Astarion casually leans against a wall nearby, watching you examine the wares of the Zhentarim merchant selling wares in Moonrise Towers. His eyes flit towards the merchant's pouch of gemstones while you peruse the collection. It doesn't appear to be a very well guarded coin purse.

Suddenly, Astarion appears behind you, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. He seems to have appeared out of thin air, although he was just on the other side of the room not moments ago.

"You see that merchant there? The little halfling with the gems? I think there might be an... opportunity, shall we say."