RWR: Rhodolite

The sun rose lazily in the sky, lighting up the already busy streets. Awnings of every color decorated the square, merchants hawking their wares, children running underfoot. Business was booming, the air was cool and light.

It was terrible. Malenti was a mess as he walked amongst the crowds of people. His eyes were wide as he tried to keep an eye on every angle. Bryidae put a wing across his back and tugged him closer, trying to calm her friend. His ears lay flat against his skull and he kept his head down to avoid attention, a fool's erand for a spider. Bryidae swished people away with her tail like flies.

Malenti could tolerate the farmer. He was a kind old man with no ill will in his body. But here in the markets, surrounded, he felt alone and miserable, lost in the thoughts about his past. Bryidae urged him on, "We're almost there. You know the way." She was right,  they had come here before but normally they traveled by night to avoid the crowds.

Most people avoided the pullers and thankfully the crowd parted enough to let them through without trouble. They finally reached their stop, a short open building, smoke always billowing out of the back stalls. The sound of hammers striking anvils rang out amongst the calls of workers and merchants.

They entered the shop adjacent to the blacksmith's pavilion, feeling a small bit of relief from the crowd. Malenti flopped onto a cushion with an audible chuff and Bryidae went to speak to the reception to inform them of their arrival.

"We need to see Rhodolite please? She is in today yes?" Bry asked the woman at the counter. They nodded in response and turned away to seek her out.

Malenti slowly unclipped the collar that strapped the pack to his back and laid it down to give to Rho when she came in. Bry sat at his side and leaned on him, her large grey wings tucked tightly at her sides. "Next time we come at night and wake her instead I think," she muttered. Malenti nodded in agreement.

They didn't have to wait long for the splashy red girl to come bouncing in, ever a ball of good energy. She looked over the two pullers and grinned. "Come on back, you don't have to stay in the lobby like cretins! Come come!" Rhodolite jokingly tugged and nipped and bustled until they were all settled in her crafting space in the back.

"Well this was unexpected. You don't often stray from the forest without a reason. What brings you here?" The gold clad vayron asked, busying herself with a craft.

"We heard there was a shortage of bronze, and as it happens, the old farmer seems to have an overstock. We decided to bring you some as we know you're always in short supply." Malenti offered her the pack with the bundles of bronze. "Please feel free to share as you see fit. We know you'll put it to good use."

Rho put down the leather helmet she was working on and looked at them incredulously. "An overstock??? Where does that old man get it all I swear!!" She jumped up and opened the pack, not believing her eyes and ears. In the pack were bundles and bundles of bronze.

"Well I never- I am going to see him right now! Feel free to stay as long as you like!"

Malenti sighed, giving Bry a smile. "I guess we should have seen that coming."