An aging gnome, head down, trudges along the road to Silverhaven. There is nothing remarkable about him; he is dressed in earth tones, a tunic and cloak over deep-brown trousers.
Beside him, an elf lady gives him a covert glance. She is fascinated by a topaz pendant half-hidden in his clothes.
The gem itself is not unusual; gnomes always wear at least one piece of jewelry. What is unusual is that he's hiding it. She clears her throat.
"Aust Folkir," he introduces himself.
"Mara Lindlay."
They walk on in silence until the gates of Silverhaven come into view. Two guards watch the road,
their eyes skimming over each face.
Mara whispers, "Keep that stone hidden. I'll explain later." She pretends to stumble; Aust tucks the stone into his tunic.
"It's a silver mark for you, and four coppers for Grandfather," one guard says.
Silently, Mara hands over the coins. Her green eyes survey the two men at the gate, the younger of whom quails.
"Thank you." The guard's expression suggests that they won't be seeing Lord Avery's vaults.
**
Once they're inside, Aust hisses, "That was robbery!"
Mara turns on him in a fury. "Speaking of which, where did you get that gem?"
She clenches a hand at her side.
"I did not steal anything. It was entrusted to me by a friend."
Aust gestures at the wide street. "This is not a good place for it."
