《LEUR: The Unsung Tales》Chapter 20: A Way with Words

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The street the party is on curves off to the east, turning to a large square with a fountain. Standing by the fountain is a small creature of greenish skin, ears longer and pointier than an elf's, with bright yellow eyes. Long, gangly arms ending in sharp claws gesture about wildly as the creature stands before a laid out mat overrun with a variety of items from potions to books to clothes and even a weapon or two. "Come one, come all! Look at Beejnak's wares, peruse the finest quality items! Scrap, they say! Junk, they say! Bah! Beejnak know good quality when he sees it, yes! Come, come!" Those shifty eyes spot the party and the creature giggles. "Ooooh! Fresh faces here in the Iron City! Come, come! Look at my wares! Beejnak give good price to visitors, show hospitality of Kaina in every transaction, yes!"

"What in the world are you?" Hope ponders, leaning down to look at the strange creature, who stands proudly and grins with wickedly pointed teeth. "I am Beejnak, goblin by birth, merchant by trade. You are devilkin. Hell flesh. You and I much alike."

"How do you figure?" Hope looks down at the mat full of items, picking up a small silver ring with a square emerald set in it.

Beejnak steps back to allow the party to peruse. "Monsters, they call us. Born of monsters, Beejnak was, but this does not define him. Beejnak is own person, make big impact with shiny trinkets." One gangly claw gestures to the ring in Hope's hand. "Enchanted, it is. Protection from poisonous creatures and gases. Saved many lives, it has."

"What about this?" Amadeo asks, holding up a book bound in leather with a title in runic lettering. The goblin smiles wider than before. "Wizard spellbook, it is. Magical secrets, protected by wards. Beejnak try reading, turned into chicken for two days. You want? I give for five sove-" The coin graces Beejnak's palm before the goblin has even finished naming his price. He blinks and makes a noise somewhat like a surprised coo. "Oooh! Thank you for your patronage, human friend. Beejnak glad to be rid of that thing. Did not enjoy time as chicken, chased many times by dogs." The goblin shudders.

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Tyrion looks over the various items, before lifting out of the pile a crossbow made mostly of wood with brass filigree etched along the side of the barrel. "Oh...This is beautiful. How much for this lovely thing?"

"Ah, that special item, highly recommended for anyone who doesn't want their enemies to get too close. Beejnak call it the Gust Shot, not sure who made it. Definitely magical. For new friends, Beejnak say one hundred and fifty gold pieces!" The goblin grins wide as Tyrion's face drains of color. "I don't think we have enough-"

"Throw in this armor and rod. Say three hundred for all of em?" Anna holds up a rod with a single ruby at the top, arcane runes dotting the ruby's surface. Her other hand grasps a breastplate that she holds in front of Hope, who looks down at the armor curiously. "What's with the fish and seashells?" The devilkin wonders aloud about the etched decorations along the armor's surface.

The goblin frowns. "Hmmm, you seek three items for the price of two? Beejnak is generous, but not that generous." Anna's eyes seem to glow for a moment with a golden shine as she dips her finger in a makeup tin, brushing gently over her cheeks with it. "Come now, Beejnak. If you do us this small favor, we may be more inclined to come back." Her words seem to echo for a brief moment, as Beejnak's eyes glaze over. "No. Beejnak thinks three hundred is too high. For new friends, we make it two-seventy-five. Beejnak accepts this as good faith transaction."

Anna smiles, as a stunned Hope shells out the coin to the goblin. "Thank you, Beejnak. We'll be sure to return if we're in need of more goods."

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The formerly frowning goblin waves at the dark elf with a smile as the party departs. "What did you do to him?" Hope looks back at the still smiling goblin as he goes about his business once more.

"A little spell, that's all." Anna shrugs. "It's effective, but hopefully he won't feel too bad about it. He seemed really nice, just kinda stingy."

"Well, as nice as this gear you snagged us is, that was most of my savings. We're gonna need to be careful about what we spend our money on. Don't want to go broke renting a room for the night."

Though Hope's words are gentle, Anna frowns. "Sorry. I should have thought of that."

The devilkin shakes her head. "Nah, you're fine. No sense keeping money to stay in a fancy place when it can be put to better use keeping us alive. Besides, we're in a port city. Maybe it'll come in handy." Patting Anna's head, Hope smiles. "Come on, let's go see about jobs and a place to stay."

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