Robin wandered through the bustling Ylisstol market, searching for one specific shop. The tactician was not a huge fan of crowds, and when he spotted a small alleyway to the side he quickly entered it. Relishing the brief reprieve from the horde of mid-day shoppers, Robin patted his belt to make sure his coin purse was still intact.
While still a good city, Ylisstol did have the occasionally robbery or other crime. Crime rate quickly dropped after Gangrel's death and the end of the second Plegian war. Robin supposed it was due to Frederick taking some control of special security inside the capital.
Someone bumped into Robin, letting the tactician regain his focus on the present. Robin looked to see young boy, only about three years younger, with striking silver hair. Robin offered his apologies, extending a friendly handshake. "Fa-f...forgive me!" The man spluttered, "I did not expect to run into the Shepherd's famed tactician!"
Robin smiled. "Please, friend, I am not one to be accepting of your kind words. Give your praise to Prince Chrom. I assure you he would appreciate it, not saying that I do not of course." The tactician spoke with kind words.
The boy with silver hair smiled and shook Robin's hand. The two exchanged brief small for a short time before the boy asked him what he was doing. Robin rubbed the back of his neck. "W-well...you see...I'm looking for a ring shop." The tactician said sheepishly.
"Got a special lady friend eh?" The silver-haired boy said with a smile and a jab to the ribs. Robin blushed. "Well...it has been getting serious as of late, and I do believe that it might be time for me to purpose."
Robin paled. "D-don't tell anyone!" he shouted. Several shoppers looked down the alleyway at the two men before moving on their way. The boy laughed. "Don't worry, sir, my lips are sealed." He finished his statement with a gesture to symbolize his promise. Robin smiled and gave a thank-you.
"Do you know where a shop is located?" Robin asked sheepishly. If he had not been crammed into the castle working on paperwork, maybe he could get to know the city more. Almost six months of living here permanently and he still couldn't kind a damned bread shop.
"I believe there is a merchant just around the corner and to the right?" The boy supposed. "Anyways, sir, it has been wonderful to finally meet you, but I truly must be on my way. I have a...friend waiting for me."
Robin nodded and gave him another handshake. As the two walked their separate ways, Robin recalled something. "Hey! I never caught your name?" He spoke while turning to face the boy. The alleyway was empty, no sign of the silver-haired young man.
Robin shrugged and continued out of the alley. Turning to his right he saw the described shop. Low-and-behold, Anna was manning the stall. The red-headed merchant spotted him instantly from the crowd and waved her hand. Robin hadn't wanted any Shepherds to find out about his intended proposal to Cordelia until after it had happened, but it seemed no luck was in his favor today.
Robin weaved through the crowd and arrived at the stall, which was crammed with various weapons, potions and other assortments of goods. Directly on the counter in front of him, Robin could see various rings and pendants sparkling in the afternoon light. "Hello Mr. Tactician-man!" Anna greeted cheerfully. Robin smiled, "Hello Anna." Anna smiled and leaned over the counter. "So what brings you to my fine establishment today?" She spoke with a hint of mischief in her eyes. Robin saw that look before in many merchants who had just gotten a customer to pay double or even triple the regular cost of an item.
Robin wasn't about to let Anna get the upper hand, knowing that the debate for price was about to begin. "Well Anna, I was hoping to purchase a ring for my dearly beloved," Anna's eyes began to sparkle, "-but unfortunately I do not have the amount required for such good-looking pieces." Robin said with an internal smile.
"Oh my good sir I believe we could work something out..." Anna trailed off, her smile unwavering. "I do not wish to trouble you with my poor business, I'll leave you to other customers. I'm sure there are some other rings shops close by..."
The tactician spotted the hint of distress in the merchant's eye, knowing that he was getting the upper hand, he pushed just a bit more. "Maybe I could settle for something of lesser make, after all you don't seem to need the money..." He trailed off, hoping that was enough to entice the merchant into a good deal for himself.
Anna grinned devilishly, "Oh Robin...I see. You almost had me there." Anna chuckled. "That last line was too over-the-top and clearly gave away your intent." Robin cursed under his breath. "Bu-ut, since you are a Shepherd and you saved me life, I'll give you a special one-time deal."
Robin smiled broadly, this was turning out better than he thought. "Anna...you are a lifesaver!" Anna nodded and pointed towards the table. "Which one do you think Cordelia would like?" She asked.
Robin looked over the various rings, some silver or gold, others with diamonds and some with whole gems on them. Robin did not know which would particularly interest Cordelia, but red was her color. Glancing over the rings, he spotted a silver ring with golden etching carved into the circular portion of the silver. Sitting in the middle of the ring was a small rded stone, flat and sparkling in the light.
"I'll take that one!" Robin proudly pointed to the jewelry, Anna nodded and they began to negotiate price and the merchant's silence over the matter.
Across the small street, the silver-haired boy nodded and disappeared back into the bustling crowd.