Morpa hadn't liked onions, as it had turned out. Eex grumped and groused profusely, directing his ire at the silly goddess who had given him all that trouble in order to grow them, now uselessly. What a waste of time! He growled and stomped about the house until even Morpa gave him a mournful look.

It was then that he decided he should do something with them before he began to throw them about too. For a moment he considered the lovely shattering and spraying of dirt that would happen if he threw one of the potted onions at the wall. But he shook his head and growled more. No, there were better uses. Like bartering. Surely he could find someone to convince to take them in exchange for something more appealing!

The closest possible individual was their next door neighbor. Oh, she certainly was a quiet little thing, making no more noise than a mouse might, but he knew she was there. He had seen her come and go, like a wisp of shadow. He also was aware she'd been visiting Morpa while he was out. For that alone, she deserved first chance at barter for the onion-pots. He was no soft-hearted fool, but he did value anyone who was kindly towards his only friend.

He scuttled through the night out onto the street and through the doorway into the neighboring house. Inside, he paused and listened. The house was silent, with not even the faint scrape of a foot on wood. HE couldn't imagein a little bit like her being out in the night. She always scuttled around next door once night fell. He frowned grumpily and began poking his nose into every corner, taking advantage of her being gone. Maybe he could find something interesting. You never knew what folks had, just by looking at them.

In one dark corner on the bottom floor he found a surprisingly soft blanket that reeked of urine and filth. He made a face and discarded it, but something else tumbled out of the folds. It was a tired and worn purse, it's golden fringe ratty and torn. The strap had long ago been snapped, and the metal clasp was irreparably broken. He picked it up eagerly, wild eyes rolling happily. He stuck his hand in and rustled around. Small object inside clinked and rattled on each other, so that Eex gave a dancing hop of joy. Now this was something he might be willing to trade the little brat for. Delightedly, he puttered his way out of the house, closing the door firmly behind himself, leaving the pots of onions as fair trade for his newly found treasure. Surely food for trinkets was fair? He smiled widely, showing rotten and missing teeth. Fair or not, it was a done deal. Her things were his now.