Compared to the quality of The Belfry, this jewelry shop seems a bit of a letdown. The short Eeee spots the group as soon as they approach, and his face lights up more when he sees them wearing some of the latest fashions. "Good morning!" he chimes, and spreads an arm over his display of shiny things.

Alptraum tips his head towards the shopkeeper. "Good morning to you too," he remarks with a fangy smile. "I was wondering if you could help me with two things, if you have time… ?"

The shopkeeper looks around, then replies, "Why of course! I have plenty of time for customers!"

Tulani gives the cheerful looking brown Eeee a smile and a small wave at his greeting, saying, "Your jewelry certainly is very shiny."

"First thing, ever see anything like this before?" Alptraum asks as he pulls out the torc and sets it on the counter.

"I polish each piece nightly," the bat proclaims, before looking at the odd torc. He takes a loupe and leans in close to examine it. "Oooo, very nice," he says, and holds an ear to it next, while tapping it with a small metal tuning fork. "My goodness… I believe this is gold-plated iron. Are you looking to sell it?"

"Not at all. I'm trying to identify it. It's an artifact from the Necromancer War that we uncovered in our travels," Alptraum explains as he now peers a bit into the case. "Any idea where it might have been made and what for?"

Flicking her ears, the Sphynx watches curiously as the shop owner proceeds to tap the torc, and then asks, "You can tell what kind of metal it is by listening to it?"

"Well, that's not surprising. Us Eeee have really good hearing, so things likely sound different to us than it would to you. No idea how metal sounds when hit, but I can imagine it has differences in tone based on what it's made of," Alptraum comments idly to Tulani. "Wish I could show you how we hear. Eeees would be better understood if people could spend a day as one."

Tulani smiles at Alptraum, "Yeah, to be able to hear so much would be amazing… Ah well. I'll just have to be happy with my good sight and regular hearing." The Sphynx grins.

"I spent many years honing my skill as well," the jeweler says.

"Good hearing can also be a curse. You have to learn how not to hear. If I didn't know how to block it out, I would hear anyone near me's hearts beating all the time. Very distracting," Alptraum comments, then returns his attention to the jeweler when his attention shifts a bit away from the torc.

"Now then," the small Eeee continues, picking up the torc and looking at it from every angle. "I can say that it is not Imperial – the style of the dragon heads is all wrong. Same for Jadaian, although the differences probably wouldn't be noticeable to most anyway. The gold has an odd sheen to it as well, so no idea where it may have come from. It could be an Exile artifact, actually."

"Hm, likely. We believe it may have been a possession of the last Necromancer Queen. That's speculation, though," Alptraum replies. "I assume it's likely intended for women? Any idea of species based on size or shape?"

"I'm curious, what do different metals sound like? Like gold versus tin?" Tulani asks of the jeweler when he seems to have a moment.

Alptraum motions for Phlagaea and Mave to join him at the counter while Tulani talks to the merchant.

"Gold has a much softer sound," the jeweler says, off-handedly. "There are two echoes, which tells me a much harder material is under the gold, but that is to be expected. Gold is too soft on its own to keep a good shape." He tries the torc on his own head for a moment, then examines it some more.

The other Eeee come closer, except for Lilith, who tends to watch the other people in the area. Phlagaea peeks in at some of the colorful pieces, while Mave just glances over them with a practiced eye.

"The dimensions of this piece are very odd," the jeweler admits, finally. "I'd almost think it was meant for a small Rhian or a Cervani," he says, handing the torc back to Alptraum.

Alptraum takes the torc back and slips it away. He then slips his arm around Phlagaea's arm, then the other around Mave's arm. "I am going to need both of your expert opinions," he says. "On what would look good and be appropriate for a male. I've been wanting to get a few earrings for a while … probably due to my upbringing."

"So you've been a jeweler quite a while? Do you do custom pieces?" the Sphynx asks the jeweler next.

"Why yes, I do custom work," the Eeee says, and points to a neckpiece that appears to make from lacquered Naga scales. "This is my latest. But I also trade in jewelry made by others."

