A Very Hard Bargain

[Bologna Prime]

There's still a chance to sort this out over tea! I suggest you not waste it.

Jade-cloaked figures in a moderate number post up around an otherwise innocuous trading post of the Crafting Delights Company within the deserts of western Meranthe. Without a doubt, the Elzara. Prospective customers are not outright halted in their business, though given rather imposing glares and polite suggestions to look elsewhere if their attention should linger upon a certain crystal marked with a hefty price tag. So too, are they questioned about the alleged proprietor of that particular outlet: Oroka Sumoe. A series of letters are sent, all accumulating to a similar sentiment from the Lumin King himself - it seems the discreet little store has become the subject of less-than-discreet controversy.

"So it is only capital, to sometimes leap upon an opportunity before fully realizing what stake is placed in doing so. So we all make mistakes, in the pursuit of our desires. As any proper gentleman of Delphina fair, I am reasonable. Generosity, its own flourish to mingle with the motions of grace. Rather than leap to any dire conclusions too soon, there is no harm in the benefit of the doubt. Surely, this Oroka character was not aware of what it is they acquired by certain exploits of property law - the deeply sacrosanct nature of numerous objects taken from the repossessed estate of the Al'britu household. Not all are wise to the ways of sanctity, after all, and I do believe that is the case here. 500,000c for something innumerably priceless, clearly the mark of someone who knows not what they handle.

To Oroka Sumoe, or anyone they may answer to capable of managing such a ''transaction'', I propose the following: You will meet with Delphinan authority, you will be clearly illustrated what it is which does not belong that has mistakenly fallen into your possession, and for your curiosity precisely why it is so significant. You will return such relics of Nemea to Her children with whom they belong, and you will be rewarded with something comparably priceless:

Our forgiveness."

As only to be expected of the Faeborne are demands phrased in an immaculately polite manner - if not laden with ominous subtext. The post of Leafblades simply keeps watch over the store for now, ensuring nothing which brought them there is transferred away until such a requested meeting is made or the Delphinans' patience runs dry. The latter, almost certainly to mean a far less mannerly approach to the situation.