The Merchant's Faire - Straight from Summerford - RPLOG
Participants
Date
20/2/479
Log
It is early afternoon in Firmament, and already the faire is bustling with activity. The sky is blessedly clear today, unusually so for the typically grey and dreary capital city. The soft north-easternly breeze carries the distant warmth of the hearland, adding to the feeling of an early spring day to what should be a miserable wintry clime.
The majority of the stalls carry goods made in and brought from the distant villages of Sweetwater's far outskirts. Fruits, vegetables, spices, strange delicacies and regional dishes have been pushed to the front, while local crafts ranging from pottery to woven goods and everything in between have been pushed to the sides, forcing beings to traverse the length should they wish to view the totality of the available spread.
Near the front of the faire is a large maneback-pulled wagon which has been quickly converted into a vending stall. It seems to be manned exclusively by salamanders, two male adults and several smallies that were brought in to help out.
"Alright, there we go.." The salamander in charge says as he puts up a sign, indicating this particular stall is for goods from the distant village of Summerford. He looks out into the crowd, assessing the various beings for interest in his wares.
Molly wanders out from the gates of the city, a beaming smile over her face as she takes in the sight of the faire. The rabbit wanders among the stalls, examining the exotic goods with an awestruck expression, scanning through each merchant's good as she searches for something particular. With a happy hop she plants her feet by the Summerford stall, bright eyes peering at his wares. "Hello, m'sir! Summerford?" she asks curiously.
A slender feminine otter walks through the stalls, holding a parasol on her shoulder as her dress trails behind her. She takes slow strides, smiling as she looks from stall to stall, smelling flowers and fruits, occasionally picking up the odd piece of women's clothing, and even men's. She comes to the Summerford stall and smiles. "Why hello there Molly, it's a pleasure to see you again," Lucy said pleasantly to the bunny, then looks at the stall. "What have you found here hon?" She looks at the Salamander and nods. "What're you selling today sir?"
Keyon walks out of the gate, and eyes the faire before him. He strolls past the stalls, stopping at one or two of them to pick up some fruit as he glances around the stalls. Soon, he sees a small gathering around a stall, and he silently strolls over to join the gathering, idly munching on an apple he picked up from a nearby stall.
Fayrmune heard about some event going on! Eager to break her usual routine, the jackaless dresses in one of her better kimonos and strolls out to the fairgrounds. She bows slightly to everyone she passes as she looks about excitably.
The elderly salamander peers down at Molly as she speaks up to him. "A customer! Welcome, welcome!" He gestures back towards his stall, where the smallies are busily setting everything up for the customers to see. "Summerford, indeed! It was quite the ride coming all the way down to lovely Firmament, but we would not have missed this for the world." He sits down on a crate by the goods he has arrayed, looking at Molly with a smile. "Summerford's quite far, all the way west past the Saltide Swamp, then north along the mountain until you're almost at Thera'Dor"
He smiles at seeing the otter, and gestures towards the wares on display. "For you, the finest produce from the wind-swept northern reaches of our province." He reaches over to snatch a large, tear-drop shaped fruit that vaguely resembles an orange in color and texture. "Sunfruit, also known as Sweet Lemon. Very good, very tasty. Practically a meal unto itself." He smiles at the otter. "Or, for a lovely lady like yourself, perhaps a woven bonnet? Our very own Lilly makes these by hand." He stands up to reach towards one of the hanging bonnets, bringing it down to present it to the otter.
The rabbit's ears perk up excitedly, grin broadening as she turns her head to the otter. "Ev'nin', miss Lucy," she says with a curtsey, "s'pleasure to see you, as well! And it's lucky too!" The rabbit glances down at her own rather filthy garments, then to the otter's attire. As the 'mander greets her, she bows her head, smiling and nodding along with his answer. "Wow! That's some far," she observes, "I'll buy somethin' from ya for your troubles, just gimme some time to pick it out." The girl then returns to observing Lucy, waiting patiently for her to give her opinion on the bonnet.
