A Wolf's Story

Chapter 1

He looked over the objects the vendor had for sail. Lily could really enjoy the little stuffed bird, but he came to the market for food.

"How much for the stuffed bird, vendor?" He asked kindly.

"That would be five coin, boy." He grunted out, hardly looking up.

"Don't you think that's a bit expensive for a toy?" The vendor said nothing to that. He took the plush into his hands. He was reluctant to let go of his last coin, not counting the food. He turned away.

"Hey, bud! You gonna pay for that?" He turned around to see the vendor standing up, a few customers from other stalls looking up to stare.

"Oh, of course! I was simply going to show it to- Huh? Where did that girl run off to? Pardon me..." He set down the stuffed animal and looked up and down the street.

"I, uh... I think she went that way," The vendor pointed towards the direction of the food stands, coughing slightly.

"Ah, thank you very much! He can be a bit impatient sometimes..."

"He...?" The vendor cast a wary glance.

"Sorry, she." He began walking briskly towards the food stalls down the street before the vendor could ask any more questions. Whew, that was close.

Upon coming across the first food stall, exotic smells began to make their ways to his nose, making his mouth water. He looked around.

Apples should be a priority. Maybe some spices? He grabbed a paper bag from one of the stalls. No one seemed to notice. He spotted a few apple piles scattered around among stalls. Walking up to one, he noted the price scratched onto a sign next to the pile. Only 1 coin. The apples seem to be cheaper today, but I still only brought eight or so coin. He thought for a moment. It doesn't matter much anyway. I didn't come to spend my coin.

He made a show of taking a few apples and examining them, before carefully placing some in his bag and setting down others. Then, when the vendor turned towards another customer to help, he made his exit. He did this a few times until his bag was reasonably full with various items, but not too heavy should he need to run.

He began to make his way back when a heavenly aroma met his nose. He walked over to a small stall selling meats, the vendor setting out freshly cooked meats to sell.

"Excuse me, sir, but how much are you selling these for?"

"About six coin for each uncooked piece of meat, extra depending on it's quality or if it's cooked. Care to buy some?" The vendor spoke cheerfully, obviously quite proud of his cooking.

"Can I get three uncooked steaks?" He asked.

"Sure! It will be eighteen coin, please." The man beamed.

"Is there anyway I can sneak off with them for only fifteen coin?" He gave a sly smile.

"Sixteen and it's a deal!" Something told him that was going to be the best he could nudge the man.

"Okay! It's a deal. Let me just find my coin purse." He smiled his best smile.

"Of course! I'll start wrapping it for you..." And he set off to work packaging the meats.

One final time, he made a show of looking for his nonexistent 'coin purse' while mentally preparing himself. A deep feeling rushed through his body like a wave. Regret. This man had a warm smile. He probably had a little girl and spouse somewhere. Or maybe a son? He was probably the kind of man who care about others just as much as he cared for his family. That's what he thought of this man as when he looked at him. And here I am, stealing from him, one part of him said. I have others I need to take care of, another part of him said.

He looked up to see the man smiling at him. Not one of those vendor smiles that are usually forced and false. It was a kind and patient smile. If only I could be like him.

"Ah, here it is," He a small bag in his hand, two coins inside, "But will you allow me to say something first?"

The man looked at him curiously, but nodded. He leaned in close, whispering, "You seem like a nice man. You probably have a family and you probably are content with your life. I wish I could be like you, but, for now, I can only hope to repay you some day." He dropped the pouch on the table and took the bag of meat, walking away.

As soon as he heard the words, he pulled the hood on his cloak over his head and began to run as fast as he could, regret spilling from him in many forms. Tears slightly stung his eyes.

"Thief!"

A/N

This was a bit hastily made and shorter than what I hoped for, but I hope you enjoy it anyways!