Seller's Remorse

It’s closed. The shop is closed.

I can see right there in the window the helmet I want so badly. More protection in the dungeon would be nice after all those close calls. It's exactly what I need.

And the shop is closed. Not temporarily the owner sold the whole shop.

What am I supposed to do now? I guess I can shop around for another helmet. There is just something about that particular helmet that captivates me.

While I am standing here distracted by what is in the window, the door creaks open. Out walks the orc shopkeeper. A large backpack on her shoulders and a huge smile across her face.

I think she is humming.

“Excuse me?” I try my best to speak as politely as possible.

“What do you want, human? Can’t you see I am busy?” She turns with a sack of coins in her hand. “Oh it’s you. Listen kid, thanks for all you have done!”

“What did I do?”

I can’t think of anything she should be thanking me for…

“That weird tunic of yours with the skull on it. I was able to sell that to some weirdo wannabe necromancer for two thousand gold coins.”

What…

She did what? She sold my old t-shirt for two thousand gold coins! I traded that for these dingy robes. What was I thinking…

“I–”

“You can’t have it back.”

“That’s–”

“No I am not paying you for it just cause you gave it away. You should really value you–”

“But–”

“Don’t interrupt an orc when she is speaking!”

Right…

Now what do I do? I really need that helmet. I’m not mad about the shirt, at least not at her. I should have thought about how rare an item like that could have been.

I reach into my pocket and clutch my stopwatch a little tightly.

“Are you still standing around here, human? Are you looking for a fight? I'm a former adventurer you best not try–”

“The helmet in the window. That's all I want.”

She looks angry at first. I probably shouldn't have interrupted her again. She looks back into her old shop window.

“Oh well…”

She opens the door one last time. Grabs the helmet and tosses it at my feet. Then she approaches me. Up close she is quite intimidating. I really shouldn’t pick a fight with her.

“Take the old helmet. It has been sitting there collecting dust for years. Also here kid, put out your hand.” She places a small pouch in my hand. “Consider us even. These were going to be a gift for my ex-husband but it should cover the cost of the clothing.”

I’m not so sure that covers two thousand gold but I am not going to complain to an orc. I got that t-shirt on clearance anyways.

In the pouch is a small assortment of items. Most of the items are a few tiny gemstones. Then there is a large elaborate cyan crystal that is emanating a faint glow from its core. Lastly I find a couple throwing knives with a strap to hold them.

She rubs the back of her head and snorts.

“You gave me the opportunity to sell my place and finally leave this town. I can go back home and rejoin my tribe in the desert and live comfortably. I can leave it all behind and never have to look back.”

I wonder if she would know what a camel is?

She walks off humming a tune with the wave of her hand.

“Just don’t let the new owner know I gave that to you for free.” She yells back as she walks off on her new life.

Gently I pull out the glowing crystal. It is mesmerizing. There is almost a faint sound of buzzing coming from the core. It looks fragile but it actually seems like it would take an intentional amount of force to break it.

I’ll have to ask somebody about what these are. Maybe these gemstones will come in handy.

Okay one final stop. Then I can head back home and have a late dinner at the Guild.

I pass by the orphanage on my way back towards the Dragon’s Heart while reading through my notes. A lot of the children playing around are beastfolk. Momo explained to me that most beastfolk families end up having more mouths to feed than what they can handle. That’s why they are so common in the orphanages.

They look happy. Apparently Brutus donates a lot of coins to this one in particular after every dungeon run. Momo says it's his atonement. Wonder what the story is there? 

“Hey meowster, want to play a game meow?”

I close my notebook shut placing it in my pouch. There is a cat-eared girl standing before me with a small red ball.

“I’m sorry I am kind of busy right now…”

Her ears droop with a sad meow. Now I feel pretty bad about it. I can understand wanting someone to play with. I bend down to meet her gaze.

“When I have some free time I would love to come back and play. What's your name?”

She looks sad at first but quickly rebounds. She responds back more energetic than before dropping her ball in the process.

“My name is Gracie.” She stands there proudly with her hands at her hips.