Lucy smiles to the bunny and looks to the Salamander, eyes widen. "Oh, wow, really? Hmm, might remind me of home then..." She accepts the fruit, carefully testing it's skin and squeezing to check the fruit with in, then carefully rawing it to her nose to sniff. "Hmm, smells lovely. I might have to get a few." She giggles bashfully at the complement then looks to the bonnnet. "Oh my, that is lovely." She puts down the Sunfruit for a moment then picks up the bonnet, looking it over then giggling and turning towards Molly. She motions with the hat and asks, "May I? I think this would look lovely on you Miss Molly."
Keyon peeks over at the stallowner and raises himself high enough to look into the stall. He doesn't say anything, but he looks around wide-eyed as he peruses the items inside...looking down at his threadbare clothes and back to the items. He tries to get the stallowner's attention by waving his hands until he realizes they were busy and just watches the others for now while he tries to decide.
"Did someone mention fruit?", Fay asks in her Shralestan accent as she approaches the mercantile stall which she noticed seemed to be attracting some attention. "I'd certainly like to try some of that 'sunfruit'... how much is it?"
A small salamander walks up near the merchant and tugs his sleeve in order to get his attention. "Uncle Malachi." He calls out in a low voice as the elderly 'mander turns to look at him. "I can't find the box you asked me to get." Malachi smiles and ruffles the little guy's head and heads inside, emerging after a bit with a large display case full of what are clearly potions, poultices and bundled-up herbs. "Did I mention I'm a herbalist by trade?"
He smiles at his customers as he sets the display case on a crate.
He sits down again, nodding at the otter. "That look lovely on you, my lady! Yours for only seven scepters." He chuckles at Molly. "Quite far, but worth the trip already for the pleasure of entertaining the wonderful folk of our fair city." The salamander opens the display case and retrieves from it a small ampule filled with a golden liquid, one of seven like it. "Very glad this one didn't break.." He sets it back down, and turns to look at the reticent bat being, and smiles as he gestures for him to approach. "Please, please, come closer. Do you see anything you like?" He grins up at the Jackaless, and reaches to retrieve another one of the cantaloupe-sized citrus fruits. "Two scepters a piece." He hands the fruit over for inspection.
The rabbit removes her sun hat, setting it carefully down on the ground and stepping on it to prevent the breeze from carrying it away. She grins at Lucy, stretching out on her tiptoes to recieve the bonnet. "Well, if you say so, ma'am," she says, ears folding over sheepishly as she glances at the other customers. The display case the salamnder brings out piques her interest, and she looks it over curiously. "Whassat?"
Lucy places the hat on Molly's head, and smiles. "Aw, it's just darling on you. You know what? This is on me." She turns and pulls out a small wallet from a purse hanging on her arm. She pulls out a coin and furrows her brow. "You could't happen to have change for a crown, would you?" Her eyes wide nat the new crate ant the vial that was produced. "OH, a herbalist? And an apothecary I take it? Yes, what are those curious little things?"
Keyon comes a bit closer to the stallowner. He doesn't say anything, but instead starts to gesture with his hands. 'Do you have any male clothes that could fit me?' He signed as he looked around the stall for himself meanwhile.
Fayrmune looks at the fruit she was handed and gives it a firm squeeze and a sniff. "Smells and feels okay.", she says. "Okay, I'll take it." She reaches into her robe and pulls out a few small coins and passes them to the merchant.
He nods at Lucy and reaches for a moneybox tucked under the table he's sitting next to. He unclips it open and digs around for a few coins, a few singles, some tens, some twenties. He does not hand the scepters over right away, however, instead looking over at the potion box that has caught the attention of the two beings. "Herbalist, yes. I make poultices and healing salves out of local herbs." He digs through the vials and pulls out a select few. "Skin ointment, to heal cuts, bruises and rashes. This one is an invigorating potion, wakes you up in the morning with just a few sips. My cousin assures me this is a Creator recipe as well."