The jewelry is fairly diverse, comprised of necklaces, rings, ear-clips, bracelets and other things that are meant to adorn the body parts of various races. Most of the material is wood, ivory or chitin, naturally, but a few items have inlaid metal filigree or plating. Actual jewels are represented by colored and polished stones (including what might be actual turquoise or jade) and colored glass gems. There doesn't seem to be any overall style to the pieces, however – some are clearly old, probably from estate collections, while the quality of workmanship varies considerably.

Alptraum goes completely still for a moment. Releasing the two Eeees he leans in to examine a few pieces. "Where did you get these?" he asks and taps at some items in the case.

"Oh, I think those came from some soldiers that passed through a while ago," the jeweler says. "Gypsy work. Not unusual, really, since the wanderers tend to use them as barter as often as not."

Tulani examines the 'naga-scale' necklace before looking over at Alptraum and arching an eyebrow. "Is something wrong Alptraum?"

Alptraum' claws scrape over the case at the comment of 'gypsy work'. "May I see one?" he asks next.

"Certainly," the jeweler says, and removes one of the tightly 'woven' bracelets. It's actually made of wood, with the weave being carved. "This bracelet has a charm for good luck inscribed on the inside. Really, the soldier should have held onto it, considering how messy that big battle in the swamp ended up being."

Alptraum turns it over very gently in his hand, trying to see the inscription. "Did the soldier say how he got it?" he asks.

The Eeee scratches at his cheek in thought. "It was some time ago… ah… I think he said it was from a band that was passing through his home town."

"Did he mention what town he was from?" Alptraum asks next and then hands the bracelet back. Turning to Tulani, he says, "I think that was Nineve's work. One of those I traveled with when I grew up. I think these are from my tribe."

Tulani looks a bit worried for a moment and puts a hand on Alptraum's shoulder, smiling slightly. "Well, we know they are still traveling at least."

"Maybe. He did say it was a long time ago," Alptraum comments with a frown. "I wonder if that soldier even survived the battle."

Hearing this, the jeweler squints in concentration. "It's right on the tip of my… no, that's not it," he mutters. The inscription on the inside follows one of the wooden paths, and is very small. But then, there are magnifying glasses on the display top.

Alptraum picks up one of the magnifying glasses and tries to read the inscription.

Tulani looks over Alptraum's shoulder, also trying to read the writing on the bracelet.

The script is carved by a delicate hand, and is in Romany. "Blessings upon Tucker Abellard of Monte Castleon by the Spirit of Travelers and Soldiers." There's even a little signature beyond it, which could be "Nineve."

"Monte Castleon?" Alptraum asks after trying to read the writing. "Where is that?"

"Oh, that must be the place," the Eeee says, as if he just remembered it. "Umm… north-westish-ish… towards the middle of the County. I think."

Alptraum nods at that. "Thank you. I will have to head that way sometime soon," the Eeee notes. Trying to cheer himself up, he looks back at the two Yodh. "Any suggestions, or am I on my own?" he asks.

Phlagaea has been admiring the pieces with green stones, then blinks. "Oh, ummm… something green would suit you," she says.

"Ivory nose-ring," Mave points out.

"Er, why a nose ring?" Alptraum has to ask Mave as he goes to see what Phlagaea is looking at.

"An earring with a curled or twisted pattern to it would look good on you." Tulani pipes up, getting in her two cents on the matter before looking over some of the various neckpieces and bracelets herself.

The 'jade' pieces seem to be mostly broaches, but there is a pair of matched ivory earrings with small jade teardrops. "A nose-ring is handy for attaching a leash," Mave explains.

"Heh. Who's going to 'leash' me?" Alptraum has to ask teasingly of the Yodhinala. He picks up the ivory and jade earrings and holds it up against his ear and looks to Phlagaea questioningly.

