Varinia could honestly say she loved this time of year. Spring. While Oba was almost always hot, normally unbearingly so, Vari always thought that spring brought a slight relief from that heat. The winds a little cooler, the sun a little less hot. But more importantly, it also meant another year had gone by. They’ve seemed to be going by so quickly now that she had gotten older and was working more consistently but she supposed that was okay. It wasn’t that she was in a rush to grow older or anything, really it was just that she didn’t really have anything to NOT want time to pass so quickly. That kind of thinking wasn’t odd for her really, especially since her sisters were growing up. Which was one of the reasons she found herself in the market today. The girls were growing rapidly and were outgrowing most of the hand-me-downs Varinia had given them. And as Vari seemed to not be growing as much of late it meant she didn’t have many more clothes to give them. Which meant she had to resort to something else.

Vari was decent at sewing, her mother was much better at it, but it was why she had decided to purchase some fabric at the market for them. Wouldn’t they be excited to have some new clothes? She only hoped she could pick out a fabric or two that they would actually like. They had always gotten her old ones so she kind of assumed they would like whatever she would, though she could be completely wrong. Nevertheless, Varinia was sure they would be happy for clothes of their own. And with their mother sewing them, they could get any style they wanted!

Having come to the market as often as she had for Naevius, it didn’t really take her very long to find the first fabric vendor. She knew this man, Gupka, and had bought a few things from him for Naevius. He had an eye for interesting fabrics and patterns normally of grand quality. Be that as it was, he wasn’t someone Varinia could really afford to buy from for her family. She smiled at him and gave him a small nod of acknowledgement, and started on her way. The rotund leaf man didn’t seem to like the thought of her passing him on and quickly started to wave her his direction, most likely knowing how many purchases she had made in the past. ”Oh, Miss Varinia! You aren’t buying today? I got this delicate fabric in today and thought of you instantly!” The fabric was of a darkened red color, not too unlike the color of what she normally would buy. The pattern was delicate and refined and just the look of the fabric told her its price point was likely way above what she could afford, yet not so different from the quality of fabric she would buy for the Lady Naevius.

Varinia once more smiled at him but put her hand up in refusal. ”Unfortunately, Gupka, I’m not buying for my client today. Today is more of a…personal matter I need to attend to. My sisters are growing rapidly and need more clothing. Your wares are some of the finest in all of Oba, but I’m afraid too fine for my little sisters.” The underlying note there was that his wares were too expensive for her to buy without the money of her client and the vender likely understood that. Gupka’s smile faltered, she had bought from him so many times before but it had always been for her client then. Vari nodded once more and then started to walk away. But, just as before, Gupka started waving her down and trying to get her to stay for just a little longer.

”You say you need fabric more suited for…daily ware, yes?” Varinia could tell he was asking if she needed something of lower quality, something a bit sturdier. She nodded politely. Gupka was someone she bought from often for Naevius and all of his wares were of high quality. Gupka was trying to make the sale, and she could appreciate that but she wasn’t quite sure it was going to happen today.

”An associate owed me some money, he could not pay me with money so I took material goods in exchange. This fabric here, is one that was in the exchange. I think it would be better suited for your needs at maybe…one fourth our normal price?”

Varinia’s eyes grew wide as she listened to the man. The fabric was still of good quality. It seemed to be a bit sturdier which was what she needed. It was similar in color to that of Vari’s normal clothing but it was more ornate, the pattern was of similar quality and design to his others. It had Vari at a loss for words. ”Oh Gupka, you’re much too generous, I couldn’t possibly…”

Gupka held up a finger to stop her. ”I’ll give to you, if you only buy from me from your client from now on.” He raised his eyebrows at her, knowing the deal was a good one.

Varinia still stood there, shocked face and all. To use her connections with Naevius like this…was it right? Then again, Gupka had never done her wrong when she bought from him. Perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad thing after all. Varinia smiled with a nod. ”You’ve got yourself a deal Mr. Gupka!” They shook hands and he handed over the spool of fabric. It was so soft and Varinia knew she would have to have her Mom make her an outfit with this too.

”It was a pleasure doing business with you again, Miss Varinia.”

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