The afternoon sun illuminated the bustling marketplace as Elliot walked deeper into the commercial district. The streets were filled with merchants, customers, travelling readers and families enjoying their afternoon. Colorful awnings stretched over wooden stalls protecting their merchandise from the sunlight.'' Fresh vegetables! Harvested these morning!'' a man said advertising his product.'' come and see our finest fabrics.'' come and see our finest fabrics! Imported from the eastern territories!' 'A woman said as people lined up in front of her stall.'' freshly baked still warm!'' A beast folk baker said .at a fruit stall a merchant was arranging apples into a wooden basket then a customer approached. ''good afternoon how much for these?'' a man said' 'one doubloon'' the merchant said.'' one doubloon? That's reasonable I will take it'' the man said. The merchant smiled and packed the apples.'' Thank you sir, may the lord bless your household.'' The merchant said.'' and yours'' The buyer said as he quietly left .A little farther away another merchant was having a less peaceful conversation. ''Three doubloons? Are you serious'' The buyer said. A customer stood before a stall selling beautiful crafted furniture''
''madam! Please look at the craftsmanship'' the merchant said.' 'it's a small wooden cabinet'' the customer said.'' it's made from enchanted oak'' the merchant said.'' does enchanted oak mean it should cost a fortune? ''she said as the merchant rubbed his forehead.'' madam three doubloons is a fair price for these piece'' the merchant said.'' good luck finding one with these craftsmanship' 'the merchant said then the woman folded her arms.''your'e quite confident aren't you?'' the customer said.'' because I know my work!'' the merchant said. Elliot glanced at them and chuckled before continuing. Nearby a father was trying to convince his daughter to leave a confectionary stall. ''come along sweetheart, we've bought enough ''The father said.'' but father I haven't tried the strawberry cakes!'' the daughter said.' 'You had one yesterday'' the father said.'' but yesterday's strawberry cake was different'' she said. '' How'' the father asked.
''this one has more strawberries'' she said as the shopkeeper laughed.'' She's got a point, sir'' these are especially delicious today'' the merchant said as the father gave the merchant a suspicious look.'' you're not helping'' the father said .Elliot smiled as he passed.at a nearby teashop, two elderly gentleman were having a conversation over their drinks .''Have you heard my grandson has finally joined the church,, he is going to be a priest'' he said. ''really that's wonderful'' the second man said. yes the boy has been studying magic day and night'' the man said,'' well, hopefully, he should remember to study his manners too' 'the second main said as the two old men burst into laughter .a group of beast folk children ran past them chasing a little wooden ball. ''Wait for me'' one of the kids said.'' your too slow'' the kid in front of him said.'' that's because you cheated!'' the kid replied a nearby shopkeeper raised his voice.'' carefull watch where you going'' the shop keeper said.'' sorry!'' the children said as they quickly disappeared into the crowd. Elliot shook his head amused he passed a blacksmiths stall where a dwarf was demonstrating a newly crafted farming tool. '' see this strong excellent iron grip and perfectly balanced'' the dwarf said as the farmer inspected it.'' will it withstand rocky soil'' the farmer said. ''rocky soil, my friend this thing could survive a lifetime of farming'' the dwarf said as the farmer laughed and examined it again .meanwhile two women were examination a collection of colorful fabrics .''I think the blue one would look lovely'' the first woman said.'' really I was thinking about the first one'' the second woman said.'' the red one is good but the red one but the blue matches your eye'' the first woman said as the shopkeeper immediately joined the conversation.'' your friend has excellent taste madam'' The shopkeeper said as the second woman looked at him.''you're just trying to sell us something'' The first woman said ''of course but it doesn't mean I'm wrong the shopkeeper said as both women laughed and Elliot continued walking as Elliot noticed a centaur delivering several packages to a merchant a fairy helping her elderly neighbor carry a shopping basket, and a travelling family asking for directions to the nearest inn. At another corner, a baker handed a small loaf of bread to a young boy.'' here you go fresh from the oven'' the baker said. ''thank you sir.'' the young boy said.'' tell your mother I said hello'' the baker said'' I will'' the boy said as he hurried away Elliot's expression softened. there was something pleasant about all of this nobody was trying to impress a powerful knight or performing for royalty. They were simply living their live. he wanted a merchant patiently explains the quality of his merchandise to a elderly customer, while another helped a young mother lode of her purchase into a basket, the marketplace was full of stories and Elliot was enjoying being a part of them, even if only a passerby. Then ''mommy…?''a small voice caught his attention, he turned towards a flower stall .a little girl stood beside it clutching a stuffed animal. Her eyes were watery as she looked around the crowded marketplace then Elliot approached her and crouched slightly. ''Hey, there are you alright?'' Elliot said as the girl looked at him.'' I…I can't find my mommy'' The girl said,'' oh? Did you get separated from her?'' Elliot said with sympathy as she nodded rubbing her eyes,'' Don't worry we will find her ''Elliot said giving her a reassuring smile.'' what's your name'' Elliot asked. ''Anna'' she said.
