Chapter 20
As we continued our travels we eventually met up with Iva again, how she got ahead of us is mystery she proudly refused to tell us. After 2 more days of walking we finally came across some sort of settlement. There seemed to be some sort of festival going on.
'So this is Gray Gardens?'
"The Moon Bazaar, just in time for the last day too. Was gettin worried we weren't gonna make it." Exclaimed Iva as she began running toward the encampment.
'What?'
"Come on kids, I already booked us a tent! We can put our stuff there! Gotta hurry before the show starts!"
As we followed Iva we were led through a multitude of tents until Iva eventually turned into one. The tent was a fairly large cottage tent. Upon entering, I saw two sleeping mats and a small amount of food. Besides that the tent was quite empty.
As we began setting our things down I asked, "Weren't we going to Gray Gardens?"
"We are, but first I want to see Darkstar's concert." Iva replied.
"A concert...?"
"What don't ya like concerts?"
"No actually I don't."
"Fine then," With a swift movement Iva tosses me a pouch. Judging on the sound it was most likely coins. "That's 700 gold, ya can go around the merchant stalls or somethin." Iva then exited the tent but not before poking her head back in to say, "Just remember, ya aren't claimed. If one of these mamono finds out, ya on ya own." and with that she left.
Silvia and Ione both looking out the tent the way Iva left, it didn't take a genius both of them were interested in this dark star girl's concert.
"Go on, I'll be fine on my own."
Taking a glance between them they turned to me as Silvia asked, "You sure? You won't go picking any fights?"
"Hey! When did I start a fight?"
"Just making sure." laughed Silvia, and after a few moment they both hurried after Iva.
The sun had yet to fully set when I decided to go and look at the shops. 'It's Iva's money perhaps I should buy something.'
After browsing through through five or so shops I began to give up on the thought of find anything that would catch my interest until I happened upon one tent with a child vendor. She had bright orange hair and pointed ears, but looked fairly human. Upon noticing me she called out with a heavy Irish brogue.
"Ah a human male! Don't get ta see many of ye around ere. Care ta purchase some gems for ye woman?"
Glancing over the wares she had Nothing particularly stood out as 'good' in my mind, mostly just gaudy type jewelry. "Got anything... simpler?"
"Hmm? Like ta keep things nice an simple eh? I got a few things, can also craft ye somethings from me left overs if ye willin to wait a day." Bringing out a small assortment of trinkets still nothing stood out much. "No good eh? It's a tad expensive but I be willin to cut the price in half if ye were to do me a nice favor. Today's the last day, and I don't be planin to be carrin all this back home with me. If ye don't got anythin specific in mind, just tell me bit bout ye woman an I'll whip up somethin I'm sure will meet their fancy."
"And what might this favor be?"
"Nothin much, just a little kiss."
"And how much for the custom?"
"First tell me bit bout ye woman then I can give ye and estimate."
"Well to be perfectly honest I'm not sure what either of their tastes are."
"Hmm... Species?"
"Werewolf and Harpy?"
"I see... aye I got just the thing. Anythin else? Colors perhaps?"
"Silvia, the werewolf, has snow white fur... and Ione, the harpy, has white feathers... no they seem to be more silver to me... and under the right light they appear to give off a metallic sheen."
"White fur, silver feathers... aye white gold and silver. Hmm..." Now the girl was eying me down. "How bouts some black stones ta bring out the whites? Black sapphire perhaps?"
"The contrast would work nice I think."
"Hmm so all together it's... 1,360 gold pieces."
Given my knowledge of the economy in this world, I was able to professionally deduce that I had no idea if that was expensive or cheap.
"Offer to cut the price is still there should ye want it." The orange haired girl said trying to look as adorable as possible.
I had no real reason to get these for Silvia nor Ione but at the same time I found myself wanting to get them for them anyway. Plus it was Iva's money.
"Alright but only if you close your eyes."
"Oh my." was all the girl said as she closed her eyes and puckered up. After confirming her eyes were shut I knelt down, picked up her hand and lightly pecked it. After stepping back the girl looked at her hand then back to me with slight disappointment but her face quickly lit up with laughter. "A smartass ain't ye? Alright a deals a deal. So how long ye gonna be in the area?"
"I believe we planing to head out some time tomorrow."
"Rush job eh? Alright we'll have it done an to ya by noon tomorrow. Make sure ye have 634 pieces."
"Here, this is 700 or so. Feel free to take all of it if you get any good ideas about the products."
"How generous, ah before I forget. Do ye know their sizes?"
"...no.."
"Adjustable it is then. Ah perfect my fire friend is back. Nina we gots ourselves a custom order."
The one the orange haired girl was calling out to was standing a bit behind me. She didn't wear any clothes but rather was covered in flames. The girl looked at me and then to my back. But she didn't say anything as she continued into the orange haired girl's tent.
"By the why young fella. Do ye know any succubi?"
"No, I don't"
"Hmm, wouldn't sit right to just watch ye get stolen. Don't ye look back and just continue on behind me tent. I'll stall the wan for ye. Don't worry bout ye gifts won't be hard to find ye tomorrow."
Deciding not to take the chance I did as the girl said and went on my way. Zigzagging my way through the tents I heard the girl's voice boom over with her usual sales pitch though this time a bit more aggressive. 'I guess she trying to sell to the succubus.'
After making a few more turns I saw a shadow approaching behind a tent a little ways down. In a bit of a panic I ducked into the tent to my right. As the shadow became a silhouette on the tent I heard a muffled voice. "Now where did he go?"
Focusing on the silhouette I suddenly hear a voice behind me, "Is someone there?"
Surprise had hold of me for a moment. As I turned I found that I wasn't hearing things. In front of me sitting in a chair was another man like myself. Albeit a bit older.
"Um... sorry for barging in. I was being followed by some succubus and happened to duck into your tent."
"Ah it's rare to meet another male in this world. No worries. I understand."
"Wait... 'this world'? Are you from earth as well?"
"Yes I am. My name's Antonio, but most call me Tony." the man said as he extended his hand.
Moving closer I shook his hand and replied, "Ryan... excuse me for asking but, you're blind aren't you?"
"Yes..." it looked like he was about to say something else when a girl walked in.
"Tony it's almost time, we should..."
Turning to see the newcomer I saw it was a rather pretty cute cat girl. But before she could say anything we heard someone outside shouting. "Ryan! Where'd you go?!"
"Ah that's my companion. I should be going. Was nice meeting you, Antonio."
"Likewise."
I walked out of the tent and saw Silvia. Picking up the pace I jogged over to her to see what she wanted.