Eric could see from the lack of light that it was still before dawn when woke up to the clatter of dishes. Willy was working on breakfast a bit early, and far too noisily. He cursed to himself, wondering why his friend was making so much noise. It was a week since he had returned – work had started slowly, and he didn't have the early orders he was expecting. Taking advantage of the lull, he had made a point of sleeping in and enjoying the experience of gradually waking up.
Willy knew better than to wake him up without reason. Besides that, Willy was always the kindest of housekeepers. He was more than capable of cleaning the entire shop without making a single sound. Figuring that something was up, he threw together something decent to wear before checking out what was happening. It was a good thing, for he wouldn't have wanted to face his guest in a disheveled state.
The goblin appeared to be one of the shorter ones, though his clothes gave the impression that he was of considerable importance. He seemed very unhappy, despite Willy's attempts to make him comfortable. "You are the carpenter?"
"Eric Sable, sir, at your service." He considered his appearance – although it wasn't indecent, it's not the best manners to speak to a client in a robe. "May I have a moment to compose myself?"
"I would prefer to finish our business quickly, so that I may return to my duties." Eric realized that this was the first time he had ever seen a goblin outside of the bank. "We have need of your services in order to repair several shelves and refinish the outer desks."
He paused for a moment before responding. Mrs. Peal had been teaching him that giving thought to any answer, even those where he knew what he was going to say, allows for greater control over a situation. "I would like to examine the work to be done prior to discussing terms any further. This would be at your convenience, of course."
The goblin looked uncertain. "This evening, seven o'clock will be satisfactory."
"Very good. Is there anything else I can do for you at this time?" Eric motioned for Willy to get the goblin his cape.
"No. Good day." The goblin received the house elf's service with apprehension, leaving the store with a very confused expression.
"Master Eric, he looks as if you have upset him."
Eric dropped back into a cushioned chair. "Willy, you should be well aware that goblins are born upset. It's more likely that I surprised him. I don't expect that many goblins have been shown good manners by humans. That will be the best tool I have in negotiating a good price."
"Master Eric will take their job, then?"
"Work here has been slow, and it'll be good to branch out into house calls." He broke out into a wide smile. "Besides, this is Gringotts we're talking about. The prestige alone for doing the work is worth the risk. If I negotiate well, I should be able to get top dollar for the work. The important thing is not to rush." Drawing himself out of the chair, he made his way over to the kitchen. "Now, we'll need to get my formals presentable for this evening. You're coming along – I'll want you in a clean, formal black slipcover with your feet banded with leather pads."
Willy smiled as Eric ate, outlining the tasks he needed done so that a good show could be presented.