Amaro followed his brother to the merchant caravans which had been set up just outside of camp. He had not bothered to come here earlier, but now that he had it felt like he had stepped back into Yvian for a moment. Just like the markets in the city, the merchants were shouting their wares. Some had set up stalls, while others had unfurled blankets with their various bits and baubles splayed out for anyone to see.

“So what would be a good gift for Kaara? I would think you know her best out of all of us by now.”

“That I do. She’s a sweet girl, isn’t she?”

“When you say it like that, you sound like you’re about to go through the waning.”

Tulos snickered, “Regardless, let’s go over what we know. Kaara’s a very sweet girl, but she’s also a bit of a tomboy. Unsurprising since roughing it out in these wilds would require any xia to be a little rough themselves. At the same time, I’ve not known her to care much for her material possessions. Rather, the meaning behind them is what matters most.”

“I don’t suppose I could get flowers this time of year. Not unless I reach up Anitus’s sleeve, that is.”

Tulos rolled his eyes, “Flowers? Really? Well, I suppose it’s not an awful gift for a lady, but it’s quite the bland choice. Next you’re going to tell me you want to buy a heart shaped necklace to show how much you love them.”

“But girls like hearts!”

Tulos buried his face in his palm, “You’re going to need more help than I thought.”

“For someone who likes boys you’re suddenly an expert on what girls like?”

“Because I’m not blinded by my infatuation with them that I can think clearly. Besides, xia are more likely to confide their preferences in me because we share common interests and problems.”

“Problems?”

“Matters regarding xio being the most inept kobolds when it comes to romance. That sort of thing. Plenty of the adult xia here are quite the gossips, you know.”

“Back on topic, what would Kaara like for a gift? I’m sure I can afford almost anything here.”

“As I said, it’s not about the money you spend on it as much as it’s about the meaning you put behind it. Someone like Kaara would be happy with a stick off the ground if you attached enough meaning to it.”

“Give an example then. You’re far too vague.”

Tulos looked around, “Kaara would enjoy things she can use such as a dagger or a quiver. However, I think we can do better. She is quite the trickster, you know.”

“Is she?”

“I suppose she has been too busy lately to pull any pranks. She’s gotten a rather serious look on her face these days. Perhaps our gift can change that?”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Amaro felt his heart flutter, “Yes, that’s exactly it. A gift that will get her to have that spark in her eye again.”

“Good food is a place to start, I think. Perhaps something she cannot get here?” Tulos cupped his chin, “but that alone would not be enough. Something like a combination gift. First the food, and then something they can hold onto and treasure to remember you by.”

“Maybe a human trinket?”

“Not a terrible idea. Let’s see what we can find.”

The two of them looked around, visiting every stall which was selling food. There were chocolates, honeyed drake meat, freshly made tarts, gingerbread, fritters, cuskynoles, and panetone. The list was endless, and they were all good candidates. Something sweet was definitely the way to go when it came to a gift.

“We’ll need something that does not need to be eaten fresh since we’re still a week removed from gift giving.”

“Unless I could come back and purchase something the day of.”

“Oh you wouldn’t want to do that. The Tibur have told me nobles have a habit of purchasing their gifts at the last possible second. If you waited until the last possible second, you would only find a crowd of ravenous nobles trying to outbid you for the last pastry.”

“I don’t suppose they would be willing to wager them over a duel.”

As they walked through the merchant caravan, they spotted Raktus who was holding a bottle of strange liquid.

Across from him stood a human merchant explaining the item to him, “Yes my large friend, you see, this potion is made with human magic. It can make anyone who ingests it fall madly in love with you.”

“Are you certain?”

“But of course I am! I made it myself, after all, and I’ve gotten quite a few wives from it.”

“Humans are quite ingenious. The variety of your magic stretches far.”

“Just slip this into her food while she’s not looking and ensure you are the first one she sees. Now, I will warn you, the potion will wear off after a few days, but I would be graciously happy to supply you with more.”

“Oi! Raktus!” Tulos called out.

“Ah, Tulos! And Amaro too. Are you purchasing your gifts as well? I think I have found mine.”

“As your brother I’m going to have to reject that gift on principle.” Tulos said, plucking the potion from his hand.

“You must be lord Xirxus’s siblings. I’m sure the two of you have no issues impressing the ones you love, but I heard the plight of your brother and could not help but lend my services.”

Tulos tossed the potion bottle back to the merchant who fumbled to catch it, “Even if something like a love potion worked, you said it was only temporary. Matters of the heart and soul should not be so easily bought.”

“Ah, but-” The merchant started before one of the daggers Tulos made hovered close to his neck, “Trying to swindle heirs to the Xirxus family name is quite bold. Be grateful I can appreciate a good hustle or I would have gutted you like a lamb.” Tulos said with that fox-like grin of his, “I might have eaten you too, human.”

The merchant gulped, his hands raised, “My apologies, young Xirxus.”

“Come along Raktus, you’re going to owe me a favor too. Let’s pick something Arika might enjoy.”

“I see, so you are both here to find something to impress another. How splendid that we would all share the same plight!” Raktus said, wrapping his big arms over each of their necks, “Have the two of you found anything yet?”

“I’ve been busy helping Amaro with his, but we’ve gotten a good idea.”

Amaro nodded, “Food is the first component to the gift, but the second component is tricky to find.”

“I see, well then we shall find it together! Oh, and Tulos, you know Arik better than I do, correct? What would she like? I was thinking that since she is fashionable she may enjoy a heart shaped necklace!”