And she got to go shopping as well.
Figuring out to pay for it would be a problem though, even though she knew that she could try and trade something. That might work, but it didn't change the fact that she didn't know what she could barter for what. It was still fun though, as even if she wasn't normally paid or inclined enough to do a lot of it, there were so many wonderful and new things here that she couldn't help but browse.
Like the dress she was looking at right at the moment. It was a wonderful cut that showed just enough cleaveage and leg to be sexy, but gave off an air of tastefullness and dignity. But the most amazing thing about it wasn't the size or fit. That distinction was left for the material itself, which felt like silk, but shimmered in differing shades of red depending on how one looked at it.
"You like?" asked the diminutive shop owner.
"I do," the reporter replied, nodding her neatly coiffed head. "But how much would this cost."
"Several hundred crowns."
That made the human woman let go of the garment. "I don't think I have that sort of money, at least in any that's usable here."
"Is so? Would look good on you."
"I know and I'd love to show it off wherever I could... But what can you do?"
"Hmmm... you herald?"
"They've been calling me that."
"You would tell everyone where you get dress, yes?"
"Of course. What does that have to do with anything?"
"Everything!" the dressmaker declared, "You pay through telling, and trade."
"For what?"
"Dress of course. Not this one, but make nice one you wear. Come now."
"Hey! What are you doing?"
"Getting other clothes off so we can see what body have. Already can tell it nice. Good skin, firm chest."
"EEEP!" the reporter squeaked as she found herself being made to bend over the dressmaker with her blouse open.
"Am I interrupting something?" asked a male voice.
Both the reporter and the dressmaker looked to see a soldier in the entrance.
"Why you come?" asked the dressmaker.
"Ummm... We've been asked to pay up to a hundred crowns for anything the heralds want," the wide eyed soldier asked.
"See? You pay for dress I make. Come now."
The reporter gulped and hoped she wasn't getting in over her head.
Looking over the tray in front of her, the reporter frowned. "These aren't like the ones in the evironmental services place, are they?"
"What do you mean?" asked the shopkeeper frowned.
"I mean, there won't be any women coming out of them, will there?"
"Of course not! That would be completely immoral. That was a sentient being, and anyone who would enslave one wouldn't be tolerated."
"I see," she told him as she remembered her tearful reaction to her experience there, "I just wanted to make sure. I mean, I've never considered buying a plant from another world before."
"I understand, and trust me, this is not only perfectly safe, but it can be beneficial."
"It can?"
He smiled at her. "It can. They flower and a lot of times bring in positive energy so that things where they are can't help but be better. And some even say that they ward off the bad things."
"Well, it is a beautiful plant..."
"And it will stay that way so long as you feed, water and care for it."
"Good, but how much will this cost?"
"Only about fifty crowns. And that is with instructions, even though it's not like this would be a major problem. It actually helps those around it."
"Then it's okay?" she asked the soldier standing over her.
"It will," he said with a nod.
The shopkeeper grinned. "Then it's settled. You'll be buying this, and I'm sure that both of you'll be happy."
Trying to keep quiet, the plant spirit between them agreed, and was glad to go with the human with that was giving off that nice aura.
There was something to be said for a guy who could twirl an axe twice the size of his head.
Especially when he was half the size of the person looking at him.
"Now what were you saying about my work?" the dwarven smith asked, "That they were 'kitchen knives'?"
Gulping, the reporter tried to think fast, and only could come up with the truth. "I wasn't talking about all of them! Only the ones with the jewels and stuff on them for the most part. Those are only sharp enough for butter. But the ones over there look like real ones, the type somebody might actually use..."
"Is that so..?"
"Yeah! It is..."
"Then why didn't you say that? You have an eye for that, you know," the dwarf told him as he put his axe down.
"I... wasn't thinking. And then... well... I was kind of scared..."
"Of this little thing? Don't be. I'm a smith, boy, not a murderer. Besides, I only use it as something to keep my hands occupied when I'm bored or frustrated."
"Oh..."
"Now, why don't we see what we can get someone who appreciates a real blade. Nothing too fancy or dangerous, you understand. I think I've even got one with one of those fancy 'Elven enchantments' that you might like. Keeps it sharp no matter what."
"Oh... Okay..."
At the same time,:
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(Posted Mon, 05 Apr 2004 21:35)
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