Jon Smythe, the simple bookseller of the East District of Baldur's Gate, sits in his favorite corner of the Blade & Stars Inn, a unfurled parchment before him upon a table. He has just placed the parchment down, and turns his attention to the large glass of Moonshae Isle wine, recently received by the patron of the establishment, and now purchased and enjoyed by Smythe in vast quantities...when he can afford it.Hoihe wrote:A young buy running errands for gold would run up to the "Simple bookseller" and hand a letter over. The letter which smells heavily of rain reads:
"My most humble greetings, fellow seeker of knowledge!
I am afraid to report that there are complications within Candlekeep, for our old guide, Wendel Ashby, has retired. Currently we are waiting on the First Reader and the Keeper of Tomes to choose a new guide for Candlekeep. In the meanwhile I wish to know how much would you appraise this book for. I may be interested on a private purchase in case Candlekeep doesn't answer my questions. It would be a shame of me, one of the more famous scholars on dragons, to give up such an opportunity. Perhaps we could meet to discuss?
- Seeker Hoihe Dacino of Candlekeep also known as Jilgbisai Ornternesj."
After the signature, draconic runes follow as a form of "stamp", frozen into the piece of trollhide leather through powerful frost magic. They don't look to be melting any time soon with the nearness of winter.
As the dark red liquid swirls in the lifted stemmed glassware, Smythe places his nose over the mouth of the glass, inhaling slightly, and letting his mind wander to days long past, to a time and place lodged deep within his memory, of youth, love and...
...so many images, both fond and terrible, intertwine in a mad rush, and overload that he dramatically shakes off by swinging his head side to side in a quick frantic motion, then, he consumes the entire glass of luscious red wine.
"Let bygones be bygones....," he murmurs outloud to himself. Placing attention back to the parchment before him, he pauses to think, only to then pour himself another large glass.
Pulling a blank parchment from his trusty bookseller's valise, Smythe does take out quill and ink pot and with a certain dextrous behavior, begins to draft a letter in return.
Seeker Dacino,
The tome that I have offered to your Order is of great value, that be certain. But as to it's contents, I cannot be assured, as it's wards and lock are beyond my humble means to bypass. Still, one can be certain of it's origin, by experience had.
Still, you should aware that the tome attributed to Ulcaster, and thought to be his personal Draconomicon, is not sold alone. Indeed, I sell this great artifact with a most...wicked...talisman, a talisman of pure evil, which was wrought from the body of a felled undead mage that did dwell inside the Ruins of Ulcaster. Furthermore, there be a broken canary diamond of unique cut and shape that was taken from these same ruins, and is believed to be a greater key to the plunder...I mean, discovery of what lies even deeper with the ruins.
So, as to qualify, tis a the tome, believed Draconomicon of Ulcaster, with decidedly cursed talisman of evil, and this unique diamond.
I, Jon Smythe, only wish to recoup the losses that this business venture did incur, for after realizing the path I traveled was beyond that of a simple bookseller, I can only say wisdom did show me tis best to let those versed in the arcane and great intelligence take it upon themselves to uncover what I have failed to.
Therefore, the value of thirty thousand gold coins is what I seek, in total. Tis the exact amount for my losses. Yet, shall you feel the need to negotiate, I will here your counter offer.
You may find me amongst the day traders of the East Distract in the great city of Baldur's Gate, shall you wish to further the conversation in person.
Yours,
Jon Smythe.
The letter, once penned, is left to dry, then rolled and sealed. Soon, it will be sent off on the next courier to Candlekeep.
But in the meantime, Smythe sits back in his chair, savoring the little gifts that life does offer...and takes a long, flavorful sip from his homeland.