"A-herm," the jeweler says, clearing his throat. "I think these might be more appropriate, sir," he says, pointing to a selection of polished stone studs in various colors. They aren't as big or gaudy like the earrings tend to be. "These seem popular among the young men."

"Those are lady's earrings, Alptraum," Lilith comments, turning to look at Alptraum's pose.

Tulani snorts slightly as Alptraum holds up the jade earrings, looking around for anything with a more bluish color to it to catch her eye.

Alptraum sets down the earrings he was looking at and goes to the studs. "I would think you would need several studs, given the size of Eeee ears," he says, examining them. "And ah, these go through, not clip, then?"

The 'turquoise' looking stones are on a different set of earrings, although also with an ivory base. Instead of single teardrops, these have bars with several smaller stones embedded in them.

"Oh yes, they go through," the jeweler says, and removes a square, red crystalline one to show Alptraum the matching stud that connects to the opposite side of the ear. "I have hidden studs as well, if you don't want something that shows front and back."

The black and white Sphynx blinks at the turquoise earrings, the bar-like shapes causing her think of "Nala's" headdress with its rectangular stones and metal from the dream in the Light.

"Front and back is fine. So, ah, how is the hole made?" Alptraum inquires as he peers at the red stud. He also starts looking over the colors with interest, trying to decide on which to pick.

"I have a tool," the jeweler replies. "It's a bit like a leather punch for notching belts."

There are several of the crystal types: blue, green, red and quartz-yellow. The glass studs come in five-pointed star shapes, while the polished stone ones are all round or oval. The stone ones also come in a marbled black variety.

"Sounds painful," Alptraum comments, then shrugs it off. He motions for Phlagaea and Mave and Lilith as well to examine the studs. "I was considering getting a few studs, each would symbolize one of you, my Eeee friends," he explains. "A personal reminder, of a sort. Do you like the idea? Care? Prefer something else?"

"How thoughtful," Phlagaea says, smiling. Lilith looks at Tulani, then Phlagaea and then Mave. "Well, I suppose you could try to match our colors, but there will be an awful lot of black and white then." Mave eyes the studs, and says, "I still think the nose-ring would be better."

Tulani blinks abruptly and looks up from where she is examining a necklace with blue stones, feeling a bit hurt at not being included in this 'personal reminder', and feeling a bit 'apart' at the moment in general. After a moment she just goes back to looking at the jewelry, moving down the cases.

Alptraum chuckles and motions for Mave to actually get the nose-ring. "It'll look ridiculous," he comments, "I'll show you." And with a glance to Tulani, he notes, "And you. Wow. You people have no sense of humor." The Eeee grins.

The Sphynx looks up at Alptraum and smiles saying, "Maybe I'm just off without Arkold around?" she puts on a silly grin.

"True. You must not be feeling as sharp without having to fend off him trying to pinch, eh?" Alptraum says with an equally silly grin.

"Well, he certainly keeps you on your toes!" Tulani quips back, doing a little dance in place on her feet.

"Safer to be on your toes, than having him pin you," Alptraum points out, still grinning. He motions towards Mave and says, "And this one thinks I should get the nose-ring."

Tulani chuckles softly, "Oh yeah! You should definitely get a nose ring! In ivory no less, It will stand out with your black fur!" she replies in a humored, sarcastic tone.

To help out, Mave tries to pinch Tulani.

Alptraum actually goes and gets the nose-ring. After a bit to try and figure out how it works, it at least gets it open enough to slip it somewhat in place. One brow raised, he turns to look at the women. "This has to look ridiculous," he comments with good humor. "Is this really what you want, Mave?"

Tulani sees Mave's pinch coming and dodges neatly out of the way, grinning.

The Yodhinala suddenly frowns. "It is removable?" she asks, sounding disappointed. "What good is that?"

"Well, not if it was fully closed and through it wouldn't be easily, I imagine," Alptraum points out. "It's not like I have a hole there, you know. If it's really what you want, I'll get it. I'm leaving the choices up to all of you, since it's supposed to symbolize you."

