Xantus paid close attention to the crowd, taking note of small details like the callous menki who's unexpected actions had shocked him, the many sword and armor merchants, and oddly enough the kran with the clubs. This one appeared to have empathy but kra carried bludgeoning weapons which tend to kill slowly and painfully as compared to a sharp blade. Perhaps kra was a hunter like the fur seller, using clubs so as not to puncture and ruin the hides?
He began to tell a story about a recent drought which caused fertile crops to dry up and wild animals to disappear from the forest - perhaps in search of greener pastures. Food had become very scarce and they could only wait for the drought to pass while their children and wives lay in their homes with empty stomaches, telling tall, fanciful tales to distract themselves from their plight.
Looking at the fur seller Xantus asked aloud, "How many beasts were you able to catch during the drought?"
Kra said through grit teeth, "Two, but I would have caught twelve. I did not go hungry but I had no way of earning tria until it came to pass."
Xantus nodded in agreement, "And if you had what I offer today you would have caught twenty."
"Impossible" the kran replied, "There were no creatures to catch."
With a smile Xantus pointed and said "There ! Right there ! If you had what I have you would have been assured a field full of beasts. Drought or not"
Aella made her way thought the plaza with a stuffed burlap sack which she removed from the Rivnak's back. She reached in with her hand and pulled out clumps of wilted flower pedals which she scattered playfully as she wove though with a waltz-like pace. She tossed a few on the kran with the clubs and then slowly mouthed the words "follow me" though a smile as she turned and walked away. Leaving a colorful trail that looped around the plaza, she progressed towards the Lemur with a soft, curious expression on her face. Though covered in dust and dressed in rags she had a certain ambiance about her; a warm inviting gaze and a fragrance that resembled dandelions and wild onions.
Xantus looked towards the callous menki as kra pondered his words. He began to speak now of leadership and change. The words he chose had an uplifting and empowering feel to them. He told a parable of a begger with no spine, a tree with no trunk, and a town with no leadership. Finally he spoke of an unknown goddess with no prophets, no temple, and no people.
"Without leadership", he cried, "We are scattered and disconnected like these pedals that have been strewn." He picked one up and held it high as he continued "While each one is spectacular and special in its own way, they are isolated and of limited value. They are good for decoration until they decay. How much more is a live flower worth? How much longer will it thrive and produce?"