The hooded man did not look up at Cassondra's inquiry, his gaze still scanning the room.
"Leave me be."
He greatly disliked being in an exposed area like this and was growing increasingly certain his contact had chosen the meeting place specifically to put him off guard. There were matters needing his attention and he once again cursed the necessity of obtaining supplies in this manner, but what he sought was not something found on a typical market stall. An irritated grunt passed his lips as a Miqo'te he found obnoxiously loud stood up and tried to cheer the barmaid. The bone passing between his fingers gathered speed. He observed as the old woman approached and his interest was piqued as he realized she was speaking...yet not speaking. His sight fell upon the amulet around her neck and noticed the mild glow as she "spoke". He had heard of such items before, but had not seen one in person. Certainly, he had not expected to see such a rarity in this wretched establishment. He glanced around the room once more, debating a gamble. As their conversation progressed, it became even more obvious than at first glance that the woman would not easily part with the item. No, he rather had the feeling her death would be a requirement for that and he was not willing to risk it. Regardless, he knew enough of curses not to assume any enchantment upon the amulet would not be lost with the current bearer's death. Certainly, he would have placed such a clause himself had he been the creator...it was simple foolishness to allow one's secrets to be studied so easily. Nevertheless...another glance around and he decided a small measure of exposure was worth the risk. Besides, he had seen the boy's lackeys on the docks earlier while conducting a transaction of his own and presumed that they would likely be tied up with whatever business of the noble's they had apparently gotten involved with. The bone between his fingers vanished inside his robes.
Standing from his table he moved over to the group, taking a moment on the way to compose himself and get into character. It would not benefit him to allow his disgust for the wretched gathering to show through. No, his..."public face" would be needed here, no matter how distateful the requirement was to him. Sacrifices must be made in the pursuit of knowledge. As he arrived at the table, he reached up and pulled his hood back slightly to reveal his gaunt face, white hair pulled back tightly. He kept the hood around his head however, so that only those close by could get a clear look at him. His face was smoothed into a neutral expression - warmth was beyond him, the best he could do was disguise his contempt.
"Good day. Pray forgive the interruption but I could not help but overhear your conversation. I know something of curses and your amulet is intriguing. If you would be so kind as to indulge it I would hear of how it came into your care, as well as what the curse you speak of might be." He paused a moment, trying to recall the meaningless pleasantries that would be expected. Normally he had more preparation time when gathering information in such a manner. A memory sparked. "Of course, one should introduce oneself. I am a scholar in the field of such...rare items. My name is Marneus Lanviade."
"Leave me be."
He greatly disliked being in an exposed area like this and was growing increasingly certain his contact had chosen the meeting place specifically to put him off guard. There were matters needing his attention and he once again cursed the necessity of obtaining supplies in this manner, but what he sought was not something found on a typical market stall. An irritated grunt passed his lips as a Miqo'te he found obnoxiously loud stood up and tried to cheer the barmaid. The bone passing between his fingers gathered speed. He observed as the old woman approached and his interest was piqued as he realized she was speaking...yet not speaking. His sight fell upon the amulet around her neck and noticed the mild glow as she "spoke". He had heard of such items before, but had not seen one in person. Certainly, he had not expected to see such a rarity in this wretched establishment. He glanced around the room once more, debating a gamble. As their conversation progressed, it became even more obvious than at first glance that the woman would not easily part with the item. No, he rather had the feeling her death would be a requirement for that and he was not willing to risk it. Regardless, he knew enough of curses not to assume any enchantment upon the amulet would not be lost with the current bearer's death. Certainly, he would have placed such a clause himself had he been the creator...it was simple foolishness to allow one's secrets to be studied so easily. Nevertheless...another glance around and he decided a small measure of exposure was worth the risk. Besides, he had seen the boy's lackeys on the docks earlier while conducting a transaction of his own and presumed that they would likely be tied up with whatever business of the noble's they had apparently gotten involved with. The bone between his fingers vanished inside his robes.
Standing from his table he moved over to the group, taking a moment on the way to compose himself and get into character. It would not benefit him to allow his disgust for the wretched gathering to show through. No, his..."public face" would be needed here, no matter how distateful the requirement was to him. Sacrifices must be made in the pursuit of knowledge. As he arrived at the table, he reached up and pulled his hood back slightly to reveal his gaunt face, white hair pulled back tightly. He kept the hood around his head however, so that only those close by could get a clear look at him. His face was smoothed into a neutral expression - warmth was beyond him, the best he could do was disguise his contempt.
"Good day. Pray forgive the interruption but I could not help but overhear your conversation. I know something of curses and your amulet is intriguing. If you would be so kind as to indulge it I would hear of how it came into your care, as well as what the curse you speak of might be." He paused a moment, trying to recall the meaningless pleasantries that would be expected. Normally he had more preparation time when gathering information in such a manner. A memory sparked. "Of course, one should introduce oneself. I am a scholar in the field of such...rare items. My name is Marneus Lanviade."