A flicker of light told of the match-strike. Â The freshly lit pipe failed to add much to the already thick atmosphere of the basement lounge. Â Several figures sat huddled around a wooden table in the dim light, the entire area strewn with the untidiness of their rough trade.
"So what are you suggesting?" came the voice of one of the dimly-lit figures. Â His voice was raspy, like the press of Thanalan sand. Â
"If ye'd listen," replied the energetic brogue of the man who had just lit his pipe. Â "What I been suggestin' is that..."
His voice was cut off by one with the telltale calm of authority. Â Rich, experienced.
"...that we recover it first. Â Or at our earliest convenience."
The sinewy pipe-wielder nodded, waving the lit pipe about a bit, as if to suggest the boss had the gist of it.
"Bohanon," said the boss with a single hearty laugh, "You ain't half as dumb as you seem."
The table erupted in laughter at the pipe-wielder's expense. Â He himself joined in with a self-deprecating smirk.
"Well, boss. Â The pickin's been awfully slim as late."
The boss nodded into folded fingers, resting his elbows on the table. Â "Tell me what you find out."
"So what are you suggesting?" came the voice of one of the dimly-lit figures. Â His voice was raspy, like the press of Thanalan sand. Â
"If ye'd listen," replied the energetic brogue of the man who had just lit his pipe. Â "What I been suggestin' is that..."
His voice was cut off by one with the telltale calm of authority. Â Rich, experienced.
"...that we recover it first. Â Or at our earliest convenience."
The sinewy pipe-wielder nodded, waving the lit pipe about a bit, as if to suggest the boss had the gist of it.
"Bohanon," said the boss with a single hearty laugh, "You ain't half as dumb as you seem."
The table erupted in laughter at the pipe-wielder's expense. Â He himself joined in with a self-deprecating smirk.
"Well, boss. Â The pickin's been awfully slim as late."
The boss nodded into folded fingers, resting his elbows on the table. Â "Tell me what you find out."