It doesn't take long for the girl to return with another woman, presumable her mother. Thus I don't get a lot of time to actually look around. Instead I make my way a little closer to the counter towards the back of the shop, where there is a little more room.

The sight that greets me as the woman in question approaches is a curious one. Is she a dwarf? She is short, has wide shoulders and downright gorgeous, thick and long hair. She very much looks like a dwarf.

My gaze goes back to the girl, her daughter and I quickly reevaluate her. I'm still not quite sure what to make of her. She might be a little older than I initially estimated, but probably not by much. Other than that I'm a at a loss.

As my gaze shifts back to the older woman, I notice that she is watching me with eagle eyes. As if she is waiting for me to say something stupid. I can even guess as to what that might be. Her daughter's mixed heritage might be a delicate topic. Well, I'll try not to touch on it. Besides, the girl is, no matter what, still absolutely adorable, she certainly doesn't deserve whatever grief others might be causing her or her mother.

I bow my head slightly in greeting.

The dwarfen woman returns the gesture.

“Welcome to the Fleas and Flotsam. I take it you are looking for some affordable and clean second hand clothing?”

I nod, a little reluctant, but I nod.

“I' not quite sure yet, I was wondering if I should get a blanket or nice hooded cloak that can serve as a makeshift blanket should I have to spend a night out in the woods again.”

She eyes me up, almost as if she were taking measurements. Surprisingly enough it doesn't feel like she is using a skill on me.

“Well, if it has to be either one or the other, I'd recommend you go with the cloak first. It will serve you better too, should you be caught out in the rain, you know. We have some pretty decent local fabrics that will hold up even in the worst downpour.”

She motions me to follow her and as I do, the girl in turn bows once more before she returns to her own chores, whatever those might be.

The shop keeper in turn leads me to a section of shelves with neatly folded up cloaks. She eyes me once more. Then she pulls one of the cloaks from the stack.

“Here, try this one on. I think it should fit, but you better make sure now. Better make sure it matches your expectations in general too. I have a no returns policy.”

I snort in amusement but do as she recommends. I don't want to regret this purchase later on either.

Without delay I unfurl the folded cloak. It's weight is considerable, the fabric quite dense and thick. There are only a few patches down near the lower end. I guess this part is more likely to get caught on branches or thorns. The patches are all good quality and neatly applied anyway, thus they don't worry me. I slip the cloak's hood over my head too, to make sure it will be comfortable and it in fact is. The clasps closing it in the front are made of wood, but that is fine too. Maybe it is even for the better that they are not made of shiny metal.

Overall it might have originally been made for someone slightly larger than me, but it fits well enough anyway. I turn, twist and bend every which way to make sure. I'm quite satisfied.

“Seems to fit well enough. What do you want for it?”

The proprietress motions for me to come over. Only when she reaches out do I notice the small wooden tag fastened to one of the lower clasps. I' halfway certain that she knows the price already, but she looks anyway.

“A shilling and two pennies.”

That seems a little much. Even more so because my purse doesn't contain a whole lot of coin to begin with. I have no clue if she'll go for it, but I decide to try and haggle her down a little anyway. I try not to overdo it though, as I don't want to truly upset her. I need that cloak after all and I have no clue if I'll be able to get a good or even just decent one elsewhere.

“How about a shilling straight? Please, safe us some trouble. Don't make me pick through my purse for pennies.”

My actions have several effects. The first one is pretty much immediate, as another divine whisper brushes my mind.

[*Ding!* You have unlocked the Haggling general skill at Level 1!]

This one is immediately followed by another. One I have been waiting for. One accompanied by the clatter of dice.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

[*Ding!* Your class Scoundrel leveled up to level 9!]

[*Clatter!* Your Health increased by 2!]

Almost immediately the accumulated fatigue fades away as my Mana reserves refill. And the aches and occasional pangs of pain caused by my injuries fade as well. What a great relief.

Lastly the dwarf woman raises an eyebrow. Apparently the effect of these divine whispers isn't lost on her either.

“Leveled up, huh? Well, alright, I'll let you have it for a shilling. Just this once though. I'm not running a charity here.”

Even as she speaks, she offers me her hand and I shake it to seal the deal. Afterwards I fish one of the exactly two silver coins I won right now out of my purse and hand it to her.

She doesn't even check it. She probably doesn't have to. The weight and seize are pretty distinctive after all. She just nods.

“Nice doing business with you. Come again, if you need anything else.”

“I will, if anything comes up.”

