Tales of Orsa: Gary of Sickler

Chapter 7

     The majority of Jisdev City was comprised of shops and small little trade posts; Around this time of year when the markets are crowded and more traders arrive, the population nearly doubles. So trying to get to know all of the main people and the traders from across the maps wouldn't be an easy feat for Gary. He began with the first shop he could see from the South Gate, Mullins Mortar & Pestle. On the outside it appeared to be just like any other building, except for a few key details. Near the entrance was a rather small garden planted with various kinds of alchemical ingredients. Up close, Gary could see Bee Balm, Lavender, Aloe Vera, and what looked like to be some form of yellow vine. Gary walked up to the rusty iron door, opened it, then walked in not knowing what to expect.
     "Good morning to you fine sir!" The shopkeeper greeted Gary. "Oh, a guard? I can assure you good sir, I haven't done anything wrong. Not that I know of anyways."

     Gary looked at the shopkeeper and replied "I'm not here to arrest you. I just thought I'd take a look around town. I'm new here and the commander thought it'd be a good idea."

     "You certainly picked the right place to do it! You said you're new? Why don't you take a potion I have on display, it's on the house."

     "Thank you sir. Like mother always told me, 'Anything free is always something good'. Now let's see what you have here."

     Gary browsed around for a minute deciding what kind of potion he would pick out. "Vigorous Stamina.. Magic Powerboost... Chameleon Cloak.. what's this?" Gary held up an unlabeled bottle filled with a light orange substance that appeared to look milky.

     The shopkeeper let out a small laugh. "My friend, that potion is known as Orange Juice. I had a bit this morning ."

     Gary's face turned red with embarrassment. "Ha.. yeah.. I knew that. What else looks interesting.. Maybe this one. It looks good."

     "Which one is that? I can't see which one it is from here."

"It's a pearlescent blue colored potion in a milky white vial."

Garrett paused for a second thinking of which potion it could be, then he remembered. "That's my Adrenelizer Poultice. I'm the only one who makes them in these parts. If that's one one you'd like, go ahead and have it."

"Thank you." Happily replied Gary. "Who knows when I might need this." Gary slipped the poultice into his small leather satchel and began to head out of the door. "Thank you again! And your hospitality has been very warming!"

"No problem sir! Good luck meeting the other townsfolk today!"

Gary walked out of the alchemy shop feeling self accomplished. Not just because he got something for free, but because he found someone in the city who was nice to him. He thought that because it was a big city, everyone
would be rude and mean, but it seems that the stereotype didn't apply to everyone.
     Gary spent the rest of the day going around from store to store and from inn to inn meeting new people and talking to people. Some people were nice, others would bat an evil eye or give him the cold shoulder. He now knew who could be trusted. 
      Walking around a large city and trying to talk to everyone you come across could tire anyone out. Though Gary's stamina was impressive, even he became tired and groggy. He headed to the barracks he was assigned to, crawled into his cot, and stared at the dimly lit stone brick ceiling. "Tomorrow I'll be on guard duty." Gary said to himself. "After I sleep for a small bit, then put on my armor, I'll be saving people in no time."