He smiles as he reaches for a pouch of herbs. "This is the mardaska herb. A potent painkiller, just rub on the skin. This one.." He picks up a bundle of leaves. "This is saviana leaf. Makes a delicious, calming tea, soothes the body and the mind. And this..." He picks up another bundle of herbs, blinks, then brings it to his nose to sniff. "This is oregano. What is this doing here?"
After putting everything back in its place he retrieves two of the ampules, giving one each to Lucy and Molly. "This, my lovely ladies, has quite the story behind it. Have you heard of the Krick?" Meanwhile he collects the payment from Fayrmune, smiling at her. "Pleasure doing business 'maam. Be sure to peel first and cut it along the seams. I recommend sprinkling some crushed mint before serving." He looks at the bat and nods. "Of course sir!" He stands up and rummages through his wares until he retrieves a bundle of clothes, which he starts to lay out one by one. All of them are tunics, practical and simple, woven from wool and cotton, and dyed in vibrant colors. He picks up a maroon tunic which is about the right size and holds it up next to the bat. "Maybe this one? It would suit you well, I imagine."
Molly adjusts the bonnet on her head, ears turning a rosy red as Lucy compliments the look, eyes widening as she offers to pay. "Naw, naw, miss Lucy, I couldn'-" she starts to protest in a mumble, shut up by observing the otter's wallet. Her eyes dart from vial to vial as the salamander explains them, tilting her head curiously as one is handed over to her. "The Krick? Like in your neck?" she asks, turning the ampule around in her hand to examine it, perplexed.
Lucy waves a hand through the air and tuts. "No, no, it's on me." She turns back to the salamander and pauses a moment, listening to the vendor and giggling. "No hon, Krick, they're pests, vile creatures. I've heard awful things about them and their queens." SHe takes the vial and looks at it, holding it up to the light. "And what is is this?" She looks back over at the wares and giggles. "I might not have to get change with all of these lovely herbs you have. I could use some of these, my brothers too."
Keyon nods then and grabs the tunic looking it over. 'This is just what I wanted. Thank you very much. Can I have a pair of pants and shoes as well, by chance?' He signs as he drapes the tunic over his right shoulder and goes back to munching his apple as he listens.
Fayrmune holds the fruit in one hand and quickly realizes she didn't bring anything to carry heftly objects in! "I don't suppose you would have a shoulder bag of some sort?", she asks as she sees some clothing being laid out.
Malachi nods at Lucy's words. "Quite right, my lady. The Krick are insects, somewhat like mosquitoes but bigger, more vile, and more disgusting." He shakes one of the ampules. "Summerford was terrorized by these vile creatures for nearly two months. Beings and cattle lost, our livelihoods destroyed. It was thanks to the Royal Rangers and their Freeswords that we were able to fight back and reclaim our land." He smiles. "They rode forth into the cave which their Queen had settled in, vanquished all of her vile spawn, and killed the monstruous creature to end her reign of terror. And this.." He brings up the ampule. "This is a small sample of her royal jelly. The thick honey that she uses to turn her offspring into strong creatures capable of such deeds."
He smiles. "These ampules were filled just after she perished. They are as fresh as can be. Royal jelly is a very powerful reagent indeed, able to impart vitality and youthfulness." He nods. "I was hoping to sell it to some of your Freeswords. At five crowns an ampule I imagine only a few will be interested.. but it is a worthwhile buy."
He smiles at Keyon and Fayrmune, once again standing to go retrieve their items. For Keyon he brings a pair of solid canvas trousers, dyed brown like the earth itself. To Fayrmune he brings a satchel with a long enough strap to be slung from the shoulder. "Two scepters each, my good friends."
Molly stares off as Malachi explains the Krick, her smile fading away to be replaced by an uneasy frown as he continues - but she relaxes again as she hears the happy ending, bouncing excitedly as she looks the vial over. "Wowee!"
Lucy's eyes wide and she nods. "Royal Jelly? And at 5 crowns?" She sets the ampele on the counter and counts out crowns from her wallet, handing over 20. "I'll take these ampules, one for myself and Molly here, the hat, a crate of those lovely sunfruits, and some of your finest herbs please." She smiles warmly and nods at the hat on Molly's hat. "And another hat, if you would be so kind." She turns to look at Molly and smiles. "Anything else you see here that you're interested in? I'm feeling generous today."
