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dreamflowerIn spite of the change in scenery, this is still the same story, trust me...
On the fourth level of the City there was a quiet bustle of activity. The shops here belonged to the more affluent merchants of luxury goods. They had been emptied of their stock and boarded up months before, as their owners had taken themselves and their goods out of harm’s way. There had been very little damage this far up, and now that the King had returned, the craftsmen and shopkeepers were returning as well. Hopes were high that there would now be a demand for silks and jewels and other such fripperies since there was a court with courtiers who wished to impress. Speculation as to that could be heard in some of the conversation audible to passers by.
Legolas shook his head, amused. “These folk are in for a surprise if they think that their new King is going to be impressed by fancy clothing and pretty jewelry.”
Gimli chuckled. “They’ll soon learn. But there will be even more of a surprise when they open for business and discover that the merchants one level down can demand higher prices for more practical goods than they can for all their fol-de-rol.”
The Elf nodded. “There was more damage done there. But the stores of food, practical clothing and medicines are now far more valuable than silks and gems.” He glanced about. “Speaking of ‘open for business’ are you sure that this instrument maker you were telling me of has opened his doors?”
“Aye. I am certain. He, at least is doing a bit of business. Lord Denethor did not encourage the bards in his day, but now there is quite a demand for them.” He stopped. “Here we are.”
There was no sign up as yet, and there were laborers still removing boards from some of the windows, but the door did indeed stand open.
The shop owner was giving direction to one of his assistants, but his eyes went wide as he looked up to see who had entered the shop. An Elf. And a Dwarf. He knew instantly that these were two of the Nine Walkers, high in favor with the King.
“My lords!” He bowed obsequiously. “How may I serve you?”
Legolas cast an expert eye around the room, at the various musical instruments. “I have in mind to make a gift. But the instruments will need to be of a size for a child…”
****
I think the bunnies will soon lead me back to Pippin and Menelcar...
On the fourth level of the City there was a quiet bustle of activity. The shops here belonged to the more affluent merchants of luxury goods. They had been emptied of their stock and boarded up months before, as their owners had taken themselves and their goods out of harm’s way. There had been very little damage this far up, and now that the King had returned, the craftsmen and shopkeepers were returning as well. Hopes were high that there would now be a demand for silks and jewels and other such fripperies since there was a court with courtiers who wished to impress. Speculation as to that could be heard in some of the conversation audible to passers by.
Legolas shook his head, amused. “These folk are in for a surprise if they think that their new King is going to be impressed by fancy clothing and pretty jewelry.”
Gimli chuckled. “They’ll soon learn. But there will be even more of a surprise when they open for business and discover that the merchants one level down can demand higher prices for more practical goods than they can for all their fol-de-rol.”
The Elf nodded. “There was more damage done there. But the stores of food, practical clothing and medicines are now far more valuable than silks and gems.” He glanced about. “Speaking of ‘open for business’ are you sure that this instrument maker you were telling me of has opened his doors?”
“Aye. I am certain. He, at least is doing a bit of business. Lord Denethor did not encourage the bards in his day, but now there is quite a demand for them.” He stopped. “Here we are.”
There was no sign up as yet, and there were laborers still removing boards from some of the windows, but the door did indeed stand open.
The shop owner was giving direction to one of his assistants, but his eyes went wide as he looked up to see who had entered the shop. An Elf. And a Dwarf. He knew instantly that these were two of the Nine Walkers, high in favor with the King.
“My lords!” He bowed obsequiously. “How may I serve you?”
Legolas cast an expert eye around the room, at the various musical instruments. “I have in mind to make a gift. But the instruments will need to be of a size for a child…”
****
I think the bunnies will soon lead me back to Pippin and Menelcar...