The War of the Moons

[Aeti]

The youth hesitates, his hand outstretched. Sad-Face has faced down worse before, and the youth crumples as expected. Sad-Face watches a lie form behind the youths wide eyes, a scared attempt to save face. He blurts it out. "Y-Yeah, there's no problem. Didn't see what happened, is all. I .. can help. Sure." He scurries around for a moment, picking up odds and ends, before stuffing them into the merchant's scaled arms and fleeing.

The merchant lays the merchandise gently on the table. "Thank you, stranger. I am Ssam." He glances up at the imposing mask before again looking away hurriedly. "Perhaps I could thank you for your help? With ah, a 10% discount?"

* * *

Meanwhile, Adonius watches a dwarf shrug and drop his tomato. No one claps, but there are no jeers either, and with a few mutterings the crowd disperses to look at the rest of the attractions around the square. He hears a few people talking excitedly about the impressive cheese provided by the Councillor of Dairymire. The gnome wizard gets off his chair somewhat dejectedly, fiddling with a ring on his finger. He calls out, "I know it's not that impressive now, but with more research.."