Argath just gave the shopkeeper a condescending smile. The guy was basically trying to get rid of some useless equipment, and selling it for far too much. True, the weapons were made of expensive materials, but that wasn't what determined cost. It was called supply and demand.

"Well, this is useless." He said. "We can't afford any of these anyway. Let's just go back to the inn." He made to leave, perhaps a bit slowly.

Docus caught on, nodded, mirroring argath's smile. "My friend makes a point. . Perhaps we will be back to buy some bait, or other minor supplies. But other than that... So sorry to have intruded upon your time, friend. And a good day to you."

"Of course, my dear," the shopkeeper said with an oily voice as he steps aside to allow Jade to take one of the weapons. "Pick up any blade you wish and test its balance for yourself. I wouldn't sell it if it weren't the finest quality."

Jade selected the largest blade on the rack and ran it through its paces with a rather intense expression on her face. Her ears twitched as she listened to the conversation going on as she surrounded herself with a golden blur.

It definitely was a well made weapon, but still only about comparable to the grossly oversized knife she had slung on her back.

"Hrrmm." Jade said, holding onto the blade with her free hand and flexing it experimentally. Definitely softer and copper or gold wouldn't hold an edge that well.

"Not bad." the warrior admitted. "But for that price I'd prefer to stick with the sword I'm used to." Then she grinned. "Now then, where would I be able to find these hunters who have encountered the beast?"

"Oh they're about," the shopkeeper replied, noncommittally, "I'm afraid I don't have their addresses or anything of that nature, however... and business has been a bit down with that beast romping about the woods."

He shrugged a bit dejectedly. "I suppose you might find some around the bar tonight?"

----

And so, having decided against purchasing the wares of the wilely merchant, perhaps to their detriment, or perhaps to their fortune, the small group makes their way back to the inn, so that they may rest and prepare for the battle ahead.

Leaving the hunting shop, Argath and his two companions made their way back to the inn. As he walked, his hand brushed his hip and he noticed something. Or rather, the lack of something. Looking down, he saw his money pouch was gone.

The last time he remembered having it was... at the inn, he was certain. He remembered something else at the inn. A humorous ruse, a hand around his waist.

... Oh, well played.

As soon as they got back to the inn, he headed straight for the room he was supposed to share with Vera. Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, he waited for her to return.

"Hi Honey, how was your day?" He asked, his tone betraying his words, as soon as she entered the room. He didn't have that playful smile on, either. "I'd like my money back now, if you please."

Vera raised an eyebrow at him as she slipped into the room, looking bored, although there might be a slight smirk twisting the edges of her mouth. "I don't know what you're talking about." She yawned, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Did you misplace it while shopping? Honestly, this is why men shouldn't take care of their own money, they're bound to lose it one way or another."

"Oh, right, of course, how silly of me to suspect the Thief." He replied, rolling his eyes.

"I know I lost it here. Clearly it was the old couple that took it. You saw those furtive glances they were shooting each other, they are clearly a couple of master criminals."

"So yeah. I'd like it back." He said, extending his palm and trying to keep his temper under control.

"You've been gone shopping all day," She rolled her eyes right back at him, "Don't you think if I stole it you would have noticed earlier?" She gives his outstretched hand a look that said 'you're crazy if you think I'm going to give you anything.'

"We didn't buy anything." He replied angrily. "In case you haven't noticed, this town is a hole."

He kept his hand outstretched. "So. Please." He said, trying to sound as pleasant as possible.

"I didn't steal your money. Besides," Her bored look turns into a shiteating grin, "Now that I think about it, if I remember right, you yourself insisted that you gave it to me."

She dropped her voice into a mockery of his own, reciting his words, "No, no, I gave you the money just before we left, remember? I told you 'Here's the gil, Darling' and handed you the bag."