lovely hat ➼ snufkin

3

Tales of snufkin

Looking ahead, you saw a large gate in your path. What was so peculiar about the gate was that it had no fence, so anyone could walk around it even if the doors were locked. It was decorated in small pocket watches, which added an antique touch to it.

" Lovely " — you muttered under your breath as you made your way through the gate doors.

Just a few steps away, you could see the people of the town fiddle around, some busy as the bees, others just taking a stroll. The people looked like otters, so you took a wild guess and assumed they were otters, even if assuming was bad. Like how some have confused the Moomins of being hippos, or so you heard. You clutched your bag tightly and made your way around the town.

The shops and houses were made of wood, they had a victorian style, yet they were particularly small. The people seemed welcoming, some even bowing at your arrival as if you were an awaited guest. Of course, you waved back with a tender smile.

The town was definitely grand in more than one aspect.

Then, you felt a tap at your shoulder. You whipped your head to your side as you turned your body, your bag making the person stumble a bit from the impact. A gasp left your lips as you hurried to help them from falling. Your lips were quick to spit an apology.

" I am so sorry, sir ! Are you alright ? "

" Why, yes. Don't worry, young one. "

Letting him go, you straighten yourself and let the man clear his throat. He was a fairly old "otter", his fur turning white and his position being slouchy, he also had a long white beard. While you examined his physique, he spoke again.

" I am certain i haven't seen you around, are you perhaps a traveler ? "

" yes, i am ! How could you tell ? " — you asked, to which he proceded to point at your bag. This caused a sweat drop to roll down your forehead as you bashfully laughed.

" Ah ha, right. Sorry again. "

The man smiled sweetly and shook his head.

" It's alright. I've met another traveler quite like yourself. "

" like myself ? " — you questioned. The man nodded and turned to look at a shop. He proceeded to walk over and open the doors as he held one open, welcoming you inside.

" why yes ! Come, young one. I'll tell you all about him; you can also look for a hat to add to your collection. "

The last comment caught you by surprise, but you were so intrigued by this " traveler " that you didn't bother to question any further and just followed suit.

As you entered, you looked around at all the glorious clocks that decorated the shop. They were all so old ! Some even vintage.

Your mouth was agape at the magnificent display. From the corner of your eye, you could see the man go behind the counter and sit in a rocking chair. Smiling to yourself, you walked over and pressed your elbows against the counter, considering your short height, and paid your utmost attention to the man.

The man looked at your beaming aura and smiled, clearing his throat and started to tell.

" There is this young traveler, he is quite popular. His name is snufkin— "

Now you were really intrigued. You had met the fellow yesterday, he seemed to be quite an intricate guy. You hadn't put much thought into him, but at the mention of his name you recalled your encounter very vividly. And it had unwillingly brought a giggle to creep up your throat.

The man noticed your little show of unconscious happiness, and raised a brow while he smiled sweetly.

" Do you perhaps know him ? Ah, young love. "

Stated the old fellow. You felt your cheeks heat up at the thought, nodding your head rather quickly at the question to then shake it in denial at the second remark.

" Oh ! Its not like that at all ! i-i just happened to have met him yesterday in the forest. He-he was looking at some of my hats " — you said, shaking your bag making your hats that hung dance a little, trying to push back the thought of snufkin as more than what he already is. Something twisted in your stomach, it wasn't a bad feeling, it was just new.

The man nodded, looking at your strangely, as if he didn't buy it one bit, and continued. He told you about how snufkin was quite popular amongst the people, his harmonica and his tunes were fairly recognized, also how he was a criminal, which you found hilarious given that he was a sweet guy.

The tales of his travels filled the town and everyone that heard them, it was surprising to you how he was so popular. Besides, when you met him, he was alone, so you wondered how the voice got around. But you listened to the man's every word, you somehow never got bored, to which you didn't want to think much about it because you didn't want that feeling to come back again.

Time had gone by fast, as the sun had started to set over the horizon. Though, you stayed as much you needed to, and hearing snufkin's name was as welcoming to your ears as a soft winter breeze knocking at your window in a bundle of blankets with a hot cocoa. You did get hungry while listening to the otter, but he was kind enough to hear your stomach roar and share some delicious stew.

After a while, when the sun had already set and the town folk had already settled into their homes, the man had told you all he knew about the traveler. It was the best—

You looked over at one of the wall clocks.

— 4 hours of your day.

" Thank you for sharing the tales of snufkin, good sir ! "

You cheered, as the man chuckled and waved you off. — " oh it was no trouble at all, and please, call me mr. Otter. "

You mentally cheered at your assumption proven correct and nodded.

" alright, mr. Otter, please call me y/n. Thank you for having me, may you have a lovely night. "

As you turned to leave, the man called out your name. Whipping your head back to look at the man, he seemed to be holding what seemed to be. . . a hat !

You gasped in delight, you had forgotten the prime reason as to why you came to visit this town. Your hans gently looked at the design, it was a black felt bonnet, from the 13th century when clocks where invented. Hey, you knew a little bit of history yourself.

" Th-this is wonderful ! How much will it be ? "

" Free of charge for you, y/n. Now go be one your way ! And say hello to that lover of yours ! "

" Lover ? ! "

Before you could protest, you where already out the doors. That was quite a visit, and now he thinks you're snufkin's lover. Grand. but funny. That seemed impossible, but you could only giggle as you walked out of town, holding a bonnet that would always remind you of the town of clocks.

Now to find a place to rest.

:) pls give me constructive criticism im begging for it