Crafting Quests

There were many ways to gain crafting materials, from farming to purchasing to theft. However, the best materials on Ace's home planet, Mare, were found in Kitbull Cities. Kitbull Cities were more rural on Mare, often being dedicated to agricultural activities and resource management. They were extremely efficient, creating sustainable products and a strong economy around them. That was why they were Ace's source of crafting materials, even if he could grow his own.

The nearest city was Piscis, a waterfront city renown for their access to foreign materials. From Starry Seawater to Quill O' Wisp, Piscis seemed to have it all. The goods weren't in bulk supply, as even with the materials Piscis still had its staple as seafood, but everything was always high quality. Not to mention the Kitbulls here loved to trade goods as well as earn Stargold, which was perfect for Ace.

Taking a deep breath of the salty air, Ace moved throughout the crowded streets, bag in hand. Colourful stalls sprouted out against the natural tones of the buildings behind, dancing along the blue sky. Scents of food, wines, perfumes, and wax overlapped each other gently, creating a strange depth to the sea salt wind that ebbed through the city. The bustle of travellers and residents of the city created a buzzing background noise, conversations merging into nothing but lively white noise. It was a strong, yet pleasant contrast to Ace's home farm, and was something he looked forward to each time he visited the place. But for now, he had to focus on finding the materials he needed.

Wandering through the stall lines, Ace looked at each one's products with a stringent eye, carefully checking for specific materials. Sparkling Sugar, Prismatic Petals, Solar Globe, Quill O' Wisp. That's what he needed, and it seemed like nobody had any of those materials on hand. Just his luck. But no matter, someone had to have the materials, they're probably just in the deeper areas of the market place.

The deeper marketplace was located in the smaller streetways of Piscis, casting shadows across the pavement. Rarer materials were stashed away in the city's vein-like alleyways, creating hidden markets that prevented the merchants from being overwhelmed by customers who were all too eager to buy out their stock. Ace knew this well, as the years of trading in Piscis had given him the ins and outs of the market culture and structure, but that wouldn't let him predict what was available. That was all in the palms of Lady Luck, who was an ever so unreadable force for him. However, hope was key when one needed things like these, and weaving through the sunset coloured alleyways created a surprising amount of it.

Ace came to a stop at a deep orange stall, decorated with yellow drapery on tables. Sat neatly in a woven basket, centre in the display, was Prismatic Petals. The colours danced along each plant's surface, like a mosaic born from the earth. Mesmerising, and necessary for Ace's recipe, he felt joy creep through his heart. All that was left was to trade for them, which was the easier part.

The stall itself was run by a pair, a Kibull and a Browbird. The two were so visually distinct it was hard not to take note of their appearance. The Kitbull shared the same colours as the sea and earth of Piscis, with oranges, blues, and yellows laced along a cream underbelly and face, highlighting perpetually star-struck eyes. Perhaps their eyes were like that due to their companion, as the Browbird was covered in glowing star markings. They shared a similar palette of oranges and blues, along the Browbird was much more saturated than their Kitbull friend, the two seemed as if they were created just to match each other visually.

"Good afternoon," Ace began, a small smile gracing his face, "I'm interested in your wa-"

"Oh! Good afternoon as well sir!" The Browbird beamed, blissfully unaware that they interrupted Ace, "I'm Ashe, and this here is Soliel! How may we help you?" They waved their arms towards the Kitbull, who's expression fell into vague annoyance.

"I'm interested in your wares, specifically the Prismatic Petals."

Ace watched as Soliel turned to Ashe, fur prickling in a rhythmic fashion. Ashe nodded along, as if the two were deep in conversation, before returning their gaze to meet Ace once more.

"That will be 45 Stargold! Unless you have come to bargain, traveller." Ashe chuckled as they spoke, while Soleil rolled their eyes.

"You're new to this, aren't you?" Ace sighed, reaching down into his bag, "But yes, I have come to bargain."

"Is it really that obvious?" Ashe scoffed, crossing their arms, "I thought it sounded cool."

"Nobody speaks like that in Piscis unless they're new, but don't worry, you'll figure it out."

"I mean, this is a Kitbull City? Nobody speaks here the way we speak."

"Touché, but there is 'language' to the way that bartering works, I suppose." Ace pulled forth a set of golden scissors, holding them carefully so the two merchants could admire, "How about these Golden Clippers for some Prismatic Petals."

Ashe and Soleil turned to each other briefly, as if only to exchange glances, before staring the Browbird before them down.

"No sale, we don't need those." Ashe tilted their head slightly, giving Ace a curious glance, "What else do you have to bargain?"

Ace rummaged through his bag again, muttering to himself, before pulling out what seemed to be a statue of a black cat wearing gold, decorated by red tassels and small blue marbles. Ashe and Soleil looked at each other, a grin forming of the Browbird's face.

