Eudom hated browsing the busier city market. Unfortunately for the farmer he could only get so many supplies in the village and so he always had a yearly visit to the busier port city. There he would trade any goods and supplies while getting the rare spices and items that he needed from the merchants. He admittedly would also go into a local bookstore to browse for old journals and tomes to claim for his library at home, his one habit that veered from working on the farm and hunting. It seemed today was quiet at least - that much he had thought until someone came crashing into him. Eudom let out a curse, especially when he realized that the thief had taken his coin purse. “Hey!” Eudom’s usual frown deepened as he bolted after the younger Yaeli, his steps taking him through the markets. The boy tried to be tricky but Eudom was determined and surprisingly managed to keep up with all of the twists and sudden turns the boy did during the chase. Brushing past others without any apologies to others as that would only slow him down, the grumpy Yaeli finally managed to corner the boy. “Give it back.” He demanded as he held out his hand. “Don’t even try anything funny, I’ve taken down bigger animals than you.” He looked extremely serious and it didn’t help that his scar and his crooked nose attested to the fact. This man was not playing around! Eudom already had his spear directed towards the boy, ready to sweep his legs if he tried darting past into the nearby alley. As the boy seemingly looked for some escape, Yaeli stepped forward in silent warning. Just try it, kid. This was his yearly allowance for the city, the coins that he had worked hard to earn so that he could bring home all of those spices that he so enjoyed. It would also help him to preserve meat throughout the colder months since he needed to buy salt as well. There was no way he would be showing mercy here!

“I’m sorry, sir.” The boy finally stated as he held out the coin purse. Eudom nodded and took a step forward to reclaim his coin before a soft gasp caught his attention.

“Brother!” A youngling darted forward to cling to the other teen. “Please don’t hurt him! He was just doing it for me.” Her gaze was wide, the silvery orbs filling with tears as she studied the spear warily. “Blame me and don’t hurt him!”

“I…” Eudom swallowed another curse before simply taking back his coin purse. “I am not hurting anyone. You shouldn’t be running about taking money either. It’s dangerous!” He chastised the children before slowly opening the purse and handing over two of his priced silver coins. “Just go and buy some food for yourself, the spice merchant may even have honest work if you ask her.” He knew that the lady had been swarmed with people so surely some extra hands would be fine. “Tell her Eudom sent you and if you even think about stealing from her I will remember.” He warned them, the pair of siblings looking at him in disbelief as they slowly took the coins.

“Th-thank you!” The boy nodded while the girl surprised Eudom by actually darting forward to hug him. Eudom blinked in surprise before awkwardly patting her on top of the head, his arm moving back to his side when she finally let go.

“You aren’t as scary as you seem after all!” She teased with a laugh before tugging her brother along after her. “Thank you, Mister Eudom!”

“Welp.” Eudom made a face before letting out a sigh as the kids disappeared. “So much for that extra book this time around.” Dammit he really had to do that, didn’t he? Still, it would be a shame for them to be struggling like that. Eudom shook his head before tucking his coin purse back into his satchel, this time further back, and going forward. He still had a few herbs to trade and surely could get enough spices and maybe even some tea if he haggled well enough. He was just thankful the boy hadn’t tried to snatch his herbs else they could have potentially been ruined. The delicate leaves were worth a fortune for merchants seeking medical supplies and Eudom would have been truly in trouble had he lost that income. Thankfully the gods had kept him safe and everything had worked out once more.

[756]