"It makes for very easy cleaning, my lady," the jeweler offers.

"Would you feel better if only you could remove it?" Alptraum asks Mave jokingly.

Mave comes up and looks over the jewelry with more interest now, trying to find something suitably beautiful.

"I think the green ear studs are good," Phlagaea says. "Unless there is something you could wear closer to your heart."

Turning her eyes back t the jewelry, Tulani as well, joins the search, looking for something that might fit any of the Eeee.

Switching to Sylvanian so he can speak to Tulani without the other two easily understanding, Alptraum says, "I'm trying to make them feel like part of a family again. They had a pretty rough time." At hearing Phlagaea, he selects out two green ear studs and sets them to the side. Unhooking the nose-ring, he asks the jeweler, "Do you actually sell many of these?"

"Well, actually that is a bracelet for a Khatta's tail," the jeweler admits. "I did not want to disappoint the beautiful lady by pointing that out, however."

Smiling gently Tulani nods, replying likewise in her home language, "I understand. Quite a noble aim; you're a good friend." And with that she HUGS Alptraum, releasing him a moment later and turning to Phlagaea, "Do you have a favorite type of green?"

Alptraum chuckles and asks, "How much is it? I may get it anyway for the humor value. She's strange, but I like her anyway."

"Well… the brighter greens seem to be more noticeable," Phlagaea says.

"This," Mave announces, pointing to a more traditional earring near the studs. It's an actual ring made of ivory, with a central stripe of inlaid amber to add some gold to it.

"That they are. Most certainly noticeable," Tulani agrees with the green Eeee

Alptraum peers over at the ring Mave indicates. He blinks, commenting, "That's rather beautiful. If that's your choice, set it with the two studs chosen so far." The Eeee also looks pleased that Mave, for once today, has actually seemed interested.

Even Lilith looks over the baubles, but doesn't seem to latch onto anything in particular. "I would prefer to gift you something later, Alptraum, after I have had a chance to think about it," she says.

Alptraum nods to Lilith. "As you prefer. You don't have to choose anything, if you really aren't sure anyway. It was just a sentimental idea I had," he notes with a smile. "I don't know how much longer we'll all be together."

Tulani grins at Alptraum, noting, "Well! If the decisions have been made, it's time to see about getting a couple of holes in your ears!"

"You didn't pick anything," Alptraum points out to Tulani.

Tulani without hesitation picks up a single oval turquoise stud with a white ivory crescent around one side and hands it to the dark Eeee saying, "No worries, I had my eye on this one."

"Mine should go in your right ear," Mave says. "I like to nibble right ears."

Alptraum nods and picks up the ivory and amber and the two green studs. "Looks like I'll need four holes put in," he says calmly, trying to not think about how it may feel. "Okay, ivory ring in my right ear, lower outside and the rest in my left. Two green studs on the outer ridge, low. The turquoise stud on the inner ridge, low. Is that all right with everyone?"

Mave and Phlagaea both nod, happy to not be on the same ear probably.

Tulani likewise looks fine with the chosen arrangement.

"I would ask if you wanted to put the holes in," Alptraum comments to the women, "But I figure you probably do not." He grins, then looks to the jeweler. "Shall we?"

The small Eeee puts on a pair of thick glasses, and holds up the punching tool – which uses a vampire Eeee fang for the punch. "Just come back inside, sir," he says. "I need to have a candle behind your ear so I can see not to hit any veins or arteries."

While Alptraum heads to the back, the black and white Sphynx calls out with a grin, "And don't worry, we'll just be plotting over here while you get your ears pierced."

Alptraum heads into where he's directed by the smaller Eeee. He grins to the others, but it's a nervous sort of grin as he disappears inside. "Say, make sure to include that Khatta bracelet in the bill. I want to tell a friend of mine – guy's name is Arkold – that Mave picked out a nose-ring for him. I expect his expression to be priceless," he whispers to the Eeee conspiratorially once inside. Outside, the others wait a short bit … and get greeted by a loud 'Ow!'