A/N: Rewatched TLOVM and it made me want to write this. Enjoy.
Gilmore's Glorious Goods.
Vax tilted his head, staring up at the shop's sign. Glorious was a nice bonus, but sufficient was what he needed. He'd arrived late, late enough that stars were visible, the moon hanging high above. Hardly anyone was out; he'd have to strain his ears to hear any kind of chatter.
He wasn't really intending on visiting the strange shop for longer than a few minutes. He'd go in, get what he needed, then meet Vex and Trinket at the rendezvous point. Then, they were getting the hell out of dodge. Simple plan, right?
The shop was pretty small, more like an oversized market stall at best. Vax scowled. Welp, according to the drunk cronies at the bar, this so-called funhouse of a store had everything a traveling half elf could want. The outdoors were lopsided yet still standing, slanted roofs dressed in colourful fabrics. The windows let out soft, glowing lights.
Vax shoved past the hanging fabrics. He was taken aback; the inside blossomed out before him, stretching to two storeys. He stepped back, admiring the intricate shelves, weapons, potions, books, various containers full of who knows what. (Was that a troll dick he could see?) Clearly, the store was certainly glorious in the amount of stock it held, half the stuff Vax had never laid eyes on before.
Gentle candle lights gave the whole shop a strangely homely yet ominous feel. There were odd smells, some pleasant, some not so much. The patterns on the wall were beautifully articulate, matching the fabrics, and a lovely little fireplace.
Vax immediately turned his attention to the wide selection of arrows. Ahhh, that was a big choice, and they certainly didn't look cheap. He should've bought Vex, although she would've wanted to examine them and-
"What brings a pretty man like you here, this time of the evening?"
The shopkeeper's voice was smooth and intoxicating, and Vax's heart skipped a couple of beats. He stared at the human, his long, luxurious hair, ringlets, golden jewelry and all. He had dark skin, a well groomed beard, and intense, dark eyes, matching Vax's own in their immensity. He was dressed well, well enough to make Vax intrigued, an open, purple coat trimmed with gold, belts around his waist, dark pants. He was on the larger side, his presence warm, yet mysterious, something Vax could not turn away from.
Vax caught his dark eyes. "Browsing, what else?"
The shopkeeper - Gilmore, Vax had to guess - smirked at him, tilting his head, hair tousling his shoulder. Vax felt the heat rising to his cheeks.
(God, he was supposed to be buying fucking arrows. What the hell was he doing?)
"I'll be closing up in a few minutes," Gilmore told him. "You pick a bad time to browse, little half-elf."
Vax swallowed. He turned back. He needed longer than a few minutes, his sister was awfully fussy. He couldn't come back tomorrow, they were meant to be on the road already. He supposed he could use some of that charm his sister always flaunted…
"Stay open for a bit longer," he replied. "I'll take you out for a drink afterwards. My treat."
And he even threw in a (sexy) wink. He leaned against the wall, trying to be far cockier than he actually felt.
Gilmore just laughed, deep yet melodious.
"Oh, you're a charmer, aren't you, little half-elf," he drawled, stepping forward. "Clearly, keen on those arrows."
"Keen on the man selling them," Vax replied.
They were eye to eye. Gilmore's golden earrings glimmered in the candle light. Vax kept up his gaze, grin playful and easy on the eyes.
"I have an acquired taste," Gilmore told him, his finger under Vax's chin. "Something I gather you wouldn't know about."
"Then try me," Vax retorted. "Anything you like, and it's yours."
Gilmore chuckled once more. "You're a desperate one, aren't you? Asking a man out after barely knowing him."
"What can I say," Vax shrugged. "I need those arrows."
Really, this was all for Vex, those fancy arrows she craved. Wasn't it? Or maybe Vax was simply getting swept up in the moment. Either way, he didn't want this to end.
Gilmore leaned back, cocking his head. Vax returned to leaning against the wall.
"What did you say your name was, boy?" Gilmore asked.
"Vax'ildan," Vax replied, "but call me Vax."
"You drive a hard bargain, dear Vax," Gilmore spread his arms. "As long as you actually make a purchase here… I'll entertain you for a drink or two."
Vax smirked, approaching Gilmore. "What's your first name?"
"Oh, we're not up to that yet," Gilmore chuckled, brushing Vax's hair out of his eyes. "Go on, now. What did you want to purchase?"
"Back to business already?" Vax asked.
He browsed the wide selection of arrows, Gilmore keeping a comfortable distance. He spent an embarrassing amount of time going through them, scanning the arrows individually, asking Gilmore what they were made of and where he got them from, so on and so forth. Finally, he decided… the poisoned ones… yeah. Vex loved those ones. They would do. He grabbed a bunch.
"How much do I owe you?" Vax asked.
Gilmore observed the arrows. "For those? 50 gold."
50 gold! Vax shouted, internally. Overcharging bastard…
(The guy was lucky he was hot, really.)
"No discount for your new friend?" Vax asked, throwing in a lucky wink.
Gilmore sighed. "You're not quite that charming, boy."
"Businessmen," Vax grunted, slouching.
He (reluctantly…) handed over the gold, placing the arrows in his quiver.
"Someone owes me a drink," Gimore stepped forward.
(After paying that much? Vax wasn't even sure anymore, but he was locked in now.)
"I suppose I do," Vax grimaced.
The two of them walked out, the air cool and gentle. Vax knew he'd have to tell his sister what was taking so long… and she'd tease him endlessly, but oh well.
"You're an interesting fellow, Vax," Gilmore told him, as they approached the bar. "Staying in town long?"
"I'm afraid not," Vax replied. "I'm leaving tomorrow."
"That is a shame," Gilmore sighed. "Make sure you come again, hmm? I do enjoy your patronage."
Vax enjoyed him as well, aside from the insane prices. Gilmore intrigued him, and like a good book, he wanted to find out more. Oh, he'd definitely be back. With a little more gold. Ahem.
He rolled his eyes. "For now, let's just enjoy our drinks."
A/N: Thanks for reading!