But markets had always been hives of information and gossip, as well as being a place to see how the common people went about things. Not only could one get a bit more of a true story, but one could get a better vibe of how a place was. So they had basically agreed with going to see how their idea of a 'market' went.
And in all fairness, it wasn't that different than one would otherwise expect in certain areas of Earth.
"This is your 'market level'?" Nuke asked over the din of the milling groups of people.
Tchon nodded and gestured at the various stalls and shops in front of them. "While we are mainly a defense post, we have all sorts of people, from explorers, entrepreneurs, and prospectors, to simple travellers and wanderers, passing by, and they need supplies and the occasional luxury good, just as our crew does. So, we have this place as somewhere that goods and services might be brought and sold."
"Like a sort of... frontier trading post," Jerald commented.
"Pretty much."
"And what sort of things are sold here?"
"Foods, tools, and parts mainly. And we have food delicacies, varied clothings, games and other items sold mainly just for enjoyment."
Les put his microphone to the front. "Could we buy something here?"
"Perhaps, but this can get specialised by group," the general warned.
"What about this bottle of what looks to be... liquor?"
"I wouldn't try that if I were you," put in a soft feminine voice.
The assorted reporters turned to look and saw an attractive woman looking at them, which wasn't too odd. But the dark skin, amber eyes, white hair and pointed ears told them that she quite definately wasn't human. Most of the guys still appreciated the view though, and a few of the women looked down at themselves with a frown.
Except for the little dog that settled for yipping at her.
"Why would you say that?" Jerald asked.
"Because that is a Dwarven drink, and they have more... stamina than many of the other races, including humans. But if you want to be flat on your back drunk, be my guest."
"That's good to know, miss...?"
"Duara," she replied, and crossed her arms over her chest, "And I assume that you're the heralds from the Prince's original world?"
"Uhh... I suppose that might be it," Nuke hesitantly agreed, "But you don't seem to be... excited by it, or anything."
"Why should I be?"
"Your ruler is looking for a bride, and you don't think that's a major event?"
"It is big, I'll give you that, but he's already proven himself to me."
"Oh? How is that?"
She gave him a curious smirk. "My group was fleeing our homeland to get away from the rest of our 'kind'. We weren't like most of them you see, and they didn't want anyone who wasn't a backstabbing, viscious and cruel monster there, or anywhere. So they'd been trying to kill us for a while there, and we'd kept on the move to stay away, and alive. But once we got to Rangard, we were not only allowed in, he didn't even stop to think about giving us a home. We could have brought our enemies to his doorstep, and he still brought us, men, women and many, many children, under his protection. So, even with all this foolishness, he still has my loyalty and support."
"And what if we met your people and... killed them?" Jerald asked.
"Those we were running from?"
"Yes. What if we got rid of most of your people?"
"If you got rid of those monsters, I'd be ecstatic, and help you do it if I could. As it is... I'd protect your people from them if I were able."
Several of the reporters blinked at that, and looked at the woman in front of them with assessing gazes.
Settling for merely raising a brow, Tchon nodded. "As we would all do. But at this moment, we don't have to worry about such things, and you all still have a tour to continue. If you wouldn't mind, I'm sure that each of you might be interested in what is on sale here."
That got their attention back to him, and they returned his nod, while:
(Posted Sat, 20 Mar 2004 00:17)
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