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Tindolen locked the door to his jewelry shop. The elf was not happy about locking up at this hour of the day. It meant a loss of business but Mayor Bigsbee wanted to talk about how the celebration of St. Sebastian's week was going and Tindolen was in charge of organizing the event.

After testing that the door to his shop was secure, the elf turned and strolled down the street with Mayor Bigsbee. His Honor was a large man, standing six feet tall. He also had a four-foot girth. His face was round and red as if he blushed constantly. He had grey eyes and brown hair that was fading to grey. Dressed in blue, as he was now, Bigsbee bore a striking resemblance to a walking blueberry.

Compared to Bigsbee, the gem merchant was anything but comical. The elf was of average height, maybe a little shorter than most human men, and had a bronze-tinted complexion. His hair was dark and long and his eyes sparkled like emeralds. He was dressed in black trousers and a matching jacket, a green paisley waistcoat and bow tie, and a white shirt. Several rings adorned the fingers on both hands. But that was normal. He always wore recently acquired merchandise. It was a way to advertise and generate business.

"How has the attendance at the exhibits been?" Bigsbee said after a few strides.

"Low," said Tindolen. "The main issue, as I understand from my niece, is that some townsfolk don't believe my gem is genuine."

Bigsbee snorted. "Do they think we would display a fake? What would be the point?"

Tindolen continued as if Bigsbee had not spoken, "As a result, I believe that some people are staying away, partly because they have heard the gem is not authentic and partly because they already believe in racial harmony between elves and humans. It is the dark elves that most of the townsfolk hate."

"But that's exactly the point," said Bigsbee. "You can't tell who is a dark elf and who isn't just by looking. The important thing is what's in the fellow's heart."

"True," said Tindolen.

"So tolerance for all elves only makes sense," Bigsbee concluded.

"Agreed," said Tindolen, "but it is the dark elves that invaded your land and hold Andropolis. Until that land is restored, I doubt humans will be ready to tolerate my more aggressive kin."

Bigsbee's eyebrows knitted in concern. "Surely, there must be something we can do to show the good people of this town that it is time to stop hating each other."

Tindolen was about to speak when he saw a Michaeline priest coming towards them. He pointed the man out to Bigsbee.

"What's a Michaeline priest doing here?" said the gem merchant. "There are no demons, necromancers, or witches to slay in Clearbrook."

Bigsbee looked at the priest but before he could respond to Tindolen the priest came within hearing and addressed them, "I've been looking for both of you."

Tindolen eyes widen with surprise as he recognized the man's voice. Smiling, the elf strode forward, his hand outstretched.

"Evan Pierce!" Tindolen said shaking Evan's hand. "This is a surprise.