Philomel smiled at the woman who seemed to be rather stoic in her fashions. Bending down she scooped up Veridian who had been seated by her hooves and he made a small grumpy yelp of annoyance. This, she ignored and proceeded to nod.

"It will be fine," she said, giving one last look over the pieces. "Money is fine, all is fine..." She paused and skillfully used one hand to fish out a large pouch from her belt whilst the other held the fox.

The pouch was placed on the counter with a loud clang. Philomel looked for a while at it and then teased the top open before spilling out a strangely large amount of gold coins.

"I only have small change," she apologised. "And how long do you think it will be then?"

As Veridian huffed and settled against her breast Philomel continued to chat and count out money.

Business had been done.