It didn’t seem long at all before the Naukem had actually arrived. Lenris was out farming when it happened. From the west through the trees shapes came into view a couple at a time. Soon a large caravan full of beasts of burden and people was visible. Their animals laden with things like ore and tools, weapons and foods and the best type of leather you could get for miles. In a couple of minutes the recently repaired trade hall was surging with people. Outside horses ate grass in a large pin while inside tables were being filled with all sorts of things for sale. All of the travelers seemed very weary and as soon as everything had been accounted for they politely asked for privacy. That night everyone buzzed about the things they saw and what they would buy and where they were going next. Time, as it has a habit of doing, slipped by while no one was watching.
That morning Lenris and his village were on their feet before dawn. A hurried breakfast and rushed work day separated them from their goal which the trade hall embodied. His worked seemed to wane slowly at first but then a moment went by and he was done. After Lenris acquired his trading goods, consisting mostly of carrots and small sliver coins, he came to the trade hall. Some people had already finished their work too and were walking back and forth, talking, haggling, making decisions, making purchases.
The first table Lenris stopped at was packed tightly and had a reed weave beneath the wares to protect the surface from scratches. The trader behind the table looked pretty successful if size was any indicator of that, he seemed a good 75 pounds heavier than Lenris. His earthen brown scales emphasized a blue green pattern of stripes through his back. A three inch long scar was visible on his shoulder. Before him was displayed a beautiful set of medium length copper blades. “ You look like a strong guy, maybe you would be interested in something like this?” He said in a gruff good natured voice as he took a heavy chopping sword from the low table. He looked like he really knew what he was doing while handling it. “Oh, sorry I’m just looking, I don’t know if I’d ever need something like that.” Lenris replied. “You never know, one day you might have to go on a journey and meet something that disagrees with you. That’s how I got this little love scratch right here.” He pointed to the scar on his shoulder. “An outlaw tried to convince me to donate to his cause when I wasn’t feeling very charitable. He’s keeping’ the worms in business now thanks to this.” With that he brandished a massive, 4 foot sword in one hand.
“Lenris, what are you doing buying swords?” Icressah chuckled as she pulled him away. “I found these amazing little carvings and I knew you‘d want to see them.” She lead him to a display of little, wooden pictures and figures. They were of trees and animals and some depicted a mini scene of a meadow or a mountain side. Each carving was only a couple inches but they were high quality. Some were dyed dull colors. “The stain will last a couple years if you treat it well.” The female selling them had a friendly face and spoke quietly. Lenris had to lean in to hear her, as he did he accidentally brushed Icressah who was also doing the same. Icressah smiled at him and he apologized and moved slightly to the side. Lenris bought a little carving of a salamander which had intricate features for a small bunch of carrots. It reminded him of the swamp his village was next to.
