Indomitable Marvel

Managing to find the general store Theoric entered to find an old man watching the place who looked like he's seen better days.

He did, however, brighten up when he witnessed the angel that is Sigyn walk into his shop.

Putting on a stupid grin he asked in a hoarse sounding voice- "Well, well, well, How can I help this lovely lady?"

Sigyn giggled at seeing Theoric unhappy face at being completely ignored.

Theoric stepping in front of her asked for a map,- "First I would like a map, and then maybe we can discuss other things."

The old man frowned at having his view blocked, but took note of the giant man before him, donned in grand gear, and kept the vulgarities he was used to spewing to others to himself.

The old man grabbed one from under the counter and placed it on top for Theoric to look at before slamming his hand on top of it, just as Theoric was about to grab it.

Old man- "Now, now, not so fast, I was only willing to bring it out because of your grand appearance, but we both know that maps are a rare commodity, you can count your blessings I have one at all... (He leaned back in his seat with the map in his hands) Now tell how much your offering to look at this here map?"

Maps still weren't widespread beyond those of status or military personnel, common folk would hardly see them and would rely on word of mouth or road signs if there were any to find where things are.

Theoric was at a loss, he wasn't sure what he should give since he didn't have any of their currency available.

Theoric- "Anything in particular that you want?"

The old man grew irritated, thinking Theoric was trying to play him- "Money is always best, just take out some coin, why are you so stingy."

Theoric hearing they were on the coin system dug out a silver spoon from the baggage knowing Sigyn probably stuffed in some kitchenware.- "How many coins will you give me for this?" he asked placing it no the counter.

The old man's eyes widen seeing the spoon, thinking this man was not simple if even his dinnerware was made of silver.

The old man stroked his beard with his left hand as he took a closer look at the spoon with his right as he thought about how much to give.

"This does look well crafted, the right buyer would pay well for it, but with only just one I'll probably just melt it down for the silver so I can only give you three silver for it, now if you had a full set, things would be different."

Theoric seeing no need to keep the kitchenware decided to bring out the rest and asked again- "So how much for a full set?"

The old man didn't miss the fact that he just pulled a full set of silver kitchenware out of his luggage, which was strange, to say the least, he knew better to pry though.

"Well I'll be honest with you, I don't think I have enough coin to buy it off you, just take it as an old man rambling, I'm sorry but did you really think this small village had that kind of wealth?" he asked Theoric giving him a curious stare.

Theoric waved him off- "Just spend what coin you can, I don't have any on me at the moment so you would be doing me a favor."

The old man gave him a strange look wondering how this grand armored man didn't have any coin, sighing he agreed not wanting to make the man angry- "Alright I'll help you out, I can take enough for one person, a knife, fork, and spoon should do it, I'm sure I can find a buyer, I'll give you 10 silver and 50 bronze, that's the best I can do, it should tie you over until you get to a bigger town where you can sell the rest of you wares with ease."

Theoric nodded- "Sure, and about the map?"

The old man squinted his eyes- "You can look at it, but I'm not giving it to you." he said placing it on the counter.

Theoric went over the map before giving it back, telling Sigyn- "This place is nice, it's just close enough to some places but far enough away that it's remote, I'm thinking we set up a home and stay here for a bit, what do you think?"

Sigyn grinned- "I'll let you decide these things, I'm just happy being with you."

Theoric turned to the old man- "Well since that's decided how about you tell me your name and a bit about this place, I'm Theoric and this is my lovely wife Sigyn."

The old man gave a silly grin to Sigyn- "Why hello there my dear, my name is Archibald Caesonius Crispus, I come from a long line of famous merchants despite my recent decline in status and wealth, I still have some influence in certain circles." he boasted.

Theoric- "Alright Archi, settle down, tell me about the village, about that young master Lar with two bodyguards and such."

Archibald frowned- "Please refer to me as Archibald, not Archi, as for this village, what's there to say, it's remote, it's poor, and it's ruled by Lar's father who has taken over the place, effectively creating his own little kingdom away from anyone who could threaten his rule."

Theoric- "Tell me about his character, do the people like him or hate him? What is it like to live here?"

Archibald- "Well he showed up about 5 years back now with a hired group of men to take over, he did try at first to do it in an upright manner stating it was all official from the king or whatnot, but his true colors started to show when he effectively named himself lord of our village and took all the wealth for himself while suppressing the rest, let me ask you a question, is it just you here?"

"Yes."

Archibald- "Well then a word of advice would be to take your wife and leave as soon as you can and find a place more accommodating."

Theoric ignored the warning as he continued his line of questioning- "Tell me who in town people respect and look up to."

Archibald wondered what he was after as he took another close look at this man- "Why?" he questioned, but seeing Theoric not answer he proceeded to tell him,- "If I have to name someone, there's no question that it would be Atticus the head hunter, he use to stand up to Lar's dad, Caelus, but after his son got injured he retreated to his home to take care of him, I don't think he'll stick around once his son is good enough to travel."

Theoric having heard enough thanked the old man and left thinking on how best to clean the place up before settling down.