin's for their sweet'earts and wives. This migh' temp' 'hem." She hems and haws over it a bit, trying to get, perhaps, a sympathy sale from the Empyrean woman. "I kin go as low as eight denarii, miss but I canna go lower than that, I just canna. Business is business ya know? I gots to make a livin' somehow and being chari'able don' put the bread on th' table. So how abou' it miss, eight denarii?"

Valens ponders at Minowa's words, before spotting in the corner of his eye an old cloak pin of electrum, turning slowly to examine it. His eyes flare up on recognition of it - the head of the pin shaped like a tortoise with azure chips decorating the shell and brilliant sapphires for eyes. He raises it in the dim light to inspect the seemingly innocuous object before turning to Minowa and asking, "Can you... can you listen and see what this says?" He's not used to being with mages, much less people that hear what objects think.

This cloakpin is crafted by a master Empyrean jeweler, although the common observer may dismiss it for its rather understated and modest use of precious gems. An intricate gold tortoise is set on the head of the pin, with a bluish-black pearl in its mouth, brilliant watery sapphire for eyes, and azure chips that decorate its shell. The bottom shell is decorated with black onyx and blood-red garnet, with a sliver of the same stones masterfully inlaid on the pin in arabesque curves that serve to harmoniously enhance the natural beauty of the gold, not choke it.

Minowa gives a single nod to a question Valens has asked her, and she holds out a hand, palm up for a small object the empyrean holds. As it touches her skin, her expression becomes blank and she stares sightlessly off into the distance.

Kalei manages to get a glance at the object, and does note that it truly is a beautiful piece. She takes the opportunity to look at the other items in the glass case, eyes quickly picking out the black pearl necklace, but then she moves on to other items.

Zea reaches into her small purse and withdraws the eight denarii slowly; though she's had to set the necklace down to do so. And just as slowly she begins to count the coins out into Maura's waiting hand. "It really is quite beautiful," Zea comments as coins four and five fall into Maura's hands. "The gods only know when I will get a chance to wear it, but I could not pass it up once I spotted it. I mean really, it is an unforgettable piece and I know I would regret not possessing it if I left here without it." Coins six, seven, and eight fall into the mongrel's hand with a satisfying 'tink' sound. The transaction complete Zea looks to the Atlantean as she approaches and looks over the items in the case. "Yes, you really have quite a collection here, from all over." She raises her voice a bit as she talks, intending for her other companions to hear her, without being overly obvious about it. "Yes, imagine my surprise; I never thought I'd find such fine works of Empyrean craftsmanship in a mongrel town. It just goes to show you, you just never know."

Valens almost looks insulted that his great-grandfather's cloakpin was collecting dust with the cheap baubles and trinkets. He quietly looks behind his shoulder to see Zea and Maura's transaction nearly completed as he leans forward to Minowa and finally asks very quietly, "Anything?" His hand moves to intercept the item, hoping he didn't interrupt Minowa and her process of finding out where the damn thing has been floating around for the past few months.

Maura closes her greedy fist around the coins and gives Zea a bright smile. "Been a pleasure, miss, it really 'as. Iffn ye not leaving the Cove fer a while, mayhap ye'll bring some more a yer friends a visit. Gots lots ta sell I do." Maura shuffles off to the back room to hide her newfound 'treasure', humming a happy tune as she goes. "I'll be righ' back now iffn anyone else has anythin' they wanna buy."

Minowa blinks slowly as her attention returns to the present and she holds the small object out for Valens to take. She murmurs softly, "It was made several centuries ago in Civitas Dei, I think, and ended up in house..." she squints, teasing out a memory either from herself of the metal, "Quirinatus. Passed through members of that household until...yes. There is fire again. Hands grabbing quickly. And then it was beneath a collection of other things, and then here." Zea's comment causes her to look in the direction of the domina and the Atlantean standing beside her, a frown flashing across her face. "Quirinatus. I've heard that house mentioned in Parnassus as well," she whispers.

