*The smells of spiced cider waft through the crisp early morning air, as servants build up the fire in the wide hearth of the hall of the Twin Dragons. A bleary-eyed minstrel combs his locks, nodding to the dawn customers. He greets the spiky-haired merchant behind the trade counter, and speaks.*
"So that's what ye've been up to Riven....the last several weeks? Dancing in the corn fields?"
*The bright-eyed Ranger flashes a wide grin, as he glances up from the many boxes of corn he's inspecting and sorting.*
"Nay, nay, I haven't been in a corn field in months. Nay, while Slip has been tending the merchant booth, I've been in the Whitehorn, meditating by the banks of a stream. Communing with the Light of stars and moon and sun. Breathing Light into my blood and bones and mind. Finding an inner peace to nourish my heart and spirit in these dark times."
*He gives the corn a wry grin, before continuing*
"All these boxes of corn were dropped off by weary travellers who wished to unload their burdensome packs upon the Saddlebag Pawn. So, *shrugs gracefully* what could I say to them? So I have bought these boxes at a discount, and am looking to sell them. And judging by a few notes delivered here, I'd say they are either sold or almost all sold. Say, have I showed you this golden harp?"
*Riven gingerly unlocks a box of dark wood, and unwraps a delicate golden harp from the padding within. He gently strums the string, a lyrical melody unfolding from his fingertips, as his eyes half-close. A grin and a red flush flash across his face and he hands the harp to the minstrel*
"Heh, not an expert as ye are, at playing my heart song. But I do delight in it..."
