2 Coins for Some Healing
The isle of Doe, has a unique establishment often visited by sea adventurers and even criminals. They often visited it not because of the witty humor of the owner but because of the value of the items being sold by the store owner to these travelers and adventure seekers.
It may be called Herbs and Supplies but it's worth every coins since the owner is well know for commodities such as healing salves and vials of antidotes and blood supplements. Some alchemy items are also might be found but only to those who have the hearts to learned the healing arts.
Unfortunately, these small fishing town on the island is not capable of producing talented healers and alchemists that may qualify to use these apparatus. Thus, they are left neglected and are only used as display.
To Marx, he always have been fascinated by the uniqueness and numbers of these so called items at this small shop. The owner, Rufus, had always been a crude but a meticulous person. He might have passed by for a few times now, but the only thing Marx received from the owner is a long accusing stare.
After seeing the shop owner, staring at him with a shocking look. He didn't dare opened his mouth, afraid that he might be shooed away which he don't want to happen, as he badly need to get those salves he can use in healing his wounds.
"Ahmm, here are the coins sir Rufus," he said. "I need those 2 small vials of healing salves, if you don't mind."
"What, are you doing boy? Get your self inside"
The store owner never have showed this strong emotion in front of him before. He always thought that the young man in front of him had always been cynical to the point he always ended up getting doubts from approaching the shopkeeper and asking for menial tasks he can do for some few coins.
"I've allowed you to stay to patch you up".
"You need some fixing boy, looks like you've lost a lot of blood. Here, drink this."
After cleaning the wound near hear his thigh and wrapping them with fresh silver grass and leftover oak barks.
After finishing a bottle of what looks like a blood supplement potion, the paleness of his face left within few seconds. He almost felt normal, except for the strong wafting smells of potions and what seemed to be strong acidic smell of nutgar honey wax balm which is left at the store owner counter.
Looking at the inside of the shop, he sees local produce sold by island folks to this small shop such as false corals found commonly and harvested by the island villagers sold. Earthen and rustic morels found in drifted logs and caves of the island and blue scaled worms which are bottled in jars known as high end potion ingredients for witchcraft and alchemy.
Due to the island being a resting hub for sea traders ships and pirates, the shop have accumulated medical items from the mainland through several channels. Often purchased through illegal means from swindlers and pirate vessels.
Luckily no one dared to harm the store owner as there have been rumors spreading across the island that the owner is a halfling. One resulted from the union of a human and elf and can use nature magic at will. Aside from having keen senses and natural talent for archery, they can practice druidic magic at the smallest scale.
"Rufus, sir. I' don't have that much." Marx being scared after realizing the owner's change of attitude and that something might happened to him if he denied the young man's good will. He simply offered the petty coins he had in him.
"I know, keep them. You definitely need them more than me. Looking how scrawny you are and guessing you haven't got a meal yet. Keep it, so I won't see you be begging in the streets." uttered the young man somehow fake smiling.
Somehow, young Marx thought of befriending the shop owner who seems to be amiable and not to dense as how he often looks.
"I'm leaving now, sir."
"I don't know how to pay your kind deed, sir."
"Well, just call me Rufus, boy."
"You must be Marx."
Amazed at the generous man who's looking seriously at him.
"I'm friends with the Ropps. Leo told me about your condition of being an orphaned and have only been in the island for a short time. They told me to ask you if you can work for me to earn some money for your meals."
Panic seen on his face, he never knew that the owner have kept an eye on him and have noticed his condition.
"I maybe an orphan too. My mother used to own this shop, 20 years ago and have passed away. I freely took over the store for her, as this house and her crafts are the only memento I have of her."
Marx looked at the young man, not knowing where to trust his word, as he only looks like a youth who haven't reach his prime yet.
"I'm already old according to human standard. I'm a halfling, Ruvinus Neldor Falynn. My father was an elven druid from the elvish continent. I haven't met him or any other elves, so I don't know about them."
Marx have nothing to say with the owner's revealing his self to him. The only thing he's thinking right now is to save energy so he can pay off the kindness of this halfling in front of him.
"Don't worry, Rufus. I can be your friend, if it's okay." Offering timidly to unease the awkward situation they're in.
"Hahahah. I like your personality kid. Don't get too emotional, or you get too soft."
"To survive this place you need to toughen yourself even though you don't have the strength. Just having the guts to stay strong will let you live for another day."
He deeply thought about the man's word. It truly is depressing to face the reality where he's in right now. He needs to be strong enough to protect his self from any selfish human actions that would lead to further downfall of his already broken self, or one that may even cost his life in the future.
