<strong>Happenings</strong><br/><br/>Elmaran was delighted to see Iona.  The half-elf was tall and gaunt, with long blond hair that neatly framed his skeletal face.  It was difficult to tell due to a fashionable cloak covering half of his body, but he had dressed as finely as possible to see his young protege off without relying on his usual assortment of wigs, make-up, or elaborate dresses.<br/><br/>”You joke!” Jocy stated dramatically, feigning heartbreak.  ”But what if this is the last time I ever see you again?  It would be dreadful.  Come here,” he said, shushing a bit, as he embraced her.   “Do you have everything you need?”<br/><br/>Meanwhile, Short-Change answered Jilly thusly:  “What, me?  No, no.  Have you heard something?”  Short-Change could be described accurately by saying that he appeared perpetually distracted.  He wore black pants, a white shirt with large sleeves rolled up, and a brown vest.  His feet, large and hairy, were exposed in the morning air.  He had an unpleasant face, even by halfling standards, with a rat’s nest of brown hair above his brow.<br/><br/>”Naughty halfling!” he cried at her when she asked him if he had anything for her.   “A halfling never asks, but must always take.  But yes, I have brought you something for your journey.  It used to belong to me once, but then it didn’t, and now, you must not tell who you got it from.”  There was an odd moment afterwards, because Short-Change didn’t hand her whatever it was he had to give her.  ”I put it in your sack just now,” he said sneakily.<br/><br/>It was a small masterwork light crossbow with ten bolts.  Please don’t get jealous!  Jilly will need all the help she can get.<br/><br/>