“Well Gracie, next time I have a free day I'll come back and play.”

“Okay! Since you're an adventurer, maybe you can convince big sis to join.”

“How did you know I was an adventurer?”

“All adventurers smell different than normal folk.”

Wait, I smell? I try to bathe regularly. Nobody ever mentioned that before. Is it mold from the dungeon? Fungus? Should I ask Momo–

I shake my head.

“Who is your big sis?”

“She is always busy working at the Guild. You can’t miss her, she has ears bigger than me!” She smiles playfully.

A voice calls out from the orphanage it is an old minotaur nun and the little girl runs back with a wave.

I guess I know exactly who her big sister is. I don’t know her name though. I'll have to ask her at dinner time if I get the chance.

It didn’t take long to make it to the Dragon’s Heart. The forge is clearly fired up. The long column of smoke is constantly rising from the stone building's chimney. Gently I push the door open ducking my head again to enter. Instantly I can smell the embers and burning metal.

I don’t think the blacksmith heard me over the sounds of their hammer smacking iron. I cautiously walk towards the forge. I didn’t get the chance to look behind the counter door last time.

Except there isn’t the kind of forge I thought there would be. The dragonkin is using her own fire breath to heat the metal. No traditional forge required. That has to be exhausting but maybe she is able to control the temperature to exactly what she wants it to be.

I wait patiently. I don't want to disturb her while she is working. I can feel the heat from where I am standing.

The white hot flame of her breath coats the metal, quickly she bangs away with her hammer, and then quenches the blade. She repeats this a few times shaping and completing multiple before realizing I am there.

“A customer. Forgive me, I get lost in my work.” Her voice is raspy like before. I can see why now. She returns to the counter. Her golden eyes light up when she recognizes me.

“Your name is Tai right?”

I nod.

“By the Goddess! Momo told me all about what happened.” She runs off to the back and returns with a shield in her arms. She bows her head.

“It shouldn't have happened. I am so ashamed. I have never had a shield of mine break on an adventurer like that. I am sincerely sorry.”

“I don’t think any shield would have held up to that seahorse. It’s not your fault. Besides, I didn't really have the time to use it properly.” I wave my hands trying to diffuse the situation.

“I repaired it for you. I even reinforced it with other alloys that should make it hold up better. Free of charge!”

“You don’t–”

“My honor as a blacksmith is on the line. I insist.”

Slowly I reach into my pouch and place two gemstones on the counter. She reaches out with a clawed hand gently grabbing and inspecting them individually.

“Would this be enough to cover another one?”

“You want another shield. I can assure you that this one won't fail you.”

“I’m counting on that. The thing is I will need another identical one for my other arm.”

Her eyes narrow. Yes I am fully aware this is a weird request. It is probably going to draw odd looks but I know exactly what I need to clear this dungeon.

A tiny puff of flames escapes her mouth. She smiles. Her large fangs are now fully visible.

“I’ll have it ready for you by the morning. Now get out. I have work to do.”

Must have been in there for awhile the sun has already set. Not many people are still out this time of night. The moon light illuminates the streets. The tavern looks full tonight you can hear the excitement leaking out the doors. Shouts of adventurers unwinding after a successful day in the dungeon.

There in the center of the street stands a lone orc lit only by the light of the moon. I don’t need to see all of him to know that it is Brutus standing there alone.

What is he doing out here at this hour? He is just staring at the old secondhand shop. Maybe I shouldn’t–

“Goggles?”

“Good evening Brutus.”

He walks up to me. Up this close he can be extremely intimidating. He grabs me at the sides of my arms with his.

“You're a man right?”

“Um, yes?”

“Then you understand right?”

“Sure?”

He snorts dejectedly.

“Look no matter what you do in this life try to be honest.”

“Okay?”

“And whatever you do. Do not trust a minotaur no matter how enticing her offer seems.”

“Um…”

“You understand me, Goggles?”

“Yes...”

No I don’t but now I have my suspicions. Those don’t need to be said however. He slowly releases his grip. I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side.

“Let’s head back to the guild.”

“Right…”