A tall, stocky man entered the shop. He reeked mostly of ale, and many other mixed alcoholic substances. Almia was tending to the shop’s plants when a scruffy, deep voice with a harsh accent spoke. “Aye aye Almia, how do’ya do?”
Almia jumped at this change of typical voice she’d usually hear, but then calmed when she turned to see who it was. “Oh! It’s you! How are you my dear, what an unexpected suprise!” Almia reached in for a hug with the tall man who towered over her frail figure.
“‘Tis been a whilez indeed dear heart.”
“I’m guessing this visit is due to the Troupe being in town?”
“Aye, missus, the Guildmaster’s Troupe is in town, I can see ya’ had’ent change one bit though. Still got the shop ere n’ all.”
Almia smiled warmly “Indeed I do, this shop is the only thing this little old lady has left now” she giggled and then sighed. “It is a delight to hear that the Troupe is in town, however I’d like to know about some of your adventures . .as you promised last time we spoke . .“
“Aye, aye, missus. . “
Namira and Mateus arrived in the town, and as they were heading to the shop for some food they passed by Almia’s store, and Namira’s curiosity peaked when she saw the extremely tall unfamiliar fiery red headed man inside of her shop. I mean he was practically impossible to not notice.
“Stay here boy! I’m going to go investigate who this mysterious man is. I never seen his face before, what is this guy doing in Almia’s shop . . “ Mateus barked in agreement as he sat down by his normal spot, meanwhile Namira approached the shop . .
“… Oh how delightful! Those Qiqirns can be quite the hassle to deal with when it comes to their ‘shiny goods’ it is good you– Oh! If it isn’t my dear Namira. Namira come I would like you to meet this young fellow!”
The red-headed man turned and made a small side grin when he was met with Namira’s beautiful face “Welll-he-hellll ‘ello there. . ” He made a small whistle to which was responded with a pinch from Almia. “Namira is it?”
“Uh. Hello, yes, my name is Namira.”
“O’ I see missus rainbow eyes got ‘en accent. . “
“Yes. . I can see you have one too. . “
“Already have stuff in common”
“Already can think of quite a few things we don’t have in common too.” Namira though to herself and she scrunched her nose slightly, but smiled in response to the man’s comment.
“Well Almia, missus, and . . Namira ‘ent it? I gotte’be going.Got’te prep for the tu’night ‘en all.” The man nodded to both of them, and walked out the store.
Namira looked at Almia, then began giggling a bit “Who was that?”
Aimia smiled at Namira laughing slightly with her and shook her head “That my dear was Zanthos, the Dancer’s guild heart-throb, or so they say. An eccentric one, that one is. .”
“No way! That guy issaa dancer?”
“Ah so you’ve heard of them? Yes he is, in fact he’s part of the Guildmaster’s Troupe herself. . “
“Guildmaster’s Troupe?”
“Aha, so you see. The Dancer’s guild is made up of many Troupes. Some perform in small establishments, some in bigger, but the Guildmaster’s Troupe, is composed of the best the Dancer’s guild has to offer. They are masters of their art, and are actually famous all across Xan’tedaiel. I’m to understand they are to perform tonight actually. . “
“Oooh, perform ? Think Mateus and I can use a little entertainment ourselves. . “
Almia chuckled “That is if you can get in my dear. .I’m afraid if you haven’t a ticket, or aren’t exclusively invited, then you cannot get in. But, during my conversation with Zanthos invited me himself, you can go on behalf of me.”
Namira smiled in excitement “I can!? Oh thank you Almia dearest. I will pay you back for this!” She rushed in for a big hug.
Almia smiled as she patted Namira’s back gently “No worries my dear, I’m much too old for all this excitement, but the performance is tonight. So be ready!” She gently kissed Namira’s forehead and smiled, but tears almost seemed to form in her eyes . .
“Oh boy! I can’t wait, what should I wear– Ha just kidding, this of course!” Namira laughed as she walked out the shop in excitement “It was great to see you Almia! But got to get my hunting done before the performance tonight! Also, eat, definitely have to do that! See you!“
Almia smiled and waved Namira off “See you my dear, and enjoy!”
The Faery's Gifts 