7.13 - Feed the Masses
Theo tried not to laugh at himself as he headed for the market. Since trade had increased to absurd levels—thanks to the harbor—he could find almost everything he needed at the market. His first instinct had been to pull out his communication crystal, contacting Fenian to request the materials. In recent days, it seemed the elf’s primary role in the world was less of a merchant and more of an adventurer. Or a crazed dude who ran around taking out whoever he wanted.
It might have been a problem, but it wasn’t Theo’s problem.
The scents within the market were a confusing mixture of grilled food, sweat, and animal droppings. The sights were somehow more shocking to the senses, displaying the full range of the races, and wares within Iaredin. It wasn’t unheard of, but Theo was shocked to see several dronon peddling wares at a booth. Even from a distance he could tell they were from an older Tworgnothi brood. Their skin was a shade that seemed like dull brass, and they wore interesting adornments from their horns.
Theo talked to them for a few minutes, but they were aloof. Like most dronon in the world, they were secretive. When he would ask an elf where they were from, they would proudly state their house and a short list of accomplishments. Humans liked talking about where they had been, while marshlings enjoyed giving accounts of the stuff they currently had on their person. Only those dronon who had gone to the heavens cared to share anything about themselves.
“Looking for anything in particular?” a particularly well-dressed elf as Theo was passing.
“Seed cores,” Theo said, leaning in to see the man’s wares. “You’re a coresmith.”
The elf shrugged. “I work for one. With my homeland in disarray, the laws concerning exporting seed cores have evaporated. Take your pick.”
Yes, people still enjoyed their money. None of the items on offer were free, forcing Theo to stretch his substantial budget to meet his needs. This elf had Small Farm Seed Cores on offer, but also the regular and large versions. Negotiating was Theo’s least favorite thing, so he spent as little time as possible on it. But it revealed that cash wasn’t as important as he first thought when the negotiation devolved into bartering.
Theo parted with more mythril than he was comfortable with, but the five seed cores he left with were worth it. Maybe, depending on how mad Throk was. He planned on not saying anything and denying responsibility when the shortage was noticed. For now, he had some seeds to plant and some Monster Cores to shove inside. At least Monster Cores were still cheap.