Chapter One Rude Awakenings Part Fifteen

Day 900, 20:57 • Published in Philippines Philippines • by Josie Brooks
Re-entering his shop, Manong Rizal lead CruelBear and Ines over to the counter. A wide smile on his wizened face, he turned to them and gestured toward the shelves.

"So, what'll it be? A box of antitoxins, some holy water blessed by the Priests of Pelor, a gem bag for the lady? Or were you just in the market for an upgrade to your skin being your armor, my old friend?" he taps his finger into CruelBear's impressive chest to emphasize the need for magical protection.

Ines's voice floated up to his ears as she admonished him lightly. "You know better than that, Manong. This guy won't even wear a shirt. You will never get him into armor. Nah, we just need the usual provision, charged to the company of course."

A heavy sigh, "Of course, I will collect it for you." Manong takes a potion box proffered by Ines and walks over to his potion shelves.

His hand working with his mind barely needed, he continued to watch his other patrons as he filled the box with 10 Cure Moderate Wounds, 10 antitoxins, 10 Restorations, 10 Holy Waters and 10 Alchemist Fires. His eye picked out a possible trouble maker in the crowd, a child who was considering making off with a Murlyn's Spoon. A quick lookover told him all he needed to know. Bare feet, dirty face, one black eye, scrapped knees, ribs showing through rips in his shirt and flesh not so fleshy at his sides.

Making his way over to 'Minor Magic Items" Manong slipped in beside the boy and put the spoon back on the shelf. Looking up in fear, the boy froze where he stood, no doubt contemplating all the horrible things the old adventurer would do to him. The boy's arm firmly in hand, Manong led him over to the counter and sat him on a stool. A whisper of "Capik" caused the stool to sprout a belt which strapped itself quite firmly about the boy's waist, holding him in place.

Ines tossed her head back and laughed, then tossed the boy an apple. "Eat up, kid. When this old guy is ready for you, you will need it." and laughed again when the boy's face went pale and he started to gobble the apple.

Her laugh stopped short with CruelBear's hand on her shoulder, the gentle rumble of his voice chastising her. "You shouldn't tease the poor thing. He will not be harmed." turning to the boy, CruelBear said "Worry not, child, Manong is a fair and just man." but the attention of a half-ogre was just too much and the child fell unconscious, the apple falling from his drooping hand and hitting the floor.

CruelBear's face fell and he looked down at Ines, who is laughing so hard she has tears coming from her eyes, and asks simply, "Why do small children always do that when I talk to them?" Her breath came in light gasps, but she manages to shake her head and shrug.

A light tap on Ines's shoulder got her attention and she turned about and looked up, as she was used to doing. Her eyes widen as she sees the delicate beauty of the man before her. His skin was pale, his hair black like a raven's wing and he was as fine boned as the finest of elven ladies wished they were. He smiled and the room lit up a little.

"Can you point out the proprietor for me, please?" his voice slipped over her like velvet and stole all chance of wresting a cognizant response from her. "Hunh? Oh, the proper.....what?" she stumbled over her words like a child of four years.

CruelBear pointed out Manong for the young man and he went away, Ines's eyes going with him. She actually took a step forward as though to follow, but CruelBear's hand stopped her treacherous legs from embarrassing her any further. Her face burning with shame, Ines left swiftly muttering something about finding Topy and where in the hell's is Ariel anyway.

Manong was actually startled when the young man approached him, as for once, he didn't hear the customer's steps. Facing him was a lunar elf, possibly of 120 years, but more likely closer to 90. What is a young pup like this doing away from home?

"What can I do for you?"

Holding out a hand covered in leather, the boy smiled. "I would like to purchase this." and opened his hand. Sitting on his palm was a pommel jewel, deep black in color, that seemed to actually absorb the light around it and create shadows nearby.

"Are you aware of what you are holding boy? That is not a plaything. That is powerful, dark magic. It could steal the life force right out of your body if you so much as touch it. Not for youngsters." Manong reached out to remove the jewel from the boy's hand but the impudent child had already snatched it back.

The child's eyes caught and held Manong's, the fire in them captivating, his voice slipping like silk over the shopkeeper's mind he whispered, Mas sahabat, mencelik selamat lingkaran

Manong blinked and, looking confused he noticed a young lunar elf before him.

"What can I do for you?" he asked.

Holding out a hand covered in leather, the boy answered. "I would like to purchase this, please." and opened his hand to reveal a shiny emerald stone, slightly sparkling in the light.

"Ah," Manong smiled, "Looking to impress a girl, are we? That is just perfect for that." and brought him over to the counter to ring it up. Accepting the boy's coin, he turned to his next customer, CruelBear, who was already preparing to leave the shop with their things.

The Cast of Today's Episode

CruelBear as CruelBear the Monk
Ines Schumacher as Ines the Rogue
Manong Rizal as Manong the Shopkeeper
Keegan Knoll as the young lunar elf

Looking to be part of the adventure? Audition here!