21Scandium

Aithen tries his best to offer a cordial smile, "Well, I don't quite know. This is just where they dropped me off."

The gentleman responds in an exaggerated aghast tone, "How couldn't you know? Alive is no state to be in without a plan. Come, we will take a look around. The market is the perfect place to find something that speaks to you," already turning to leave as he trails into an explanation of the many merchandises and vendors in the area.

Aithen tentatively follows the stranger, glancing at each stall through the shifting crowd, "Are you trying to sell me something? I do-" 

The man turns and cuts Aithen off, "Well obviously. . . but no," and turns again to gesture towards a jeweler to his left.

Aithen shakes his head confused, "Hold on. . ." he tries to understand what the man could mean and gives up, "Listen, I appreciate the tour, but I do not have anything to pay you with,"

The man laughs "You are lost, aren't you?" he places a hand behind Aithen's shoulder and gently turns him towards the vendor across the street, "I do not mean to sell you an object. I want you to buy something you are selling. You see the jeweler. Why do you think he does what he does?"

Aithen shrugs "Because he makes money?"

"Yes but no-"

"You are the most frustrating man I have ever talked to" 

"Shut up, let me finish," The man pauses and recollects his wizened tone "It is because he loves selling, and I know this because I know him."

Aithen smirks "Ah, so you are trying to get me to buy your friend's jewelry?"

"No, don't buy his stuff, it's all fake," he says dryly 

"What?"

He shoots Aithen a glare "I said let me finish" he pauses again "He does what he does because he enjoys it, not because he makes much. If he wanted to make much, he'd sell real jewelry. . . the bastard" he grumbles.

"So, you are telling me to scam people?" Aithen says confused 

"My word you're dense," the man rubs his temple "I am telling you to do what brings you satisfaction. For him it is getting one over on people but for you it can be something else. Please." The man pats Aithen on the shoulder and walks off, leaving Aithen to ponder the lesson "Take a look around, see what suits you. I should get going"

So, Aithen stood in the market for a moment, then started wandering.