[Training] [SE] Goldi-fins

kaiden

There is no shame in survival
Only strength

Kaiden grumbled under their breath but moved to follow Hadama. No. But let's go. With how seldom the mershark came to the city, most of its shops and stalls were still unfamiliar. The promise of flounder was too good to pass up, so they'd force down their uncertainty and go along with it.

They arrived shortly and with a wary eye towards both the old woman and the goods, Kaiden made a choice. Coughing awkwardly, they pointed at one of the flounders. "This one...please." They held out a well-preserved fossilized shark tooth that they'd found as payment for the woman. It wasn't much. But it was what the mershark had.

And although their use of manners might be odd, even Kaiden knew not to mess with the people handling their food.

coding by kaons

The woman accepted the tooth, looking it over critically before giving Kaiden a nod of agreement. She pulled the flounder off the display and onto a counter at the back of the stall to wrap it neatly in a long, broad kelp leaf. The stem of the leaf was still flexible and made a knot to hold the whole package together with enough sticking up from the top to provide a handle to carry it with while the mershark swam.

By the time she'd finished and handed it over, Hadama had pulled aside three of the largest fish. He retrieved a small, sealed jar from the bag at his side and the shopkeep's eyes gleamed avariciously. Rhampire? she asked, already reaching for it.

Smoked, Hadama rumbled in agreement, solemnly handing it over. She snatched it out of his hand and it disappeared beneath the counter as she quickly dressed his own LongNight provisions. A few minutes later the shark and the manta were on their way once more.

You are welcome to visit at LongNight, the King offered courteously, even if the younger Mer was unlikely to take him up on the offer. Strong currents at your back, Kaiden. With that, Hadama headed back to the palace to take up his duties once more.

~Fin~