The Grey Tower

Riahana watched Andraste and the merchant go back and forth on the price. Her lips twitched and she found herself nearly laughing at the banter the two shared as they negotiated on the price of the ring. It was a skill the Gaidin had never learned, though she saw how useful it would be in such circumstances.

As the ‘negotiating’ came to an end, Andraste looked to her, smiling, “I am unsure of your budget, but that is a fair price for that item. Does that work for you?”

Clearly impressed, Riahana nodded, “I find it more than acceptable.” She looked to Thelonius and reached into a leather pouch buckled to her sword belt. It only took a moment or two for her to pull out the negotiated amount, and she offered the payment to the merchant. While she’d been doing that, the Carn brother took time to place the ring in a small box. The exchange was made, and Ria said her thanks to both brothers before turning to Andraste and offering a warm smile, “I think I need to learn negotiating skills from you, Accepted. That was amazing.

“Thank you for your assistance, both in pointing out the flaws with the first merchant, and then helping me with these merchants. I know for Gareth it is more the thought that counts, but I’d rather give him something of high quality than not. I am in your debt,” she said as she tilted her head in a slight nod.

Riahana laughed softly, “Needless to say, you owe me not a thing. It was pretty clear to me you were in your element back there. If you are not careful, I may request you join me anytime I need to shop for gifts to make sure I’m not only getting quality merchandise, but for a fair price too. That, or perhaps I should just get you to teach me how to negotiate.”

Her business in town concluded, Ria was about to head back to the Tower. She offered the Accepted another warm smile, “At the moment, though, I do not wish to take up too much more of your personal time. I know there is precious little of it when one is a learning rank. While you may not think I am in your debt, if you ever find you might need my assistance, please do not hesitate.” She nodded once more, “Thank you, once again.”