A Living Dream of Fortunes

[Grayell]

Hm, an interesting question. Considering that thieves were among the more secretive sorts of adventurers, that question might just prove to be a rather difficult one to answer.

Of course, he might be more than a little distracted by a familiar noise. He knew his instrument well and presently, someone was plucking at it. Someone with no idea, clearly; of just how to use the zither of course, as it sounded terrible. It also didn't sound so far off, perhaps he'd have some luck after all.

Perhaps.

It sounded as though it were coming from the west, toward what Sid did not as yet know, as merchants square.

[Siddhar]

In his meditation, Sid heard a familiar plucking on the wind.

Could it be? he thought, tilting his head westward.

Sid took a deep breath, exhaled, and opened his eyes. He flexed his fingers and carefully made his way to the edge of the roof. Measuring the drop, he sat on the edge and slid off. Assuming everything worked out, he’d make his way west and seek out the source of the sound.

[Grayell]

Well, that didn't seem terribly hard... until the sound abruptly stopped. Sid now found himself in the rather busy merchant's area of town, thriving with all manner of people at this time of day. There was a collision of colours, scent and sights to take in as well as noises, but nothing so familiar as the sound of his Zither now.

Just when he certainly seemed like he might be out of luck though, he spotted a familiar someone. The man who had stolen his instrument was making his way across the street, grinning in a rather pleased-with-himself manner. He tossed a purse into the air and snatched it up again, before tucking it into his coat and promptly disappearing from view down a side street.

Sid couldn't reach him before he did so, the street was simply too cluttered with all the going-ons.

The thief wasn't carrying his Zither, mind you.

[Siddhar]

Sid's heart sank - he was made a fool of with the easiest trick in the book and now he lost his instrument. His hands gripped the shaft of his weapon, knuckles shaking with rage - for a moment, the scaled creature considered chasing after the thief and dealing with him.

"No," he said to himself, "I will not give into baser instincts."

Sid looked around, trying to find someone who could give him directions to the nearest pawn shop.

[Grayell]

That didn't prove to be too hard, he was in the middle of the merchant's square hubbub after all. The thumb of an obliging passer-by pointed him in the right direction with little effort.

Upon closer investigation, Sid would spot whom he could assume was the shop owner as they placed his lost instrument on display in the store window. He wasn't familiar, of course; and most certainly wasn't the thief.

[Siddhar]

Sid sighed. The sight of his instrument brought renewed feelings of anger, only to be quelled with deep breath and slow exhalation. Straightening his posture, Sid entered the pawn shop. His stride bore renewed confidence as he thought how to get his instrument back.

Entering the shop, the scaled man walked to where his instrument sat on display. He tilted his head and noted familiar details - the cut of the wood, the knobs to tune the strings, and the dots that would denote scale length. Sid also looked for any imperfections - scratches, splotches, and dents. If this thief mistreated his instrument, there would be hell to pay.

[Grayell]

As you might expect, the shop owner noticed Sid rather quickly and whilst he might have been eager to make a sale this morning, he carried himself with a rather relaxed, unhurried demeanor.

"Ah, had that a while, I have. A fine err... item it is. Some say it once belonged to the Katoosh of Sarimar, may his name ever be revered. You have a fine eye for such... things."

[Siddhar]

(Very sorry I'm late replying!)

Sid kept a hand under his chin, not taking his eyes off the instrument. He nodded his head at the owner's comments, considering his next step. Confront the shop owner? he thought. Squinting his eyes, the scaled humanoid considered other possibilities before blinking hard.

"You say you've had this a while?" he said curtly.

[Grayell]

The shop keeper nodded enthusiastically and sneered in his most professional, slimy salesman-like manner.

"Oh yes, yes. It's hard to find someone who appreciates such quality of course, not to mention the cultural significance of the item. It's a verifiable treasure it is, sure to be famed across the lands in due time."

[Siddhar]

Sid momentarily turned his head to look at the salesman in the eyes. His face was calm and emotionless (or, at least, as emotionless as a being with his race's facial makeup could be). Turning back to the instrument, Sid tapped a finger on the pole of his weapon and squinted his eyes.

"Yes, it piques one's interest why such a treasure would be pawned off." he said, a bit of grit in his voice, "unless the one who sold it off was a thief."

[Grayell]

The shop owner did much the same in terms of his expression and his voice took on a rather cooler tone.

"Well I imagine they were in need of gold. Perhaps they got themselves into a spot of trouble, after making some wild accusation or another. As I am in the business of dealing with paying customers and you don't look to be capable of paying, it's time you left."

[Siddhar]

Sid turned his head and examined the man. After a pause, he gave a chuckle and his snout turned to a smile.

"But of course," he said, "you're indeed right, I cannot afford such a lovely item. Perhaps I shall return when my purse bears coin."

With a courteous bow, Sid turned to leave the pawn shop. He gave the shop owner one last look, as he left - silently pondering his next move. Idea struck, and Sid shook his head with a sigh at how obvious it is: seek help from the authorities.

[Grayell]

(Sid, I'm going to let you elaborate on what you actually do. Knowing your thought process is great, but it doesn't give me a whole lot to react to.)

[Siddhar]

( my b )

Siddhar looked around the merchant quarter, weary of who to approach in regards to the proper authorities. I cannot approach a shop owner he thought, but if I explain my situation, I may be mislead - no one likes a rat. The scaled humanoid looked left and right, considering customers, peddlers, and beggers alike. Seeing no point in standing by the pawn shop, Sid walked the streets flashing glances until he found his prey.

Buying from a fruit stand, Sid noted the appearance of the man - a modest sellsword's getup. He wore a leather cuirass on top of a chainmail shirt, a simple longsword and a faded cloak. Surely, this man would have some sympathy for him. Approaching the food stand, Sid inconspicuously inspected a basket of apples. He looked for bruising or off-color before tapping his coin purse.

"If only I had the thief in my grasp," he said, clearly enough for the sellsword and the vendor to hear.

He looked up and shifted glance between the two men.

"I wouldn't suppose either of you know where I could find a watch tower? The city watch should know of a particular thief running around."