The one thing they never tell country folks is how loud cities can be. Especially the docks. The ship had barely turned off the River Avir before my ears were assailed with the din of the urban masses at work. From the hawking of fishmongers to the laughter of children, the collective voice of a sea of humanity was unlike anything I had heard back home. As the boat pulled closer and the walls of the harbor drew nearer, I was soon assaulted by the stench of the city. That, at least, was a familiar smell, reminiscent of the barn near the family croft. The lumbering shop, more a plodding barge, pulled along the quay and off and I jumped. I was here with a purpose, a mission. Though the mass of humanity was intimidating, on I pushed. Yet I was nary ten seconds through the crowds, thronging around the portside bazaar, when a voice called out to me.
"Welcome! What brings you to this lovely city? Adventure? Wealth? Or some grand aspirations to elevate your place in society?”
I turn to see a man, finely dressed, looking straight at me. His face lights with a smile as I look left and right to confirm if it was me to whom he spoke.
"Yes, yes you. Come, humor me. What brings you to our fair port?"
I know not why he spoke to me, and I know less still why I replied.
"I am searching for medicines for my village. There was a dreadful outbreak of Great Pox and many are ill. Our village herbalist died this winter and without medicines from the city, I fear the whole town will perish." Quickly, I add. "Worry not, good sir, I don't have the affliction. I survived it in my youth, during the Plague of King Armini. Please, do you know where an apothecary might be found?" My shoulders, and indeed my whole body, begin to sag, with obvious sadness.
Yevgeny viewed the well-dressed stranger with apprehension. His eyes darted to the left and right while his hands dropped to his belt, where a small hilt and coin purse lay.
"My reasons are my own, stranger. What interest would a bag like you have with the likes of me, hmm?"
Yevgeny gestured to his own clothing, a much poorer fare than the well-dressed stranger.
"Unless you know me or mine, I will be on my way. Good day."
OOC: I realize I had the PoV for the RP sample wrong based on glancing at some other applications. I have edited it accordingly.
Recommended Comments