It was already late in the evening but the merchant seemed unfazed by the passing of time. He sat, poised and elegant, watching the world around him. He didn’t seem bored, even as he leaned forward and laced his fingers atop the table; below it, he kept his toe tapping to some silent tune in his head. He was tall, by human standards, though while sitting down he didn’t seem particularly threatening. If you didn’t look at his face.
He had graceful features--sharp and refined. His chin and nose tapered to a point, giving him an air of sophistication, but that, combined with his slitted eyes and pointed teeth, there was something undeniably predatory about him. He watched with a hungry gaze and a mischievous, nearly sinister smile. His ears were pointed and were prominent despite being tucked behind his vibrant, multi-colored hair. The most intrusive feature that indicated there was something not human about him were the curling horns protruding from his temples and the oil-slick black scales that brushed his cheeks and forehead. He was well dressed, in a fashion obviously otherworldly, and seemed to enjoy dressing himself up in glistening gemstones.
His table was somehow both simple and overwhelming; it was draped in a dark purple tablecloth, with extravagant embroidery in different designs. Scattered neatly atop the table was an array of items that seemed to carry some magical weight to them.
He did not seem intimidated in the slightest and, upon noticing that the barrier surrounding him rippled when his visitor entered, he smiled.
He did not rise to meet them nor adjust his position in the slightest. He followed them with his fierce eyes and greeted, in a silky voice, “Welcome.”
Bellalunae had been trying to be more active in the star festival activities this year. She felt like she had been missing out on so many things. She was allowing herself to get so wrapped up in writing her stories that she was forgetting to go out and live a little. After all how could she get more ideas for her stories if she didn't go out and explore? That is where the Star Festival came in - it gave her just that chance! She was determined to participate more and make the most of the festivities.
Tonight though her first event she wanted to attend was to find this mysterious trader she had heard all about. She was determined to find out what this trader had to offer and perhaps trade for something that could give her some inspiration. With curiosity and excitement, she embarked on a journey to finally meet the mysterious trader. She wasn't sure where to go. So she did the first thing that came to mind.
"Mysterious trader? Are you out here somewhere?" she said as she felt the paws of her feet touch the grass where she was walking. And then just like that she noticed a table that looked different from all the booths. She had a feeling that the mysterious trader was the one behind the table. She was filled with anticipation and excitement as she slowly walked towards it, taking in all the details of the table.
The Space Cauldron
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2023 11:14 pm
“I am. Right here, my dear.” He waved from the table he was seated at and leaned forward a bit.
“You’re such a tiny little thing, aren’t you? Go ahead, you can jump up here.”
He stretched just a bit so he could clear out a space on the table, and he patted the now emptied-space on the table cloth.
“I don’t want you to have to shout for me to hear you. You’re a cute little thing, aren’t you? I’m sure you get that all the time. Have you come to see what wares I’ve brought? I have plenty of treasures to trade.”
Bellalunae quickly jumped onto the table with all her might and held a pod in her mouth. Once she landed she quickly gathered her bearings and straightened her fur. Now the whole table was in clear view. Much better than what she saw from the ground. Not only that, she could see the trader more clearly now. He had graceful features--sharp and refined. He was definitely a fascinating fellow.
Having not had to yell from the grass made her so happy. She was now in the perfect position to offer. She had the right item to trade for what she wanted. She was confident the trader would accept her offer.
"Thank you for your assistance, and not as often as I'd like, but I don't mind the compliment," she said with a small smile. To her, it didn't bother her to be called cute. After all it was something she enjoyed now, since when she lived on the streets it was never a word she would have ever been called.
"Actually yes I have. I got this pod from a tree nearby, and I thought you might be interested in trading for it." She spoke as she pushed the strange pod towards the trader with her nose.
"I don't know much about it, but I think it might be worth it! What do you think?" She asked, looking up into the trader's eyes, a hint of anticipation in her own.
The Space Cauldron
Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2023 10:57 am
Though Almadel couldn’t help but take a quick glance to assure that there weren’t little teeth marks in the pod, he seemed satisfied that the shell was hard and unpunctured.
Oh, she was precious.
“I am very interested in trading for that, yes. Thank you! I can’t imagine it was easy for you to get here. Which means the effort you used to bring it to me deserves a bit of extra reward, don’t you think? I hope you don’t mind,” he said, and picked up the pod so he could admire it. He held it up, shook it slightly, and seemed to be judging its weight before he nodded and set it back down.
“It’s a lovely specimen. You’ve got good taste. And as such, that good taste should be rewarded with as much, I think. Let’s see if we can’t find something to make this worth your while.”
He hummed thoughtfully as he glanced across the tables he had set out, and though a few things seemed to catch his eye, in the end he returned his gaze to her.
“Tell me about yourself, little one. We’ll find something precious for you.”
Bellalunae was so excited that the trader was interested in her pod. This trade was already off to a wonderful start, or at least she thought it was. When she heard an extra reward her eyes lit up like the fourth of July. Now she will admit getting that pod took way more effort than she cared for. "Extra reward? That would be awesome. Thank you," she replied to Almadel as she watched him checkout her pod further. She was slightly worried as she watched him examine it, but overall he seemed to like it very much. Maybe all that extra work to get that pod was worth it after all. She was pleasantly surprised by Almadel's offer and felt more reassured as she saw his appreciation of her hard work.