Lucas spends 20 Crown to: Malachi
Keyon smiles, and sets down four sceptres on the counter as he folds the clothes and places it under his left wing. 'There you are, my good man.' Keyon signs as he takes another bite of his dwindling apple. After that, he glances around at the other stalls, but staying where he is for the time being as he idly eyes the contents of a few stalls near his location to listen to the conversation.
"Oh, that's pefect!", Fay says, eagerly handing over the coins and accepting the satchel. She immiediately slings it over herself and places her newbought fruit inside. "Thank you!"
Malachi blinks as the money is so freely offered. He smiles brightly. "Of course, of course! Anything you wish my lady!" He quickly collects the coins and sets about putting together all of Lucy's purchases. The herbs and sunfruits are slid into a bag and given to the otter, and another hat is added to the pile of purchases. He gestures to the wares. "Please, help yourselves to anything else you wish." He collects the scepters from Keyon's purchase, but his attention is on the obviously rich mustelid being in front of him.
"It was quite the adventure for the Freswords that visited. Oh what were their names again... I remember a wolf being called Bazalt, and an immensely fluffy being called Fenris. There was also a jasmine, Rokarion, and a rather brave fighter whose name I can't... ah yes, Cara! I hear she was the one that took down the Queen at last. Perhaps you might meet them and extend our thanks once again."
He stands up once more and smiles at the four beings. "Thank you for your patronage, my good beings. Creators bless that so shortly after our arrival we get to meet such generous guests."
Molly watches Lucy list out her purchases with wide eyes, slouching a little as she checks the contents of her own pockets. "Miss Lucy!" she blurts out in shock, looking over the rest of the salamander's wares. She shakes her head. "No, miss, I.. hmm.. well.. I'm goin' out somewhere fancy with.. with.. someone, soon.." she mumbles, glancing down at her outfit again. "I-I mean.. I wouldn't normally ask this of nobody, but, uh, y-you seem to.. know what you're doin," she says, waving a hand toward Lucy's dress while she reddens further. She smiles at Malachi's blessing, giving him a polite bow, though she turns back to Lucy soon after..
Lucy giggles and nods her head. "Ah, familiar names, at least some of them. I hope Bazalt didn't scare your people. He can be intimdating at times, as can Cara, but for other reasons. I'll be sure to tell them your thanks." She smiles and wraps an arm around Molly's shoulder, hugging her close. "Don't worry yourself Miss Molly. I've got a good job, and it's only fair to spread the wealth, especially with friends. Ask for whatever you like." She looks to the Salamander and nods. "Do you have anything particularly fetching for my lapine friend here?" He looks to the bat and jackal. "How about you two? Don't be afraid to ask. It's a beautiful day and I love making new friends."
Keyon dips his head in thanks to Malachi, as his ears perk up and his eyes drift towards the otter. 'Huh? I'm sorry, I wasn't quite paying attention. If you're offering to pay for me, I already asked for and paid for my things. Thank you though!' He signs, following up with 'Oh, and by the way, my name is Keyon. What's yours?' He signs, and takes another bite of his apple to finish it off, leaving only the core behind which he tosses in a nearby trash receptacle.
"That sounds like a riveting story!", Fay says. "I know some of those names, perhaps not personally, but I may have met them.", she says to the salamander. "I will of coruse relay your words if I encounter them."
The salamnder laughs. "Intimidating? He was the talk of the town! Especially once he turned into.. into.. I don't even know what it was, he gained a few feet in height and sprouted wings. Why, Mayor Jillian had to fight off mountains of petitions asking for a statue of him to be put up in the Creator Garden."
He looks Molly up and down, then smiles. "I think I have something.." He turns to the side and calls for the small salmaander. "Duncan!" After a few minutes the small spotted salamander hops over. Too shy to look at the guests he keeps his eyes on his father. "Duncan, inside the wagon there's a crate near Lilly's bed. Go fetch the dress that's inside." He turns his attention back to his customers as Duncan rides off. "Worry not, Malachi Pondleaf has exactly what you need."
