Re-Enter Melian
3 Matess, late morning
I'll let y'all determine who is grouped with whom as Melian enters; it's a minor thing, I suppose.
A man in a dark cloaks sweeps through the door to the Hog's Back. The cloak might once have been red, or perhaps forest green, but it's difficult to tell as it's now caked brown and grey with dirt. Those of you who've stayed at the Inn realize that you've seen the man here several times over the last few nights; he has probably been staying here as well.
He moves to the board by the door and removes the posting, then carries it over to where Kelta watches him with hawk-like eyes. He speaks to her for a moment, and she leaves, though for unknown reasons. The unidentified man holds the previously posted scroll--now rolled tightly--into the air, and speaks.
"Hello. I'm Melian. I'm certain a few of you, at least, are here to speak with me--and some of you are probably just here for lunch. For those here to speak with me, please follow me; I believe Kelta has prepared a small room for us." Kelta reappears at this, and she nods her head, then indicates that Melian should follow her.
After a short walk, those of you interested find yourselves in an office, presumably Kelta's. It seems to double as a small storeroom, as there are sacks of flour stacked in one corner, and barrels in another corner. The center of the room is dominated by a large table, and there is a sturdy-looking safe behind what is ostensibly Kelta's desk. The room is quiet but for the ten of you--nine once Kelta leaves, saying "I'll be back momentarily with some chairs."
Melian pushes the hood back from his cloak. He's a middle-aged human with greying hair and bright blue eyes. His cheekbones are high, suggesting either a regal background or
very good cosmetics. "Good morning to all of you. My name is Melian. I'm a trader in magical items, and a bit of a mage myself."
He chants a few words, and an image forms in the air. As it forms, it becomes very distinct: a gem, cut into a triangular shape, like a triangular pyramid with its top cut off. The gem is yellow and orange, and its colors shimmer and change, though it's hard to determine if this is a property of the gem itself, or of the illusion Melian has created.
"This gem has been in my family for several hundred years, as far as we can trace. It also has a minor magical ability, allowing the holder to speak with animals once per day for a few seconds. You can buy similar tokens from local druids for half what I'm offering as a reward.
"I had the location of the gem traced to the vicinity of Alten's Rock about a month ago. I have other business I must attend to while here in Alten's Rock--many sales and a few purchases. I haven't the time to take back the gem myself... which is why I propose to hire you. Will you all be working as a team?"
OOC: Well, will you? 
Also, any questions for Melian?
