Tulos looked like he was going to have a stroke. He gave Raktus a quick repeat of the lesson he had taught to Amaro, “So in other words, Arik is more likely to appreciate something she gets to wear.”
“I see, so I shall get her a dress.”
Tulos crossed his arm, “Under normal circumstances that might be the correct thing to do, but this is Arika we are talking about here. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but her fashion is loud and proud. Giving her a normal dress would be like saying ‘please wear this instead’.”
“Does Arika tailor her own outfits? I think giving her plenty of materials raw silks and linen could be a good gift.” Amaro said.
“Yes, that’s a good idea, I think. Though I’m unsure if she tailors them herself, or someone else does. Regardless, she would likely know what to do with the materials. Plus, gifting her things she can’t normally get would be a supportive gesture.”
“I will purchase the worm fabric then!” Raktus said, looking around for merchants selling such wares.
After purchasing several different silk textiles of various bright colors and patterns, it was back to Amaro’s gift, “I will need more time to think about my gift. It’s important, so I want to make sure I do it properly. Why don’t we help you with yours, Tulos? That was our agreement, after all.”
“I suppose you’re right, although I’m uncertain if you can even help me in the same way considering you hardly know Rorik like I do.”
“I know he’s good friends with Kaara, and a hard worker, but beyond that you’re right.” Amaro said.
“That xio has my respect for even daring to step into a duel with Anitus. Though his loss was pitiful.”
Tulos sighed, “Ah yes, I doubt he would want to see any Xirxus at this point, but I don’t think that will deter me. I just need to figure out what to get him.”
“Well, do you know what he likes? Maybe we can help you think.” Amaro said.
Tulos paused for a moment, cupping his chin, “Rorik himself does not talk much to me, so it’s difficult to get a read on him, but I think that’s what I like about him. An air of stoicism and mystery goes quite a long way for me.”
“You mistake stoicism for meekness, I think,” Raktus said.
“My theory is that there’s something broken within him, and perhaps I can lend my hand in fixing it,” Tulos said proudly, “I am a blacksmith after all. Fixing that which is broken is one of my skills. I just need a gift which can prove to him that I am someone worthy of his trust. Perhaps something more platonic at first to draw him out of his shell?”
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“I almost wonder if drawing him out of his shell is the wrong way to look about it. He reminds me of Lorshiir in a way,” Amaro said.
“How so?”
“Well, aside from the times he must speak with us or train us, he is a rather solitary person too.”
“Yes, Lorshiir preferred to spend time with others in silence, I think you might be right,” Tulos said, “Perhaps my personality as a gossip is what’s turning him away. I could try finding a gift that makes us spend time together until he does decide to speak.”
“Lorshiir enjoyed fishing when he had free time,” Raktus said, “But not with a spear or his hands, he would always sit around with a rod.”
“Yeah that was weird wasn’t it? If he wanted to catch the fish he could have just grabbed them by hand,” Amaro said, “But he enjoyed it quite a bit, so maybe Rorik will too?”
“Indeed,” Tulos said, “but I doubt they have any in this caravan. Especially in the winter.”
“Why not make something yourself? You could make a pair of them and ask to go fishing with him sometime.”
An impish smile started to curl on his lip, “Yes, you’re right actually. If I purchase some silk for the fishing line, and make the pole from metal…” He mumbled, ”Maybe a lure with a stone affixed which allows him to guide it with his magic?” He snapped his fingers, “I think I know what I’ll be doing. I’m sure if I put enough effort into it, then my feelings will come through even if he doesn’t end up liking it.”
Amaro nodded, “That’s good.”
“Now we just need to find a proper gift for you.”
Amaro raised his hand to stop him, “I think I have a good idea of what to think about when looking for a gift, so I’ll be walking around a little more. The two of you can go on ahead with your gifts. I can do the rest on my own.”
“I suppose you’re right. I want to get started on crafting that pair of fishing rods as soon as possible anyways, so that works for me.” Tulos said with a devilish grin on his face.
“I’ve got to find a good place to hide my gift,” Raktus said, “I couldn’t have found this without the both of you. I’m sure this will get her attention come the time of the Siren Ceremony.”
Amaro waved at his brothers as they left the caravan. He walked around the caravan once more, looking from one side to the other. He eventually decided to purchase a box of Lokum. The gel treats would stay unspoiled for the next week, and they came in a lovely packaging. He doubted they had anything like it in the Tibur, so it was the perfect gift to give her. In the worst case scenario, he at least had a box of his favorite sweets to drown his sorrows into.
Now came the second half of the gift. The gift to remind her of him. Something she could wear or use was preferable. Another human trinket like the one he had gotten for Anitus would be a good idea, but there was a particular lack of them around. It wasn’t surprising considering they were all out here in the middle of nowhere. Yet, there was something nagging him in the back of his head every time he thought about what gift to give to her.
It would be the perfect crime to sneak that love potion into the Lokum. Even worse, what if someone else had the same idea? He walked to the stalls. Even if he did not use the potion, he had to make certain no one else could. He could always find something to give Kaara tomorrow, or commission Tulos to make something for him.
That sneaky human had likely been selling his wares to any lovestruck noble who came by. What if it was actually poison? He couldn’t risk it. He could take it to Sancta to check it out too. Yes, that was the reason he was now dropping a bag of coins on the counter of the human merchant’s stall, “Do you still have those love potions you were talking about?”