Zea holds onto the necklace carefully and as soon as the mongrel is out of sight she leans over to the Atlantean. "You've got to distract her when she comes back. Do whatever you can, stall her into thinking you'll buy something, ask her questions, but please, stall that woman for a few minutes." Before Kalei can agree or refuse, Zea is moving towards Minowa and Valens as they remain huddled over something she cannot quite see. "Gods," she whispers to them as she holds out the necklace for them to look at. "There's a reason this necklace is so unforgettable, because I've seen it before, and not in any mongrel town, but around the neck of a friend of mine!" She's keeping her voice down, lest Maura overhear her, but she's obviously quite angry at this turn of events. "Something's not right here."

The attitude of Empyreans never ceases to amaze Kalei, when they make remarks like Zea's. How terribly rude to make such a disparaging remark in front of the mongrel. A soft sigh escapes her lips. She looks bewildered at Zea's request, wondering why such a tactic would be needed. She had intended to ask Maura about the bear as soon as she returned anyway, but their urgency makes her worry a bit.

Valens leans towards Minowa, a finger to his lips and a shhing sound as she teases out 'Quirinatus' from the cloakpin. Tonight is not the night to tease out any of his secrets - just that of this town. He inspects the item once more, taking a deep breath at the seemingly inconsequential item. Slowly lowering the item to hear Zea speak, his head looks back at Kalei from time to time, seeing if her efforts to distract the mongrel woman need any reinforcement from another 'eager' buyer. Okay, so he's just paranoid a dozen mongrel guards are going to enter the little shop in a few moments. "Something is definitely not right..." He whispers quietly as he waits for Maura to return.

Maura eventually comes back out into the shop, still humming the tune but pauses to find only the Atlantean looking over the jewelry. She looks around the shop and notes with an arching of her brow the murmuring conversation of the other three. "Hey there, now don' ye be stealin' anything, ye hear?" The 'threat' is spoken with some laughter in her voice, but she still sounds serious. Her dark eyes drop back to Kalei and she smile warmly. "So miss, ye come back for tha' necklace ye been eyein'? Maybe tha' green gal'll wanna buy one too, 'hen all ye pretty ladies can be well decorated."

Minowa studies Valens for a moment when he shushes the mention of that house name. A question for another time, perhaps. The green skinned woman keeps her voice low as she adds, "That pin is the second thing I've touched that has a connection with Parnassus and traveled here after a fire. The marble bust as well, and the name on the gold plate isn't missing. It's been sanded off. If that necklace is familiar as well...I think these must be things that were taken from Parnassus when the pirates came. It's the only fire I can think of that would also be connected with traveling over seas."

Kalei had been worried that they might be about to steal something, though she couldn't see why Zea would be involved in anything like that. "Actually, I wanted to ask you how much for this little bear. He is very curious. But I think I will come back tomorrow. I am suddenly very tired and should get back to the ship." She sets the bear back on the counter. "It was nice to see you again," she murmurs.

Zea frowns as she sees the Atlantean head out. So much for distracting the shopkeeper. She lifts her head and gives her best possible smile. "Of course not, Mistress Maura, we'd never imagine to do such a thing. I was simply showing my friends here this beautiful necklace. They were simply arguing over who they thought this statue here looked more like and thus, they haven't had a chance to see it yet." How very noble of her, lying through her teeth with a smile on her face. "Personally, I think this statue looks like a great uncle of mine, though he had a horrible wart on the side of his nose, and this fan has an obviously perfect complexion."

Valens jumps into action as he pretends to pick up the cloakpin from a pile of cheap baubles as Kalei makes a sooner-than-expected departure, "Oh Mistress Maura..." His calm almost bland expression suddenly shifts, as he flashes a stupid grin on his face and walks up to her to show her the object that has caught his eye, "How much for this cloakpin here?" He tugs at his own, "You can see my own is starting to wear out. Unfortunately, I could not find a suitable one until today. How much to take this off your hands?"

Maura saunters over to the trio, suddenly bearing a smile that could shame the sun. More money is coming her way! Her eyes narrow on the worn pin the Empyrean man is wearing and she shakes her head with a tsking sound. "A big 'ansom man like ye should not be wearin' such poor quality items." She looks down at the cloakpin he's asking after and nods, tapping her chin. "A nice piece ta be sure. Got some nicer ones if yer lookin' fer something special, better 'hen tha' one even." She shuffles through the shelf and picks out a really gaudy one of gold and mis-shapen stone and beams as she holds it up. "Now 'his one is somethin' ye shoul' be wearin' an I'm only askin' four denarii for it!"

