Intermission 3 What Lucky did in Minroe 16/12/24

With a pocket full of gold courtesy of Dorian Skatterhawk, Lucky pops down to see Felicia at House Glaneld and asks to buy a set of Thieves tools from her. The pirate queen hands him a set, when he opens it he sees a word written on the inside “Fee”. Lucky gives her a wink and wanders off towards the Crossroads Inn.
 
Lucky quickly heads off to Aunty Mora's cafe and makes a deal. She will instantly teach him how to use his newly acquired Thieves tools if he works for her until he sees the sun set thru the window. Being rather suspicious of the old woman he believes to be a hag Lucky negotiates the use of a proxy to work in his place.
 
The Crossroads has become a hub of creaking wood and murmured secrets, where whispers travel faster than drink orders. Lucky moves like a shadow, slipping unnoticed through the lazy afternoon crowds, past weathered tables and lingering travellers.
At the rear of the tavern, the private rooms stand: crooked wooden huts patched with mismatched boards, yet surprisingly spacious within—a crude sort of comfort. Lucky leans casually against the frame of one, all patience and poise, waiting for his mark.
Time passes. Holfast Riverthorn emerges, his usual scowl etched into a face weathered by years of shrewd dealings and poor decisions. The halfling pauses to adjust his coat, distracted by his own muttering, only to find himself flanked by Lucky.
The halfling bard’s smile is disarming, his voice soft, coaxing—dangerously soothing. Leaning close, he whispers, words weaving through Holfast’s mind like smoke:
“ _Holfast, my friend, why not take a day for yourself? Get back to basics, eh? There’s dignity in honest toil. A little cleaning, helping Aunty Mora, such a sweet, kind old lady... surely you’d feel better. You deserve it. And besides... sunset’s only eight hours away._ ”
 
Holfast stops mid-step, confusion flickering in his narrowed eyes. He turns his head as though weighing Lucky's words, his thoughts thick and slow—syrup in winter. Then clarity dawns, strange and serene.
“ _A day of honest work... for Aunty Mora? Why, yes. Yes, that’s exactly what I need. Such a lovely old lady... cleaning, helping, till I see the sunset... I’ll get to it right away._ ”
With an absent nod to Lucky, Holfast shuffles off, shoulders squared with newfound purpose: a man suddenly determined to scrub pots and massage calloused feet for the nicest old lady he’s ever met.
Lucky watches him go, his smile faint and self-satisfied as the sun climbs steadily toward its peak. One less thorn in his side, at least until sunset..... Despair by your side hums in satisfaction.
 
With that done Lucky goes off to find Lizbet and persuade her to join him on his trip to Waymoot.