This instrument has been exceptionally useful to me, but last quest allowed me to find this exceptional harp! I think it has come time to let it go and sell it. I hope to get some decent gold or maybe barter for some other helpful items. Fip told me that I'm going to have to grease some palms, so I think 25gp should cover it. Fip also gave me some names, so I'm going to see if they can help me sell this as well. I know an instrument is kind of a niche item, but it is magical! That has to count for something, right?   ### A Tune for Gold   Severus Snake stood at the edge of Frandyln’s bustling market, his serpentine eyes scanning the maze of colorful stalls and merchants. The aroma of spiced meats and sweet fey flowers mingled with the sound of street performers. His old magical instrument—a beautifully crafted lyre that had accompanied him through many adventures—hung over his shoulder. Its familiar strings thrummed softly in the wind, as if reluctant to part from him.   But the decision had been made. That lyre had served him well, enhancing his spells with melodies that entranced enemies and bolstered allies. However, in their latest quest, Severus had found a harp that was truly exceptional, shimmering with latent power. His connection to it was undeniable—this new instrument would help him unlock new heights of bardic magic. It was time to move on, and Severus hoped to make some decent gold or at least barter for something useful in exchange.   Before leaving the tavern that morning, Fip had pulled Severus aside with a mischievous glint in his eye.   "You're going to have to grease some palms if you want the right kind of buyer for a magic instrument," Fip had whispered, his tone conspiratorial. "I'd say 25 gold should smooth the way."   He also slipped Severus a folded piece of parchment. "Here—some names. They know how to move niche items like this. Trust me."   Severus tucked the parchment away, thankful for Fip’s knack for shady dealings. With 25 gold jingling in a pouch at his side, he began his hunt.   ---   **The Art of Persuasion**   By noon, Severus stood before a modest vendor’s shop tucked between two more prominent stalls—a narrow little space that dealt in arcane oddities and magical trinkets. Inside, a grizzled half-elf sat behind a cluttered counter, his eyes sharp with the cunning of someone used to both fair deals and foul. The smell of aged parchment and incense filled the air.   "Come in, come in," the merchant beckoned, eyeing the lyre with mild interest. "What can I do for you today?"   Severus draped the lyre across the counter, its polished wood gleaming. "I'm here to sell this beauty. A magical instrument. It has... seen many things and done much good." He let his voice dip into the smooth cadence of bardic charm. "Surely, you see its value."   The merchant squinted, rubbing his chin. "Hmmm. A lyre, eh? Niche market. Not everyone’s looking for one, especially magical. You sure it’s worth my time?"   Severus smiled, the barest flicker of serpentine charm flashing in his gaze. He leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "You’re right. It’s niche—but that’s what makes it rare. Someone with an eye for the finer things will come along, and when they do... they’ll pay top gold for it." He produced the 25 gold pieces from his pouch, sliding them discreetly across the counter. "Let’s just say I know a few people who could be... encouraged to pass the word along."   The half-elf’s eyes glittered at the sight of the gold. He tapped his fingers on the counter for a moment, pretending to deliberate. Then, with a grin, he extended his hand. "Alright, Snake. I’ll take it off your hands. 600 gold sound good to you?"   Severus barely concealed his satisfaction. 150% of the instrument’s original value—600 gold coins for a lyre he had intended to let go of anyway. It was a far better deal than he had dared hope for. "You've got yourself a deal," Severus said, shaking the merchant's hand.   ---   **A New Tune, a New Future**   The gold weighed heavy in Severus's pouch as he left the shop, a pleasant sound jingling with every step. He felt a strange mix of satisfaction and melancholy. The lyre had been with him for so long—through thick and thin, helping him weave spells and songs that had saved lives and sealed fates. And now it was gone.   But Severus’s mind quickly turned to the harp now waiting for him back at the inn. He knew that with it, his magic would reach new heights. The lyre had been a loyal companion, but it was only a step on the greater journey ahead.   As Severus passed by a trio of street performers tuning their instruments, he gave them a nod and a small smile. With 600 gold coins in his pouch and a powerful new instrument waiting for him, the next chapter of his story was about to begin. And the music, Severus knew, would only get better from here.