There's Crows In The Garden | 3rd Life AU

.: The Start Of It All :.

TWs: death, war

***

The bell attached to the door of the shop rang out as I entered.

"Hello, and welcome to Ren's Enchanted Emporium! What can I help you with today?"

I smiled at the shopkeeper (it was easier to swindle them if they viewed you as friendly), and drew closer to the counter. "I'm a traveler, merely passing through the area as I continue adventuring. I'll need some supplies before I leave, but first, I'd like to know what's happening in this kingdom, as my trip through it thus far has been fairly chaotic."

"Oh!" said the shopkeeper, eyes lighting up. "Where have you come from, and where have you been?"

I couldn't help but feel a little annoyed he didn't give me an answer to my inquiry, but I wasn't rude enough to steer him back to the track I wanted him on, especially since he seemed so excited to learn about my wandering. I swear, if he had a tail, it would've been wagging rapidly right then.

"I hail from a small town to the far south, on the ocean, and I've been many places. I've explored most of the west of the landmass, so I'm now headed north-east."

"The ocean . . ." The shopkeeper sighed dreamily. "What's it like? I've never been."

I had never been the biggest fan of the ocean (the smell of fish was vile, and the waves were always so loud), so I answered bluntly. "Big, salty, and fishy."

Even with my lackluster description, the shopkeeper seemed to grow more excited. "How close is the nearest ocean— I'm curious."

"Oh, weeks and weeks to the west."

The shopkeeper frowned. "Ah. Well, I suppose I won't be going anytime soon, then."

There was a lull in the conversation, so I took the chance to look around the store. It was a small building, but the shopkeeper had been able to fit a lot of product inside. He had about everything you could need in a small town like this one: fresh produce, dried meats, jars of jellies and preserves, hulking sacks of flour, herbs hanging from hooks on the ceiling, all sorts of platters and bowls— even thick woolen blankets and toys carved out of wood for the young children.

It was quite cozy, and the herbs gave the shop a pleasant smell. I could see myself visiting this place often if I lived here.

"So," I said finally, "what's happening around here again?"

"Ah, right, I never answered your question before. Sorry about that." The shopkeeper smiled apologetically. 

"It's alright," I told him. He didn't seem to believe me, so I added, "Promise."

"If you say so." His smile and stance relaxed noticeably. Apparently, he'd been quite concerned that I'd find offense in the fact he'd failed to answer my question. "Now, traveler-"

I cut him off. "Martyn."

The shopkeeper's grin widened, and he started again. "Now, Martyn, usually Dogwarts is a peaceful and beautiful— if cold and rocky— kingdom, but our last king passed on not more than a fortnight ago without an heir, and so the kingdom has fallen into war and chaos. Currently, though some competition has been cut down, there are still multiple individuals vying for the crown."

"Ah," I said, "that explains it. I must ask: is there any individual that you're backing, or have you chosen to not get involved?"

The shopkeeper shook his head. "Oh, no, I'm not involved. A few of the competitors have come to me, asking if I'll back them, but I always refuse. I would prefer to not get slaughtered if the person I'm backing loses, if you know what I mean."