A Penny for your Thoughts

Gian was wary of Popora ‘ir Boromar. From his past dealings with Saidan 'ir Boromar, he knew that one had to be very careful when dealing with any member of this halfling clan.

The young artificer allowed Devlin to do all the talking, so he sat there together with the half-elf and Rothaide in the middle of the audience chamber, and kept calm and simply watched and listened. He could still feel the copper piece in his pocket and knew that the infusions he placed on it earllier were still functioning as he had intended.

When he noticed Devlin’s eyes turning towards him, Gian opened his mind just enough to receive the half-elf’s thoughts.

“What are the Shifters up to?” The half-elf asked via the telepathic bond provided by the magic of the infusion.

“It’s hard to say. Talenta is a roundabout language,” Gian replied as he pretended to adjust his eyeglasses and stared back at the half-elf. “But basically, as far as I can tell, they’re just throwing insults at us and mimicking your conversation with Popora. Do you want to hear the details?”

Devlin gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head in disapproval.

Gian continued to watch and listen to the Shifters make fun of their group. Suddenly he hears the younger halfling warn his Shifter companions

“Heads up, Captain. Something’s about to happen.” Gian warned Devlin.

It’s then that Zonnos gives out a loud burp and addresses his father. The two halflings exchange words and finally come into a betting agreement.

“I take your bet, my child.” Popora tells his child before facing Devlin and his crew. ”Guests, is there one among you to prove young Zonnos incorrect? Does anyone care to wrestle a Shifter?”

“Wrestle, Captain?” Gian mentally asked Devlin; at the same time the artificer was already taking inventory of the resources available to him