Minowa watches as Valens darts into the limelight to keep their plotting a secret. As Maura approaches to pick out 'better' cloakpins for Valens, Minowa turns back to Zea, bending forward as if to more closely admire the necklace. "This is quite a lovely piece a jewelry," she says with an exaggerated grin. "You're lucky to have found it."

Zea watches the mongrel and the Empyrean for a moment before turning to Minowa, nodding eagerly. "Indeed. As I told Maura here, I have no idea where I might wear such an item, but I simply could not pass it up." She smiles and holds it up to her neck so that Minowa might envision how it would look on her. "You know who would have a great deal of interest in this? Sebastian." Zea refrains from using titles for the moment, best not to raise any suspicion. "He's always had such a good eye; I'd imagine this piece and many other here would interest him greatly." She even laughs and rubs her 'great-uncle's' head. "You never know, he's such a collector, he might even buy something like this." Of course he never would, but Zea's doing her best to speak in some form of code that the shopkeeper will assume to be flattery.

"But I'd really like this one ma'am. I don' wan' anythin' fancy, and I'm jus' a sailorboy. Four denarii is too much! But I would really, really like to buy this one. I get paid soon and I'd be more than willin' to spend coin 'ere again, because there are just so many /deals/ to be found 'ere! Maybe even somethin' for m'girl back home!" Valens continues his little charade like a pro, or in his case, he does a real good job of sounding stupid. He even thickens his provincial drawl as he pretends to grow more eager trying to buy the cloakpin in his hand, firmly grasping it with no intention of letting it go.

Minowa nods in cheerful agreement. "I could see him having an interest in that sculpture indeed. And look at how fond Valens is of that little broach." She pauses to bite down on her inner cheek. It's the only way she can keep herself from laughing when the dominus' 'accent' suddenly appears. "You know, this is such a surprising store. Let's look through and see if there isn't anything else one of our friends might appreciate."

Maura bites on her bottom lip and reluctantly sets the larger cloakpin down. "Well sir, iffn that be the one ye really want, I kin give it to ya fer 2 denarii, but I fear I canna go lower 'han that. I already gave yer frien' there a deal on tha' necklace and I'm 'fraid me poor mother may starve if I keep bein' so nice." She starts wringing her hands again. "I'm sure yer girl back home would love some a the trinkets I got. Maybe nothin' fancy like wha' I just sol' her," she says, pointing to Zea, "But I got some pretty stuff all th' same."

Zea is quite amused at the show Valens is suddenly putting on and she must quickly turn away before she starts laughing as well. "Yes, Minowa," she quickly agrees with the halfbreed. "We could spend all day in here picking out gifts for everyone we know. Can you imagine their surprise if we were to come home with treasures for them all? I know a friend of mine that will be green with envy when she sees this necklace."

Valens nods eagerly and says, "Of course!" Making sure that 'course' gets divided up somehow into three syllables. He fishes out two shiny silver denarii from the inner pockets of his cloak and handing them to the woman, "You've made m'day Ma'am." To make sure Maura doesn't get to say anything else or change her mind, he's already fastened the new cloak pin to his cloak, turning around to meet the others, "Ready t'go all?" He continues to play with his accent a little more.

Minowa nods. "Perhaps you might let her borrow it from time to time," she says to Zea. Then to Valens' question she notes, "We'd better go get dinner before they stop serving it down at the Mermaid. And then we'd best tell Sebastian about that Bust. He'd be very disappointed if it was sold before he got the chance to see it."

Maura is quick to take the money, her eyes sparkling with her good fortune. "You all take care now, I'll be lookin' fer ya to come back again like ye promised." Again, the subtle seriousness is laced with laughter. "And ye be careful out there, night'ime in Raven's Cove is no place fer strangers, iffn ye catch my drift." With a giddy smile and another tune on her lips, Maura heads into her shop's back room, leaving the trio their getaway.