[Sasan]

Ellysia over there was apparently overestimating how many of their clientele here could actually afford to deal in Runes. He wasn't selling nearly as much as he would have liked, though Sebastian seemed to be doing well enough. Maybe that was the secret, catering to both crowds of consumers with high-quality items. A lesson for the future, Sasan supposed. Not that he was doing particularly bad – he'd already recouped all the losses he'd taken on setting up shop – but he was a long way from a fortune. And he was beginning to empathize with Fakir's perspective: this was getting boring.

All that considered, Sebastian's idea for a contest sounded like a fantastic break from what was quickly becoming a disappointing chore. Sasan hurriedly finished with his current customer, appreciating their pleased smile as he handed over the ensemble he'd dubbed "Axiom Absolute." He'd wanted to use real swords as an accessory, but the cost had proved prohibitive, not to mention certain laws regulating such things on Kalin. When he was done, he put up his break sign and sauntered over to Sebastian's table.

He offered Fakir a sympathetic smile, but the glare he got in respnonse didn't seem conducive to further interaction. Turning to Sebastian, he told the young man, "I think it's a splendid proposal. Frankly, we could use some excitement in here..." Glancing at the Feryxonis and his chattering teeth, he amended, "Well, most of us. Not t'mention, the competitive spirit'll be good for business overall. I'd be happy t'help judge, for a modest fee of course."

"Yeah!" came Sebastian's answer. "I have some extra money lying around that I'll put up as a judge's fee. I can even host the prize too!"

Sasan thought he heard Ellysia mutter something like "I bet you can," but she was too far away for him to be sure. She seemed awfully disgruntled. The Ascent dearly hoped she wasn't taking out her frustrations on her clients, though, truth be told, he couldn't quite tell one way or the other. Her "art" tended to be rather abstract.