I can Has Lockspicks?

[Lavinian Ambition]

Jared moved through the bazaar. Since he was in the area, he hoped that he could avoid the rather inflated prices of the Trading Post in Lavinya, and move directly to the supplier. As he moved he felt the daggers shift on his waist and his hands went to steady them. He was not quite used to them yet, and seeing as how he was supposed to take good care of them, as he WAS borrowing them, he tried not to let them fall.

Looking about he finally saw a shop filled with assorted tools. Grinning he entered the shop carefully as he made his way to the counter. He didn't want to attract too much attention, but after the heist in the upper district of Radasanth, he realized he might need Lock Picks if he was to be a proficient thief. Moving up he rang the bell once, so as to not annoy the shopkeeper as he waited patiently. His eyes wandered about the store as he looked this way and that. He unconsciously rubbed his right hand, which had bruised slightly with the harsh contact with Lord Roland's nose.

That however, was a story for another day. Today he was going for Lockpicks.

[Moonlit Raven]

I sighed as I watched the oh-so-interesting tuff of brown hair that was my customer flit around in the shelves, unable to decide what he wanted to spend his gold on. Figuring that I had plenty of time before he came found something of interest I turned my attention to the long, unruly mass of hair that was currently driving me insane.

The mirror that was used for observing people with out being obvious now became my new personal grooming item. Carefully I tucked the blood red highlights into the braid, mostly hiding them under twists of ebony. Tying the end of with a thong I wrinkled my nose at my pale reflection. Glancing at indecisive man I decided that sending out one of my wards to watch the shop for me sounded like a good idea. Both boys were capable of keeping an eye on customers and could easily call my guardians or me if there was trouble.

The chime of the bell on the counter caught me half way to the back room. I waged a brief but fierce mental battle with myself. Did I want to turn around and help the customer myself or did I want to simply send out one of the boys to do my job? That last thought sat wrong with me, creating a sour taste in my mouth. Honor before child slave labor. Despite my best efforts to contain it a chuckle escaped as I returned to the counter to assist the new customer.

"Good day sir, I am Elena. What can I do for you today?" As I smiled up at the man I doubt that any customer had ever received such a warm greeting. Well, not one that was as honestly meant anyways.

[Lavinian Ambition]

Jared nodded as he said promptly, "I'm Jared, I'm currently looking for a set of tools. See, I'm apprenticing for a locksmith, and so I need the proper tools to work locks, through any manner of locking and unlocking. I have a bit of money, so I'm trying to see what a good solid, perhaps masterwork, set of lock picks and various other tools would cost. If we have a bit left over, I'd also ask for a lock so I can begin practicing my craft, I figure a few months at it I might make Journeyman."

With that he gave her a sincere smile of enthusiasm. Good story, Darith would be proud...

[Moonlit Raven]

Masterwork, never had a call for anything of the grade so far. I blinked up at Jared, my smile slipping for a moment.

"Just a moment please." I dug through the shelf hidden behind the counter for a slender book I knew I kept there. After a moment and a few sneezes from the dust I had disturbed I found the book I was looking for.

"Lest see, I carry sets of average and above average workmanship here in the store. I recieve very few orders for anything of a higher grade. Ah, here we are." I skimmed the page listing of craftsmen and locations.

"I can indeed order a set of the tools you are looking for in the Masterwork grade, the cost will be 500 gold and it will take a week for them to arrive. The tools are in steel, if you wish and if you have the gold, they can be ordered in a harder metal." I set the book back in it's dust corner and folded my hands on the counter wiating for Jared's reply.

"Oh, I nearly forgot. For an item of such cost half of the payment is due up front."

[Lavinian Ambition]

"Five hundred gold you say?" Jared's eyebrow shot up. Not that he didn't believe the price, but more that he couldn't believe he actually had enough. He removed the bag of money he had parsed himself out from the gold stolen from Lord Roland before he dropped it on the counter. It made a distinct thud as it hit the counter before he said, "Thats 500 gold. I would rather pay in full upfront, rather than risk spending it on other things like ale and risk not having enough at the time of billing."

He then sighed as he said, "As for a lock, something that would help me practice my skills, how much for one of above average or masterwork quality cost?"

[Moonlit Raven]

Sorry for the delay.

"A wise decision, considering one drink always leads to three more." Unable to able to help myself I grinned at the man.

"A small hand held lock at master work would be 140 gold knock of 40 gold and you have the price for an above average lock."

[Lavinian Ambition]

"Don't I know it," Jared replied as he gave her a smile. Drumming his fingers lightly on the counter he sighed before he said, "You know, I know that you are giving me some real quality stuff here. i don't doubt that one bit, but I was wondering, since I'm placing a large order here, could I perhaps give you the five hundred here, a hundred more and call it a day?"

[Moonlit Raven]

Chuckling quietly I arched a brow at the man, it had been quite some time since anyone had attempted to haggle with me. I guessed I looked too cute and innocent or something. The idea of anyone thinking me innocent had me choking back a full-blown laugh.

"What grade of craftsmanship did you have in mind for the lock, for a hundred gold?" Thoroughly enjoying the rare occasion, I leaned back against the counter behind me.

[Lavinian Ambition]

"Lets go above average craftsmanship. Nothing too fancy but still something that'll give me problems with the lock picks, what say you?" Jared shot back still holding that smile.

[Moonlit Raven]

I wrote out the order to be sent out shortly for the tool kit and lock. Drawing up two receipts I handed them to the man along with my writing utensil.

"I just need you to sign both forms, one is for you to keep. I hope you have a good day sir and I'll see you in a few days."



Don't bother to wait for the RL time to pass. Do a split post and fast forward the time.

[Lavinian Ambition]

Jared nodded as he quickly put his mark on both sheets. Handing them back he quickly received his copy before he pushed the gold across the table to her. Smiling he said, 'See you in a week!" He then walked out of the shop excited about finally getting the tools to do his job.

!*!

About a week later he returned holding in his hands the receipt. As he walked up to the counter he laid it down as he waited for her to show up again. Sighing he muttered, "Worst, week ever...."

[Moonlit Raven]

Hearing the chime of the bell over the front door I set aside the papers I was looking over and looked out to see who was walking into my shop. Not wishing to keep the man waiting I hurried to find his package. I reached the counter on a moment or two after he reached it and laid the bundle on the counter.

"Good day, sir."

I wasn't sure if it was the air surrounding the man or perhaps subtle hints in his expression and stance but he seemed a little down to me. Biting my tongue against moronic, curiosity driven questions I simply untied the string to open the pack and turned it to face the man.

"I hope everything is satisfactory."


Transaction complete. Lavinian Ambition loses 600 GP and gains 100 EXP for IC interactions.