He smiles at the jackaless. "Thank you. They're heroes in our little village.. and probably the most exciting thing that ever happened to us in recent memory." It is at this point that the young Duncan pokes back out of the wagon with the dress held cautiously in his hands. Malachi ruffles his son's head before taking the dress and turning to hold it in front of Molly. The sundress is mostly deep-blue, but has a yellow stripe along the side and a matching yellow sash around the waist, making for a snug fit once it is tightened. He looks through the dress at Molly. "Mmm.. I do believe this is almost your size, my lady." He smirks. "Zane will be thrilled if you take this dress from us. He made it himself from whole cloth and dye. Who'd have known our guard captain had a penchant for dressmaking, hm?"
The little rabbit leans against Lucy, hugging her in return with a bright smile. "Oh, why, thank you thank you thank you, ma'am!" she says, giving her a squeeze before standing back up straight and proper. She wipes some of her disgusting commoner filth off the leg of Lucy's dress, muttering a quiet apology. As Duncan retrieves the dress, Molly bounces excitedly on her toes, shifting her weight back and forth and giving a happy hop once it's shown to her. "Oh, why, that's just perfect, sir!" she squeals, taking it from him carefully. "Your guard captain? Huh, people got strange talents, I s'pose."
Lucy nods and bows her head. "Lucy Riverkin, pleasure to meet you Mister Keyon. And if you see anything else you like, don't be afraid to ask for it. I'm more than happy to pay." She throws her head back in a hearty guffaw. "Ah, he became a dragon did he? I hope he didn't smack into too many doorways like that." She looks at Molly wiping of her leg and pats at the bunny. "Don't worry about getting me dirty hon. It's just clothes, and besides, Tezky's plenty dirty and I live with him." She looks at the dress and then at the Salamander and smiles wider. "It looks perfect Mister Malachi, thank you." She pulls out five coins, then reconsiders and collets another five offering it to the salamander. "Such fine craftsmanship deserves to be rewarded heartily, and of course the fine service from you and the young gentleman helping you."
Lucas spends 10 Crown to: Malachi
Keyon smiles then. 'I'll be sure to remember that, Lucy.' He says, as he glances around the stalls. 'Well, I think I'll go for a bit of a walk and see what else is around. It was nice speaking with you.' He signs, with a bow and a smile as he strolls off down the way towards one of the other stalls to see what else he can find.
Fayrmune gives a bow to the salamander merchant and turns to survey the rest of the faire. "I wonder if I can find a good tea seller.", Fay wonders out loud as she starts to stroll down the alley of vendors.
Malachi collects his earnings, already having made enough to justify this trip in merely an hour of trade. He laughs. "Figures that the friends of Bazalt wouldbe just as generous as him. Did you know that he refused all payment for his deeds? Such a charming being."
The salamander puts the money box away where it is nice and safe, and rearranges his wares to compensate for the gap left by all the fruits that were purchased by his customers. "Good afternoon, sir. Thank you again for your patronage!" He calls out to Keyon as he walks out. Just at that moment more beings walk int, an avian couple that make a beeline for the potion box, and a rather reticent tortoise being that claims he is 'only browsing'. With Malachi now distracted by the new beings, Molly and Lucy are left to their own devices.
Molly gives a bow to the mander and the otter, holding her good tight in her arms. She gives the stall and the faire a final glance, giving a "Thank you, m'sir, and thank you thank you miss Lucy." to the others before starting to wander off.
Lucy smiles and nods. "Yes, that sounds like something Baz would do. At least, some of teh times. He's a curious sort. Bounces around emotionally all the time." She stacks her purchased wares in a pile and holds up the dress neatly, handing it to Molly. "All yours dear, and don't worry about thanking me. I'm more than happy to help. Have a nice day sir." She nods to the bat, salamander and rests her parasol on her shoulder, pickin up the crate and herbs with a slight grunt as she walks with the bunny back into town.