"Ok, I'm willing to give this Lucky Kettlecat if you sweeten the deal for me."

"Of course! What else are you look for, kind customer? Ashe hopped on the spot, eyes wide and grin wider. Soleil nodded in agreement, turning to face various boxes at the back of the stall.

"To be truthful, I'm looking for some Sparkling Sugar, Prismatic Petals, a Solar Globe, and a Quill O' Wisp."

Soleil's fur shifted in its rhythmic tune, Ashe turning to listen intently as the Kitbull began to shift through boxes. This conversation was longer, and it left Ace wanting to join in. Thank the heavens that Ashe was an accurate and entertaining enough translator.

"Okay, so this is what we can do. We can give a Quill O' Wisp, Solar Globe, and some Prismatic Petals for the Kettlecat. We would offer all you have asked for but we don't have some of those resources you see. Everything dandy then?" Ashe hummed the last part with a shrug as Soleil brought out the items as proof.

"What other wares do you have?" Ace arched an eyebrow, watching as Soleil pulled out a clipboard from under the table before handing it to Ashe.

"Our wares are as follows; Solar Globes, Ardent Ashes, Quill O' Wisps, Prismatic Petals, Angel's Hearts, Alter Fruits, Wing Cloaks, Lucky Coins, Rare Aspect Tomes, and Soul Seeds. For a limited time we also have; Golden Emblems, Pools of Reflection, Glamourous Eye Potions, Potion of Eyes, Butterfly Cloak of Wings, Vine Rolls, and Treat Bags!"

"That's quite a number of items, where did you get all this stuff?" Ace tilted his head, furrowing his eyebrows in the process.

"I'm glad you asked! See, I'm from Adlebast and Soleil is from Sor Solir. We have gathered or made these materials and items before coming here you see! We heard that Piscis is really good for market places, so we thought this would be the perfect place to gather new materials and earn some money!"

"I see. Have you had much business?"

"Nope, seems that business is slow in this alleyway. That's why we're so interested in that Kettlecat, as it brings good luck!"

"It might be that you're selling rarer materials while being new, people here are wary about quality yknow." Ace shrugged, placing down the Kettlecat. "I'll trade the Kettlecat for Prismatic Petals, a Solar Globe, a Wing Cloak, and an Angel's heart, is that ok?"

The merchants turned back to each other, discussing the possibilities. For a pair of newer merchants, they at least knew to ponder their deals, a crucial skill in the art of the market. Thank god for that, Ace would feel bad if these two didn't know that skill, especially in somewhere as competitive as Piscis. Ace watched the two turn back to him with calm expressions, expressions that didn't hide the twinkle in their eyes.

'Deal. But may we ask a few questions before we say our farewells?" Ashe inquired, leaning forward and pressing their hands against the table.

"Sure, why not."

"Perfect! So first of all, what brings you to buying these items anyway? This will help us know how to direct our shop to a demographic better.

Ace pondered that question for a while, thinking of the best way to phrase his answer. With a hand on his chin, he formulated his response.

"There's a crafting recipe that someone close to me used to make, so I decided to make it myself. You two happened to have some of the items I wanted, not to mention that you have been a rather enjoyable pair of merchants to do business with."

"I see, that's a lovely answer," Ashe tapped a finger on their temple, Soleil nodding in agreement, "How do you think we can be more professional here?"

"Well for starters, don't chuckle when offering to barter. I'd also make your list more visible, and learn more about how the market culture around here works. Oh, and don't jump into selling rare goods immediately" Ace sighed, watching as Soleil and Ashe's faces fell slightly.

"Ouch, but I get you. Ok then," Ashe turned to Soleil, who began another conversation, fur shifting up and down. The two nodded to each other, turning to Ace, "Can we expect you to return back here to shop, next time our stall is up?"

Ace paused, furrowing his eyebrows. Was he so willing to pledge loyalty to a pair of merchants he only just did business with? Especially a pair so new to the scene? It would be a risky move to say yes, but it would sap the energy out of them if he said no. The two looked too naïve for scamming or the like, so he guessed that there was no real harm to it.

"Sure, I wouldn't mind."

Ashe and Soleil's eyes beamed at the answer, the two springing back from the previous answer regarding workplace improvement. It was shocking just how fast they recovered, but also quite entertaining. Saying yes did seem to be the right answer after all. Soleil slid Ace's new materials and items over the counter, while Ashe took the Kettlecat to their side. Ace placed the products gently in his bag, grinning to himself as Ashe murmured to Soleil.

"See you around then." Ace grinned, preparing to head back into the outer market.

"Goodbye and thank you so much sir! Soleil and I will make sure our wares are top notch next time you come around!" Ashe waved, beaming. Soleil nodded, responding with a thumbs up as Ace headed off.

Now he had a good source of rare crafting materials, he could only guess that the Kettlecat really did bring good luck after all.