23rd Frost, 4621
Thomas had long since ceased feeling guilty selling junk to gullible Lorien Savants in Westfalen. For one thing, it's not like anyone in Lorien actually earned their money by doing anything, and for another, Westfalen's academics seemed to have bottomless pockets in their quest to do whatever it was they did with this stuff. They practically lined up to be ripped off, and it was easy money that could be put toward the creature comforts that made Lorien bearable, like soup, coffee, and sweaters. It was also fun to talk to them about acquiring whatever piece of junk he was selling.
In this case, Isidro Orguillo had returned from the Badlands of Daravin with ancient treasures relating to the fallen empire. Thomas whispered into the ears of acquisitive collectors and curious academics both about the potential wonders they could discover, but in the same breath warned them of other prospective buyers. He'd found that old Grisithian machinery improved by some nonsense symbols etched on with acid sold well. If the machine did something, like occasionally put out a purple spark when its gears were spun, so much the better. Even when it was just an inert heap, though, it still sold. Every customer thought they had the keys to revive something that had never been alive.
It had been a good run in Westfalen, and he was feeling he had better hit the road soon, or at least that Isidro had better leave town. Maybe allow for Lord Ashley to sell some junk to the Celebrants, instead, and mix it up a bit. For now, though, he saw an opportunity walking toward him. He never forgot a customer, even if not many of them came back for more.
In this case, though, she looked distinctly unhappy, but that was no reason for Isidro to anticipate trouble. After all, from Isidro's perspective, she had bought a perfectly usable artifact.
In a smooth Daravinian accent, he called out to her: "Ah, welcome back, my lady. How can I help you on this fine afternoon? Could I interest you in another curio?"
