(Assuming the younger merchant is still somewhere nearby while she holds the book...) 

Triäsa glances over at the younger merchant. "Where do you get books like these?  I cannot believe you have a copy of Fallen Tethyamar.  Is it for sale?"  She is mostly trying to buy some time, keeping a hold of the 'book', and keeping an eye on what Ludolf and Daventry are doing.

While scratching his chin, seemingly considering the offer from the proprietor, Ludolf enters Daventry's mind. "I believe we are talking to the people summoning these creatures. Question is if we should involve the justice system in Baldur's gate or if we should try to handle this discreetly? If so, we should perhaps come back after closing hours to conclude our business here." He then glances over at Daventry, hoping she will show how she feels this should be handled.

Deception to get use of guidance: 25 + 3

Daventry grimaces a moment as Ludolf pelts her mind. She shakes off the intrusion. (First time you've actually used that ability on her. She doesn't seem to be a fan.)

"If we are able to come to an accord and verify these tomes are as valuable as you say and have text worthwhile of our employer, you can trust us as discreet potential buyers."

"Sometimes just relaxing your eyes when you look at the stars means you'll see something you've never seen before." Pardot replies quietly, "We don't need to have a purpose to have a reason to be here. Let's see what's happening."

Ludolf notices Daventry's discomfort and messages an apology. "Sorry about that." Breif pause. "Will only use when absolutely necessary." Brief pause. "But please consider my first message." Brief pause. "Can you hear this by the way?" Brief pause. "Nod if you can please."

Already slightly mistrusting the proprietors of the shop, with Klin's help, and a bit of guidance from the stars above, Pardot wanders around the store keeping his keen eyes open for anything else suspicious. ((30))

Quote from Oberon99 >>

Ludolf notices Daventry's discomfort and messages an apology. "Sorry about that." Breif pause. "Will only use when absolutely necessary." Brief pause. "But please consider my first message." Brief pause. "Can you hear this by the way?" Brief pause. "Nod if you can please."

With each message, Daventry blinks hard. She looks like she is trying very hard to either ward off a migraine or to not stab someone very specific in indiscriminate areas. Her nod is brief, and accompanied by a quick glare as sharp as her daggers. She only hopes the woman proprietor isn't paying her that much attention...

OOC: I lol'd :D

The women looks at Daventry pondering his request to open the book. She seems a bit hesitant initially but decides it is a very reasonable request. No one would buy a book without at least flipping through the pages. As she does the book appears to be completely legitimate. Each page contains a variety of print and illustrations. While you can not read anything or glean anything from the contents you do not see anything of concern. "Are you satisfied? The book is completely intact as you can see. Tell me, who is your employer? Perhaps it would be better if I worked with them directly if you are not able to make the purchases directly. If you know anything about these subjects, you know how valuable and exclusive these pieces are."

The younger merchant looks to Triäsa , "You look new here so I'll forgive that question," She says sharply. "It's best not to ask where things come from here in Baulder's Gate. Those are the kind of questions that can make other believe your intentions are not honest. Let us be satisfied that here it is and if you want it all you need to do is pay. Our stock of rare and exotic books cost 300 gold a piece."

Pardot as you tell Klin to relax his mind and eyes you feel yourself do just that. The world slows and for a brief second it's as if you can see the Weave itself. You see an ever so faint shimmer in the three books on the counter as if they are alive however everything else appears completely routine. The walls, the floors, the ceilings even the air feels completely and disappointingly normal. What is not normal are the three merchants. You are disappointed you didn't notice it earlier but then again, it is very subtle. While they all appear to be from Amn you notice their noses and jaws are abnormally long. Their teeth are very sharp as if they are accustomed to eating nothing but meat. Their fingers and nails are also too long and appear more beast than human. Even the way they move now appears wrong. Each movement has a near beastily grace and agility to it but what finally clinches it for you is the smell. They smell of the forest and of the hunt. There is no mistake, they look like jackals disguised as humans. 

Korvala then looks to you all in a firm but non-confrontational tone says, "We are preparing to close, the sun will be down soon and we need to clear out before then. If you would like to make a purchase let us do so. Otherwise we need to close the store."

Triäsa gives the young merchant a smile.  "My pardon. I hope you will forgive my suggestion. As a scholar I am always curious.  I certainly do not carry 300 gold on me.  If you are closing, perhaps I shall return tomorrow. Thank you."

She sets the book on the counter and giving a glance to what Daventry  and Ludolf are doing, she heads towards the exit. She will join with Pardot and Klin as she goes. 

"I believe I will have to think your most generous offer over. Good evening madam." Ludolf says and follows the others outside the bookshop.
"We should find somwhere to hide with a view of the bookshop." He says looking around the street for such a place. Perception: 11
"When they leave, someone light on their feet should trail them to wherever their hideout is while the rest of us investigates that bookshop." Ludolf suggests, looking at Klin.

Once outside, Triäsa whispers to the others. "It wasn't a book.  The one I had was another creature."

Daventry nods. "Klin, myself, or Pardot seem all light on our feet. Pardot even more so... given how well he and Pockets prowled the Court of Air... and no one would give much notice to an alley cat. Perhaps he takes lead and we keep a close trail."

To Ludolf, she also adds, "And please stay out of my head unless it's an emergency. Got enough going on in there, what with Garblathax the Unbound always droning on about world domination this and ending all sentient life that. Gets pretty busy, y'know?" She smiles and slaps Ludolf's shoulder.

"Keep an eye out for the Watchmen, though. We're not supposed to be out past nightfall as guests in the Upper City."

To Triäsa, Daventry adds, "I had hoped that one of them opening it might have sprung their own trap. Guess not... but glad you got the confirmation needed."

Ludolf sees a rather secluded part of the Wide that has a reasonable view of Amberdune books though you are not sure how long you be able to stay there and watch as the market is closing and dusk is rapidly approaching. The merchants are all currently packing all of their goods into carts as everything is closing. There are numerous members of the guard out and while they are not chasing people out yet you get a sense that they will be soon.

"So the rest of us just have to go back to the Three Kegs while the others track these folk down?" Triäsa asks the group.  She then looks to Daventry. "They must have some means to control when it happens - I mean with the opening the books.  Though I still do not see what purpose they have with this.  I almost thought about just blinking out of there with the book... but I think that might have brought on more problems."  She pulls back in thought for a moment. "I do not suppose the local authorities are going to help much in something like this, are they?"

“Observation is the way to find answers.” Pardot says, adding, “I’ll be happy to prowl after them once they leave. Though it seems we may need to find a place to wait until then.”

To Triasa, Daventry shrugs. "Dunno, either. Seemed like the creatures suck the life essence right out of your body... whether that essence ends up going somewhere else or not, hopefully we'll find an answer. As for the Watch, a bunch of out-of-towners accuse a tax and bribe paying merchant of heinous crimes with no proof to show? We'd be in the lockup first, not them." 

"I'd rather not go back to the inn... too much can go wrong, or we could get stuck there 'til dawn if they leave the ward and make it difficult for us to follow. The merchants are likely beholden to the same rules, since that type didn't look like Patriars. Pardot keeps a close watch, the rest of us follow close behind but out of sight while Ludolf does his mental whammy thing to keep tabs on Pardot?"