Swamped

You decide a change of subject will offer you better opportunities. And even a clumsy effort at it will probably be appreciated.

"So, the holy festival is starting soon."

"So it is," she says grumpily. "Now, don't get me wrong, I've worshipped Nual for years. But my block is full of Alac-worshippers, and they tend to respond to the festival by trying to hold their own celebration. And it goes for all hours of the night."

Alac. The god who created humanity.

"Is this the particular sect who thinks that humanity's greatest creation is alcohol?" you sigh. You had your own dealings with them in your youth.

"That's the one. They aren't usually that bad about it, but they never like it when another god is the focus. Although, I imagine it's worse for greblings during Reth's holy month."

"Yes, I suppose not," you muse. "The worst of them would be especially obnoxious if non-humans were celebrating..."

For just a moment, she has a look of absolute terror on her face. And finally, something about all this is starting to make sense.

"That's enough, Eileen," someone else says, walking up to the two of you. "Why don't you sit down and enjoy the show. I have a few questions for this man."

Before you can continue, the stranger moves their head in a distinctive way.

"Are you new in town?" they ask. They make a gesture.

"I've been here before, but I spent quite a few years away," you reply. You start tapping your foot.

"Well, you're awfully nosy. Hope you're not working for anyone questionable, like Kandria."

"I suppose that depends on who you think is questionable," you reply. You reach into your pocket for the crest...

...and it's gone. Damn! Some pickpocket must have grabbed it off of you. You curse yourself for your carelessness.

But the more immediate problem is how you're going to convince the informant that you're here at Flame's behest without it.