With those words and a casual wave I leave. I leave moving slow and careful. Making my way through the veritable labyrinth of racks and shelves without knocking anything over is not an easy task after all and I don't want to upset either either shopkeeper or her daughter.

I don't take the cloak back off, as I step back out onto the street. It may not actually be cold, but it is not warm enough to make the cloak uncomfortable either. In fact, it is just right.

As I take a moment to stretch after leaving the cramped shop another idea strikes me. I have plenty of Mana again and nothing better to do, so I might just as well check out my new cloak with [Identify].

It's isn't like I expect grand revelations, but it certainly won't hurt either. Thus I focus my attention on the new garment and trigger the skill, as I step out of the way of some passers by.

A little of my Mana drains away and I'm rewarded with a little information in turn.

[Hooded Cloak (Cloth, Common) – A well worn cloak of heavy fabric. It is patched in a few places but still quite serviceable. It offers a little protection in combat, but that isn't its main purpose. It actually holds up much better against the cold of night and rain showers. Due to the hood it can obscure the wearer's features against casual observers too. Category: Clothing, Defense: 2]

The improvement of my skill feels rather negligible, but I'm thankful for it anyway. Not that I pay all that much attention right now. I'm overall feeling satisfied with my purchase right now. The cloak isn't anything special, but that is quite alright. It's useful and that is what really matters.

I allow myself a little grin that no one else can see. Then I turn around to head to make my way to the street behind this particular shop where my other destination is to be found.

The small smithy isn't hard to find, as the place is surprisingly busy. I actually have to wait in line this time around. At least for a little while. I don't mind too much, as it gives me a chance to watch other people interact.

The old man running the smithy appears to be a dwarf too. He even has the beard one might expect from a member of the stout folk. It is very thick and bushy but also very white. The many wrinkles creasing his face reinforce the impression that he is not a young man anymore. Nevertheless he still puts a lot of care and effort into his work.

The first man in line might just come from an inn or some other kind of eatery, some of which I have passed during my stroll through the streets already, judging by the assortment of knives he brings to be sharpened.

Thankfully I don't have to actually wait until all that work is done. The bundle of knives goes straight onto a table with work waiting to be done.

The next person, the one right in front of me, is a housewife bringing a small cauldron that needs some mending. The old smith patiently listens to her story, as she explains in surprising detail why her cauldron needs one of the handles replaced.

The old man just nods along with her story and puts the cauldron under the table that seems to contain today's workload too. Then it is finally my turn. He eyes me for a moment, before he speaks up.

“What can I do for you, young lady? Do you need that sword sharpened?”

Lady? Seriously? Well, his words certainly put a smile on my face. I shake my head though.

“No, the sword is still good. I'll keep you in mind though, should that change. No, I actually would like to get myself a knife. Not a weapon, but something utilitarian and sturdy. Something I can use to cut either vegetables or kindling out in the woods. I have heard you might have some affordable second hand items in store.”

He snorts in amusement, but gestures towards one of the walls of his little workshop, where a number of knives dangle from nails by leather straps.

“Affordable, huh? Well, alright. I won't complain. I don't charge prices like some of those good for nothing frauds inside the walls. Especially those right around the guild house of the adventurers. Just go ahead and have a look. Grab them and give them a practice swing too, to make sure the grip fits you right. Just try not to cut yourself or anyone else though.”

He pauses briefly to wink at me.

“Explaining accidents like that to the guard is always such a hassle.”

Now I can't help myself. I let out a laugh too. I like the old man and his sense of humor. Then I do as he suggests and have a look at the knives on display, while he returns to his work, sharpening other blades of variable form, size and purpose.

Finally my gaze settles on a simple knife of decent length and weight. It might just barely satisfy the guard's requirement for a blade of a certain length, but otherwise it'll do nicely for sure.

It even comes with a plain and simple leather sheath. That one has obviously seen better days, but that won't stop me either.

I take another moment to check the blade for hidden cracks or other faults, but there are none. The biggest surprise is the wooden price tag though. Just ten pennies? I grab it and move over to the old man busy at the whetstone. I decide not to haggle this time around. That price is already almost too good to be true.

“Ten pennies? Do you have some change at hand? I only have a shilling right now.”

He grunts and nods after taking a look at my choice. Then he digs out two pennies from his own purse as I grab the last shilling from mine. We exchange the coins and shake hands. His grip is still strong despite his obvious age.

“Pleasure doing business with you. Drop by again if you need anything else or if that sword of yours needs some love and attention.”

I grin and nod.

“I'll keep it in mind.”