The Followers - Part Twelve¶

Some time passed as the three Homins continued their exploration of what was hidden deep in the Atysian soil. Dinah's skills in prospection turned out to be extremely useful even though she did not always find what was sought after, but even so all the sources they dug up could be used for their crafting lesson. Time seemed to be running away from them as they moved from source to source, digging up as many materials they could possibly extract from them. Just as they had eventually gathered enough to fill all their packs; the girls jumped as a cracking sound was heard from behind, followed by an “aaw” from Feuor.

He had managed to hit the last source so hard that his pick had finally given in. It was not totally unexpected since it was an older one, and additionally he had treated it more like a sword then a pick from the start. Nih'na and Dinah just grinned at the brave warrior struggling as he did his best to use the remains of the pick to garner up the little he could from the source.

“Seems like we managed to gather quite a bunch of materials, eh?” Feuor said as he stood up and looked at the piles of materials lying around them.

“Yes, it was fun.” Nih'na said as she opened her bag.

Just as Feuor tied the last bag together they were approached by a Fyros man whom seemed to be heading towards them. Just as Feuor tossed the heavy bag on his back the man reached them and greeted them politely.

“Well met, I am Cyraco a merchant by profession and a travelling Homin by heart. May I have a moment of your time perhaps?” Cyraco stated as he bowed to the group.

“Uhm, sure. What can we do for you?”

“I was just wondering, I see that you all travel with a full inventory but also that there are some piles of materials left here on the ground. Are they yours by any chance?” Cyraco asked politely.

“Yes, we seemed to have been a bit too eager in our harvest.” Nih'na answered him.

“Ah, I see. Then I have a proposal for you regarding these items here.” Cyraco said. “You see I am travelling these lands in search for materials. I work closely with the merchants in the bigger towns and have been informed that they would welcome a range of different materials such as the ones you have here. So , if you are not going to bring them with you, I suggest that you let me purchase them for a sum of dappers. Does this sound interesting?” he continued.

Dinah, Nih'na and Feuor looked at each other with surprise, as they had not thought to sell the materials. But then again with their bags full they would not been able to carry anything to the nearest merchant, so Cyraco's appearance was both timed and lucky.

“I guess that would be fine with us.” Feuor said to Cyraco.

“Great, then what would be a fair price to you? Hmm, how about , let’s say 60 000 dappers for these piles ? Do that sound like a fair price to you ?” Cyraco said smilingly.

“Fair enough, it’s a deal!” Feuor said and extended his hand to shake.

Cyraco answered the gesture and as they shook hands he handed over the said amount which Feuor proceeded to distribute between the three of them. Cyraco thanked them and bowed deeply again.

“Uhm..How will you be able to transport these materials?” Nih'na asked carefully.

“Oh, I have my packers just on the other side of the hill here. They are resting and drinking a bit. I just took a little stroll when I noticed you three were about to leave.” Cyraco answered. “I will go and fetch them now so I can put these materials in their bags. A pleasure doing business with you!”

As they walked along the road Feuor and Nih'na were very pleased with the day’s result. Dinah, on the other hand walked a little behind them staring at the ground. What they did not see was that she held a firm grip of her pouch where her share of the dappers were. Little did they know that it had been a long time since she had last seen such an amount of dappers.

As they came to the crossroads leading to the town, they stopped for a second and discussed if they should head for home at once of if they could take a detour into town and see if they could get something for their dappers. Perhaps even a present for their parents as a surprise. It was an easy decision since Dinah had to pass through the town anyhow in order to get home so Feuor and Nih'na decided that they would follow her on the way.

Feuor headed to the weapons crafter looking for a nice dagger to give to his father and found one at a bargain price together with a crafting needle that shimmered lightly. The merchant told him that if it was used correctly it could have a special effect in the armour crafted.

Nih'na had found an herbal tea which was made from special Stinga which was said to have a calming effect for her father, and for her mother she found a lovely hairpin.

They both met up with Dinah who was standing at the Armour merchant staring at a White Matis Light Armour with big eyes. They wondered if she had moved at all from that spot.

“That is a lovely dress Dinah.” Nih'na said as she came closer.

“Yes, it is. It would look lovely on my mother.”

“Then why don't you buy it for her?” Feuor asked as he stood behind the girls.

“I would so much like to.. but... it is costly.” Dinah said and lowered her head.

“Well, the price says 28 000 dappers.” Feuor stated as he looked at the armour.

“Yes... but I only have...” Dinah replied as she showed them her pouch.

“So, you lack what, 8 000 dappers?” Feuor asked, and got an elbow in the side from Nih'na for being so direct.

“Yes...”

“That is easily sorted I think. Excuse me, could you please hand that lovely armour to this girl here?” Nih'na said to the merchant who proceeded to get the armour off the hook and handing it to Dinah.

“But.. but I can’t... afford..” She started, but became still the moment she got to hold the armour

“Of course you can afford it Dinah. It is for your mother, am I right?” Feuor said as he poured some dappers from his pouch into Dinah's right hand.

He was soon followed by Nih'na who added her share of dappers.

“A gift of heart cannot be measured in dappers my friend. Give this to your mother as a gift from a loving daughter.” Nih'na said as she saw how Dinah both blushed and lit up with the joy of being able to give something back for her mother’s years of care..

“But.. how can I ... repay you both.?”

“Did you have fun today Dinah, with us?” Feuor asked her.

“Yes.. I had great fun. More then I can remember for years!” She replied honestly.

“That is payment enough, silly!” Nih'na said and smiled.