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[Arcana]

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Arlin rode along the outskirts of Vesper, searching for Arcana. He was anxious to begin his plan of proving to her that he was a changed man, worthy of her trust. She’d not been at her estate, but he’d been told by her household that she’d only recently departed and could not yet have gone far. Sure enough, he found her browsing at a shop not far from Riverrun.

“’Lo there, Arcy,” he said. “Watcha doin’?”

She looked up from her browsing of a pile of weaponry. “Shopping,” she answered somewhat wearily and intently resumed pouring over the wares.

Arlin quailed at the mention of shopping, but then rallied and asked, “Anything in particular yer lookin’ for?” hoping to engage her in some, any, sort of conversation.

Arcana nodded, smiled, and rattled off a list of items, some exotic and expensive, others more mundane. Arlin then noticed the pile of shopping bags at her feet. He sighed inwardly, reminded himself firmly of why he was doing this and summoned his courage.

“I, uh, I think I know where ya can find some of that…”

Arcana brightened. “Really?” Arlin nodded and passed her a rune. Arcana read the inscription and said, “Great, lets go. Grab those shopping bags, will you please.”

Arlin gave a barely audible whimper and followed her through the open moongate like a soldier marching to war under-armed and heavily outnumbered. The things he did… women… bah!

Hours later, Arlin had traversed Luna, the Malas Market, and (shudder) West Britain Bank. He’d developed a slight tic under his left eye. However, the sacrifice appeared to have been worth it, as Arcana – not unaware of his poorly, though not intentionally so, concealed misery – had offered him a drink at the Garden.

They sat down at a table together and deposited a large pile of shopping bags. “Mah feet hurt!” Arlin proclaimed sadly to no one in particular.

“You should have said something earlier,” Arcana replied, “or I wouldn’t have kept you out shopping so long.”

All chatter in the tavern stopped. The patrons, some with drinks frozen half way to their lips, turned to stare at the infamous mercenary captain in open-mouthed astonishment.

“Shopping?!” Jaana asked incredulously, dissolving into uncontrollably snickering which quickly spread throughout the tavern. “Arlin went… shopping?!”

“Oh no… mah reputation…” Arlin thought morosely. He slumped in his chair and dropped his forehead to the table with a loud thunk.