Hunter was pretty good at gathering information.

While not everyone knew of Moneybags' less-than-legal activities, they all knew that he was a collector. The sharp dress, refined accent, and impeccable mannerisms were hard to miss, and to the scruffier of Avalar's inhabitants, this equaled prestige and richness of class along with money.

And, while Hunter knew he wouldn't be able to get anything directly by means of conversation, it wouldn't be too hard to play the dunce who tripped over conversation and was slow to the joke.

(He hated - this - pretending he was stupid. He wasn't too good at math or academics growing up, and had been on the tail-end of various biting words like 'slow' and 'stupid'. His strengths lay elsewhere, was all. Athleticism and friendly interaction were more his interest.)

So, steeling himself, he took a deep breath and threw on his friendliest, toothiest grin.

"Hey, Moneybags!" He greeted the bear with a wave.

He saw the subtle twitch of irritation in the bear's ears, but MB didn't seem more irritated than usual. Good, it was his normal 'I don't like insufferable fools' reaction.

Hunter dropped his hands on his knees, breathing harshly like he had been running all over Avalar (he sorta had). In between getting his breath back, he panted, "Been lookin' for you all over, MB!"

"Moneybags is fine," The aristocrat said curtly.

Hunter gave a lolling grin. "That's what I said, MB. Anyways, you buy junk, right?"

Moneybags sputtered, and Hunter would have laughed if this weren't such a dangerous game. "Junk? I think not!"

Hunter put on a confused look, and, after a bit, pretended to 'get it'. "Oh! Sorry, I mean, like," he gestured with his paws, "vases, an' vahzez or whatever. Gold-leaf covered baubles an' such."

There it was - that glint of interest amongst the irritation. He could hear the growl that MB bit back. Then, a grumbled, ". . .yes, I do buy valuables. Real ones. So unless you actually have something, good day."

Before the pompous ursanine could turn, Hunter managed to say, "Yeah, of course! I found this thing - it's like, a statue? - and it looks like it's covered in gold-leaf or whatever. You mind if I bring it by soon?"

Moneybags seemed to be contemplating. "Depends, what are you wanting for it - if it's the real deal."

Hunter shrugged. "Just enough for a new skateboard, dude. My old one snapped."

It almost looked like Moneybags was trying to hide a grin; Hunter knew he was asking for way less than he should be, but considering his reputation, it wouldn't seem too out of ordinary. Slow ol' Hunter trading fancy gold for a skateboard? Sounded about right.

(And, honestly, he doesn't care for fancy crud - though honestly he would have gone for maybe three skateboard's worth.)

". . .bring it to the Autumn Castle tommarrow, a little after noon. We'll talk then."

"You got it!" He gave a thumbs up to the bear, who grumbled, then turned and walked away.

Once out of sight, his face dropped into a more serious expression.

Now it was time for a game plan.