It took me about twenty minutes to reach the market. Only a few stalls had any merchandise set out, and even fewer customers were wandering around. The market was a space in the middle of Wake where almost anyone could sell whatever goods they owned, within reason. You could find clothes, weapons, books, food, and so many other goods from any of the tribes. Of course, many merchants competed with each other for business, so the prices varied widely between sellers. Plus, you had to be careful around shady stands, or you could end up with something not quite… ideal for purchase. For the most part, it was a great place to buy whatever you wanted as long as you keep your wits about you.

I waited for about half an hour before Swirl arrived. He had a house within the market area, so his booth was a short walk from his front door. He waved as I drew near. “Well, if it isn’t little Gorsi,” He croaked. Spots of navy and midnight blue ran up and down his arms and were just visible on his neck, coupled with a powdering of violet. “Let me guess, old Ripple needs something?.”

“Yeah, a dye for frosting,” I answered. “Teary Moonlight.”

“Teary Moonlight? He’s whipping up something special, uh? What’s the occasion this time?” Swirl asked while sticking a hand in a sack he had dragged out of his house with him.

“Someone he knows is having their wedding here, and they wanted to sample some of the bakeries in town. Ripple really wants to show them his best work.”

“Sounds like your uncle,” Swirl started taking a few jars out, eyeing the labels, and setting them on his stand. “Hey, how’s your father been doing lately.”

“He’s fine,” I answered on cue. “He and Delta have been busy, but they’re fine besides that.”

“Good to hear,” Swirl placed an abnormally large jar next to the others. “I heard about your older sister and her new position. Congratulations.”

Oh great, this again. I thought. I should have known this would come up. Always does. It’s my sister, after all.

“She worked hard to reach this point, and my whole family is proud of her,” I said with a smile. “Delta sent a letter saying we’ll have a party to celebrate when she gets the time to visit.”

Swirl nodded approvingly, adjusting some of the jars he had set out. “I always knew she would move on to great things. How could she not when she has an older brother like yours?”

Now we’re on Chasm. Perfect.

I continued to smile as Swirl rambled on. “That boy was always working so hard, more so than any of the other Luc-Luc his age, at least that I knew of. Friends with everyone you could name and a scholar student. When I heard he was invited to attend school in Quiver, I wasn’t surprised whatsoever. Chasm was made for great things, and he lived up to achieve them.”

Fawn over him a little more, why don’t you? I know he’s a big deal, but it’s so old having this happen. I know they’re important, so I just have to power through. He can’t keep talking forever.

“And when he and Conda got married, I celebrated the occasion with your father and our buddies,” Swirl stopped rummaging in his bag and faced me. “Young sweethearts tying the knot. It warms an old heart. Then they started a family, and I sent the happy couple a basket of the best fruit I had on hand! Their thank you letter was so thoughtful.” Swirl continued on. He was known for his lengthy conversations, but I was hoping to avoid this particular topic. The sun was over the horizon, but Swirl was still rambling on. I just stood there, listening and waiting.

“Ah, what great young ones,” He said with the impression of an old man reminiscing about his own youth. “I can’t wait to see where you end up!”

Here it comes...

“With such great role models, you have a bright future ahead of you. You’ll take right after them, I’ll bet my rue on it.”

Stay calm, Basilisk. He’s just being polite.

“You know,” he leaned a little closer. “You even look like your older brother.”

Glass shattered in my head; a wave of irritation making my jaw tighten

Of course.

“Do you have that dye my uncle needed?” I said before Swirl could continue, my smile wavering.

“Hm? Oh, yes.” He reached back into the sack and drew out a jar with a dark blue stopper. “Here you go. That will be five rue for Ripple.”

I picked the coins out of the pouch my uncle gave me, placing them in Swirl’s outstretched hand. I grabbed the jar and said “Thank you. I should be getting back now.”

Swirl looked at the sky and seemed to notice the change in color for the first time. “Why, I bet you do! Sorry for holding you up. Tell Ripple hello for me!”

“ I will,” I called as I walked away.

The regular crowd had begun to form. I was shoved by a group of passing Naiads as they rushed over to a stand with Hurpiti clothes. I dodged a Naiad swinging his arms as he started an argument with a merchant. I hated this place when it got busy, which is why I try to avoid it as much as possible. Finally, I broke free of the bodies and followed the familiar street back to the bakery, my thoughts in a whirl.

Another chunk of my time hearing about Chasm and Elapid! Just perfect!

Please, like I was going to do anything important anyway,

But did he have to rumble on for so long? I hardly made a peep, but he rambled like we were having a conversation!

To be fair, you didn’t try to interrupt him.

It would have been rude to do so!

Still, why is it always about them?

Be quiet already…

I just-

That’s enough... It doesn’t matter now… Let it go…

It’s always-

Stop… Let to go… It’s not important…

Doesn’t matter. Right, it doesn’t matter. I should just forget about it.

It’s unimportant… Just a small detail…

Yeah. No big deal.

I let out a deep sigh, the bakery coming into view. As I was about to open the door, a shorter figure crashed into me. I caught a flash of silver underneath a hooded cloak.

“Sorry about,” They said, their voice light and soft.

“No problem,” I replied. “Are you alright?”

‘I’m fine, thank you. Have a nice day,” With that, they were jogging down the way I had just come from. I brushed it off and entered the shop. My uncle was coming in from the door leading to the balcony, two empty cups in his hand.

“I’m back, Ripple,” I greeted. “Is there a customer out there?”

“Hm? Oh, no. She left already,” He seemed distracted, his jolly visage replaced with one of concern. “We had an… interesting conversation.”

“Anyone I would know?”

‘No, I hadn’t seen her around town, either. A shame, really,” He placed the two cups in the sink. “She has your tastes.”

“My tastes?” I noticed the basket with the Spew Algae Puffs. A number of them had disappeared since I had left. “She actually bought some of the puffs?”

“Yeah, a shame you didn’t meet her instead of me. You might have had a better chance of talking with her,” He sighed and checked the oven.

That’s new. My uncle enjoys talking to almost anyone and never has any trouble. Ranging from common people, members of other tribes, young, old, wealthy, poor, sick, healthy, Ripple had a way of reaching them. Probably because of his good nature. The fact that someone turned him away was something I hadn’t heard of in years. Why he thought I could talk to this mystery girl instead, I had no idea.

It’s not like anyone enjoys talking with me.

I forced the thought down.

My uncle closed the oven and turned to me, an idea clearly in his head judging from the light in his eyes. “Bassi, I need you to do me another favor.”