Jaskier waved to the guards cheerfully as she wheeled the cart full of ceramic plant pots out of the gate. They knew by now that she wheeled out a cart of pots every week and after a few spot checks, they'd stopped bothering. It wasn't like she wasn't unknown to them or the town, given that she ran the Chameleon just inside the Gate of the Hierarch.
What they didn't know was that there were various items they would have liked to confiscate cleverly hidden in the pots, on the pots, or around the pots. The mages had gotten very sneaky in their communications since Novigrad had become overrun with the Eternal Fire and its worshippers, along with Radovid and his Witch Hunters patrolling the city.
Elihal was waiting outside when Jaskier arrived with her load of pots. He was as finely tailored as always and relaxed enough that she knew there were no Witch Hunters nearby. Still, it never hurt to be cautious.
"Hey, Elihal. Someone ask for a delivery of lilacs? I've got some marigolds as well, they ought to go well together."
Elihal grinned and looked the pots with their various inhabitants over. "I can trade you some wonderful new designs from Vizima for this. I'm sure your dear heart would adore them."
"Well, if that's the case, how could I say no? You're too smart by half, using my love as a way to ply your trade more easily and get it into Novigrad." Jaskier returned, grinning back. She loved this coded banter, no matter how much she hated the fact it had to happen in the first place.
Elihal spread his hands to indicate his house and store and shrugged. "I am but a simple elven merchant, how else am I to get my designs into one of the hottest places in town?"