''well Anna I'm Elliot the nice monkey, nice to meet you'' Elliot said as he glanced through the market place.'' Now, let's see, do you remember where you last saw your mother?'' Elliot asked. ''I was looking at the flowers then I couldn't see her anymore'' the girl said.'' I see'' Elliot said as he stood up and closed his eyes he strengthened his sonic hearing. The marketplace was filled with countless sounds. Merchants advertising their goods, customers negotiating with prices, footstep against the pavement ,children laughing and distant conversations.He carefully filtered through them then he heard something. ''Anna! anna , where are you?'' her mother said as a womans worried voice came from somewhere near the eastern side of the marketplace. Elliot tilted his head .''found her ''Elliot said as he opened his eyes..'' alright, anna I think I know where your mother is, come along'' Elliot said as he offered his hand the little girl happly took it ,they walked through the crowd passing a bakery and a small jewelry shop before reaching a wider street. then ''anna''a woman standing near a merchant's stall suddenly turned back towards them. ''mommy?'' the girl said as she release elliots hand immediately and hurried towards her mother, The woman immediately knelt and embraced her daughter. ''oh thank goodness I've been looking everywhere for you''' the mother said as she felt relieved.'' I'm sorry mommy …''the girl said happy to meet her mother. '' don't scare me like that again, sweetheart'' The mother said. the woman gently held her daughters face before looking toward elliot.''was it you who helped her?'' the mother said as Elliot nodded.'' she was near the flower stall, seems she got separated from you'' Elliot said as the woman stood up, still holding her daughters hand'' thank you so much I was getting terribly worried. I don't know how to repay you'' the woman said glad that her daughter is safe with her.'' there's no need.i''m just glad you found each other.'' Elliot said smiling as Anna looked at him.'' thank you Elliot'' the girl said smiling.'' you're welcome and remember to stay close to your mother next time alright?'' Elliot said as she nodded enthusiastically. ''I will! ''She said as the mother smiled gratefully.. '' may the lord bless you, young man'' The mother said.'' and you too have a wonderful afternoon'' Elliot replied. Elliot waved goodbye and continued along the street. Behind him Anna was already telling her mother about the kind stranger who had helped find her ways. Elliot slipped his hand into his pockets.'' Well, that was nice.' 'Elliot said very proud of himself and grateful to freedman and puncho for proper training and upbringing as Elliot looked ahead. The market was gradually giving way to a more elegant district with beautiful buildings, restaurant and neatly arranged gardens. He checked the time.'' Oh he said'' as his expression changed. '' Wait mariabell'' he said as he had almost forgotten about he was going meet.'' Good grief I hope I'm not late'' he said to himself with a small chuckle. Elliot quickened his pace and his destination was just ahead. Mariabell was waiting.