"That sounds good to me. I'm interested to see what you have," she said as she listened to the question he asked next. Now that was weird, he wanted to know about her? But why? No one asked about her before. So she just decided to be completely honest.
"Well I live with a human family in a family hotel, but I'm originally from the streets. Um...recently, I've wondered why nega fight orders. I've been trying to find answers but being a nega kitten, not many people trust me. I don't blame them since I am dark as night, and I guess it's just implied I'm always up to no good." That last part really did get her, just like when she lived on the streets. No one ever tried to see if she was evil or bad luck, they just assumed that being a black cat it was just implied.
As she finished thinking that last thought she hoped that was the answer he was looking for. Since she wasn't entirely sure if she answered it properly. She held her breath, hoping the answer was significant to find her something wonderful to trade for.
The Space Cauldron
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2023 11:20 pm
Almadel gasped, either in dramatic fashion or genuine surprise. “They think you are up to no good? Oh, ridiculous. You’re adorable, I’d put you in my pocket and steal you away if I had the chance. Those people don’t know what they’re missing. What if I could give you a friend? It can’t do much, but you’d never have to be alone. Mm.”
He moved to a jewelry box and pulled a cameo pendant. The background was black but carved in white marble was a beautiful woman. Her eyes were closed, but she seemed at peace. She looked human, but there was something ethereal about her features. The backing was silver, and he strung the pendant onto a pretty silver chain before he presented it to her.
“If you put it on, you can see her. Legend is that she’s a peaceful spirit who loved this world so strongly she decided not to move on. She’ll keep you company. Though, she doesn’t talk. And she can’t interact, really. But she’s got a very peaceful nature about her. And she’s such a good listener. I bet you could talk to her about anything.”
That was probably rather easy when the ghostly shape of a woman hovered no less than a foot away, and no more than fifteen. She never strayed from such distance, and only seemed to move when there were no eyes on her. She was a beautiful phantom, in an old fashioned dress, and she often stood with her hands folded in front of her, or sat with her hands in her lap. She smiled at all times, and both he and her outfit were a pale, semi-translucent white color.
“Only the wearer can see her. You can take a peek if you like. I’ve worn that a few times, she’s kept me company on many of my trips. But I’d rather she go to a good home, and I think she’d be happier here than with me. You let me know if you like it, you can try it on. That way, even if no one else is trusting you, she will. You seem too sweet to be up to no good, though. I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t trust you. She could be a silent support system. A cheerleader from the sidelines. I find her very inspiring. A little spooky, but. If it’s too much for you, we can find something else.”
Bellalunae couldn’t believe what she heard. Someone didn’t believe she was up to no good and complimented her. This was new for her and she couldn’t help but blush at all the kind words. Her ears perked up at the sound of a friend. A friend would be amazing, since she was so tired of being alone. Even if she never admitted to that. "Thank you.." she said shyly under her breath as she noticed the jewelry box.
Her eyes darted to the jewelry box and she watched as he pulled out the pendant. She couldn’t believe the beautiful item he pulled out. That was for her? But how could someone give something so beautiful to her? She couldn't believe it.
As he explained more about the pendant, she really wanted to put it on now. She didn’t mind if she didn’t talk. The legend of her just being there was enough. Just having someone there would be wonderful. Maybe she could help her feel calm even when people fear her. Maybe she can remind her to take a deep breath before approaching.
"Yes, please! I’d love to take a look, thank you.” She said her excitement showed through very easily. Just hearing that she had kept him company gave her the hope that she was just what she needed. How could this trade find her such a perfect item? It was as if finding him was something she never knew she had to do. Having someone on the sidelines cheering for her sounded like a dream.
Not only that but when he mentioned spooky she had to chime in, “Oh and don’t worry about being spooky. I love all things spooky and haunted. So I think we’ll get along great,” she said with a smile as she waited for her turn to see her new friend. She honestly sounded beautiful to her, and the anticipation of seeing her with her own eyes was killing her.
The Space Cauldron
Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2023 11:32 pm
Almadel offered a kind, understanding smile, and seemed all too happy to pass the pendant along for her inspection. “Is that so? Then, maybe it is fate that I should be able to introduce you two.”
He waited patiently for her, and though he could not see the ghostly spirit he spoke of, while Bellalunae wore the necklace she stood off of the side. She had a kind face, but there was something eerie about her. She was mostly transparent, and her form seemed out of place. Light sources had no effect on her, and though she seemed to stare off into empty space, sometimes she turned her head to regard Bellalunae, or Almadel.
And yet, for the strangeness she brought with her, she seemed to offer no harm. She was a silent spectator. The hem of her dress didn’t touch the ground, and though the wind blew the grass beneath her, she was perfectly still.
There was an energy in her, like she was waiting for something to happen.
She locked eyes with the Mauvian, briefly, and the corners of her lips seemed to turn up into a little smile.
