[color=00a99d]"Ah, you caught me!"[/color] Germaine said, exaggeratedly feigning defeat. Inwardly, however, he was shocked. To think that thing inside the bundle of rags was a human all this time. Truly surprising.

Less surprising was the financial states of his new companions. With the world being in the state it was in, prosperity was pretty far from the grasp of most people. Not to mention the fact that people who sought work weren't usually those with lots of coin. Privileges of a freelancer, he supposed. Unfortunately for this strangely varied group of freelancing adventurers, the guards wanted that very coin that they most likely lacked. And they were likely expecting more than what had appeared. [i]Expectations are poison to the mind,[/i] his mother always used to say, [i]and they would only lead you to ruin[/i]. Germaine doubted these orcs would appreciate her wisdom, but he could use their expectations to his advantage.

[color=00a99d]"Here is my purse, good fellows."[/color] He announced, grandly revealing a coinpurse from within his sleeve. [color=00a99d]"But I doubt you would be happy with this amount. So here."[/color]
One hand held a coinpurse while the other fished around inside his jacket, soon emerging to reveal another fat-looking coinpurse. Holding both pouches int he air, Germaine took a step forward before quickly stopping.
[color=00a99d]"Ah, but wait, my companions have not paid their dues yet, have they? Please wait a moment."[/color]
Moving both pouches in one hand, Germaine rummaged through his jacket pocket and then his pants pockets, producing yet another purse each time.
[color=00a99d]"For the lovely lady and the... verbose older gentleman."[/color] He explained, smiling. [color=00a99d]"And while we're here..."[/color]
Germaine turned around and performed a quick count before returning his hand to his pockets, turning over a few more pouches.
[color=00a99d]"This should cover everyone, no? I'll entrust these to you, dear guards, so please don't be to harsh to my friends here..."[/color]

Finally, craddling a pile of pouches in his arms, he began to walk forward. But, suddenly, he tripped, sending the pouches flying. One of them split open, spilling its contents onto the muddy ground. What emerged were white pebbles, seemingly shining in contrast with the brown mud, though they were nonetheless a far cry from the golden coins traded in the realm. But, in the eyes of the guards, those stark white pebbles glittered like gold, looking for all the world like the treasure they so desired.