I Need a Weapon (sound familiar?)

[Jaleco]

The bazaar was dragging along terribly as Jaleco walked into the area. In one corner a man argued with one of the merchants furiously while in the other, a man sat in front of a computer, headset and all, saying, "Please sir, yelling will not make this any faster. Now tell me, is your computer plugged into the electrical outlet?" He cringed as a man brushed against his wing, the touch of another was a thing foreign to Jaleco. Gathering his composure, he walked towards the counter.

"He's not going to have what you want," his own voice began to whisper to him.

"Of course he will, they always do, right?" Jaleco whispered into the air.

"Well if he has the sword you're looking for, he's not going to sell it to YOU!" The voice laughed and continued, "Just stick to that rusty old thing you've got already, it seems to have done just fine so far!"

"I don't think it'll hold up against something much stronger than a dog at this point," Jaleco replied, unphased by the voice's taunting.

As he finally reached the counter the merchant waiting stared at his wings for a long moment. Finally the merchant shrugged off whatever thoughts filled his mind, "So what is it that you need?"

"I need a weapon," the reply came from the badass voice of Master Chief as he cut in front of Jaleco.

The wait seemed endless, as Master Chief seemed to quite like describing the weapon he desired. After the trade was finally complete, the merchant half-heartedly waved farewell while muttering, "The simple words of gravity hammer would have sufficed..."

Jaleco cleared his throat and began to speak, "I'm looking for a new sword. Something that has a good reach, but not two-handed. I suppose a steel falcutta would be of use. I'm also going to need a bow, preferably a longbow."

[Viola Conda]

"Falcutta?" The merchant wondered about it for a moment, and then nodded. "It can be crafted, but not cheap. And the bow as well I can masterwork, but the wood material I'd need. I can do these things for you, if you got the coinage." He looked at the man's coin purse. "Which, I hope your hiding from me because it seems like you may be short." He lifted a single hand to stop any negative thoughts.

"But first, what material on the bow?"

[Jaleco]

"For the bow, just simple oak will do. I should be able to fletch my own arrows. The bow is priority, so if I can't afford the sword, I understand," Jaleco replied, his eyes drifting dejectedly to rest upon the counter-top. The merchant seemed to think for a moment. Then the response came.

[Viola Conda]

"Okay, steel sword will cost you...about 90 gold pieces, and the bow will cost you...120 gold pieces. What do you say to that?" the man asked showing the work order.

[Jaleco]

Jaleco thought for a moment, the lines on his forehead creasing as he made his decision. "I'll pay 80 for the bow, no more. As for the sword, 50 pieces of gold should be fair."

[Viola Conda]

Haggling. God how he hated it. People just waltz in, think of a number, and then come up with their own claims. They don't think about the labor, the costs for the apprentices, the hours, the materials and the molding required to do these jobs. With a heavy sigh, he said,

"Look, I admire the fact you want to save your gold, but at the same time, I have to protect my interests as well." He sighed. "This is the deal, final offer or you can go look someplace else. 80 for the sword, and 95 for the bow. I am being extremely gracious with that offer. Take it or leave it."

[Jaleco]

Jaleco stood silent for a moment, weighing the options at hand. "Just take it already. Its the best you're going to get," the voice in his head came unexpectedly, as did the measure of helpfulness in its words.

"Its a deal," Jaleco felt relieved with his own mind's reassurance. He laid out his coin in front of him, just enough to cover the expense.

[Viola Conda]

"Good deal." He said, not showing a face of triumph as if he swindled a foe, but a face of honest intent. "Come back in three weeks."

~_~_~_~_~

Three weeks later

The shopkeeper brought out the two weapons, and used an oily rag to get rid of any of the particles that could have landed onto the weapons before placing them back into their holders. He awaited the man, and when he saw him he held them out.

"Yours for the taking, sir. Enjoy."

[Jaleco]

Jaleco glady took the bow and swung it over his shoulder. After fitting it in place, he took the sword in his hands. With a few twirls and slices he tested the sword. "I thank you, you show a rare kindness to me. May you find the sanctity of peace in the heavens, when your time comes," with those final words, Jaleco made his departure.

[Taskmienster]

Gold Removed.