A wealth of options

It had been a slow morning, despite the eagerness for what could possibly be. Although there was some sluggish energy getting cleaned up and fed, it was made up with quick steps through the streets to the little shop your new friend operated in. The front of the store was small; a few items on display, with what appeared to be a workshop and immense secure storage in the back.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite couple." He chuckled to himself. The dwarf's humor was grating, but you could overlook it in order to get the job done.

"Yes, I'm sure you know the ladies of The Runaways. Ladies, this is Denethil, the jeweler."

He pulled off his dirt-covered gloves and gave a thorough, if dramatic, bow "I am honored to be in the presence of such august company, my wonderful new friends. It has been my desire to work for nobility for some time, and now I have the opportunity to provide a great need, to the most gallant princess of Shoza." There were nervous faces all around, but Joan had actually gone the next step, moving quickly to draw her weapon, which you swiftly held back.

"Let's put a damper on that, shall we?" You give a stern look to her before turning to Denethil "Dwarf, hardly anyone knows about that, and for good reason. You can't tell anyone"

"Of course, I'm a master of discretion. If anyone asks, I am doing work for Silve, and I've never seen any of you before."

"Thank you. Now, let's get right down to it, what's the cost of doing business?"

"Well, you have a few choices. If you happen to have a chest with a few hundred gold coins in it, I'll take it off your hands, procure what I need, and we call it even. It'll take longer, but less messy for you all."

"Okay, well, let's say we don't have that" Trevolia felt compelled to speak up, making it clear that despite your noble titles, you all were effectively common. "Than what?"

"I figured that was likely. In such a case, you've got two options as I see it." He grabbed a small piece of parchment and gently pushed it forward on the counter. "That should be everything I need."

"Seriously?" Joan looked doubtful "these are some hefty requirements for a ring, especially a ring that's just supposed to -"

Denethil rose his hand "I assure, madame Drow, every part of that is necessary. I recognize some of that will be difficult to get normally, but I'm sure a group such as the Runaways would be able to get it all without too great of a case of heartache. If you were inclined to be exceptionally daring, I think I know of another option for you."

"Which is?" Clodagh asked impatiently

"I've caught word that one of my competitors in the area has dabbled in the trade as well, and that the dear old Duke of the province is having problems keeping up with his much younger wife."

"Wait, you're suggesting we steal?" Trevolia quickly asked "From royalty?"

"A heist, as it were, yes, but I'm not suggesting you do anything. I'm just providing the options as I see them."

"Maybe the option is to go see this competitor of yours" Joan quipped

Denethil perked his lips in response "You're more than free to try. I welcome it. See how far you get with a displaced Intransican." There was a heavy weight in the air at such a thought, knowing half of you are perpetual enemies of the Immortal Emperor.

"Well, that's not going to work" Clodagh spoke up, breaking the silence

"Maybe we steal from him," Joan quipped "may not have the stuff we need, but I'm sure there's something of value. Perhaps we can make an arrangement"

"I can't tell you do that and I don't tell you not to." Denethil worked his position quite carefully "I am a legitimate business here and will not found dead hawking the ill gotten wares of another. Whatever you do outside my shop is your choice, and I'm better off not knowing." He stood, granting another respect.

"Your Majesty, friends, I hope to see and hear from you very soon. There is other work I must attend to, and I'm sure the five of you need to discuss plans." His face turned to a smile again, as his humorous tendency seemed inescapable "Let me know if it becomes time to fashion some engagement rings for the lot of you. I'll grant you a fleet discount."

You all quietly walked out. Reading the faces of each other, you weren't sure that any of them had a strong idea of what course to take. "Well, now what?" You asked

"First, we eat, than we'll figure out a process."

"Fair" You asked, as you all slowly headed home "What are we eating?"

Trevolia mused for a second "Well, your first course is going to be me, and we'll see if you need another helping after that"

The giggles through the four women, content and joyous in each others company and pleasure, was something alltogether beautiful that you couldn't quite describe. All you knew was, as good as this was, it appeared that it was all going to start getting even better.