Edmund walks into the garden the next morning and leans down to have a look. Looking closer there were a bunch of red dotted beetles around. Edmund raises an eyebrow and touches one of the plants. No aphids? Are these little guys eating them all? He wonders before considering another matter. Are these guys steering clear of the plants? He asks himself before deciding to give it a few days. If these little beetles ended up eating his plants he'll have to have a stern couple of words with his patron deity.

Edmund stands back up and decides to the market. There were a few things he had to pick up.

As Edmund leaves, he sees Marsha, the servant girl walk outside.

“Hi, Marsha.” Edmund says with a smile.

The girl was around Edmund’s age and they had somewhat grew up together. When she grew up a little her parents had her work as a servant for Edmund’s family until she was ready to be married off.

“Hi Edmund.” Marsha says with a smile and a slight blush.

The girl was quite fond of Edmund. His family was well-off from his father’s fishing boat who had a few employees. Sometimes they would even deliver them to the city for higher prices. Essentially, they lived a comfortable life, and that, like it always was, is very appealing. Edmund himself, had soft features and a gentle demeanor; it wasn’t too wild for her to occasionally daydream of what could be.

“I’ll be off to the market. Can you look after my mother while I’m gone?” He asks.

“Yes, I was just about to make lunch. Come back soon.” She says with red cheeks before scurrying off.

Edmund smiles as he watches her leave. What a weird girl. He thinks offhandedly before walking away.

…

…

Edmund carried a bag with various ingredients, and like a leaf floating in the river, floated in and among the various people, through the busy market.

Newleaf was not to big of a town, but there were always travelers moving through it as it lead to various places in the kingdom and it was relatively close to the city, so there were always people coming by looking for fresh fish. The town was near the Courzing River, and it was an abundant source of freshwater fish.

As Edmund walks through the crowd, a feeling strikes him and his feet become rooted to the ground.

Hail, young acolyte! I sense something is near, young one. There is a pawn shop near you. Go to it and peruse its contents. There is something there that belongs to me. Find it and purchase it, and my will be done.

Edmund lets out an exasperated sigh. “Yes, Galladril. Whatever you say, Galladril.” He says as he walks into the nearby pawn store.

“Hey, young Edmund! How have you been? Good, I assume? How’s your father?” The store owner, Seshie says.

“He’s good, uncle Seshie. Just wanted to have a look around the store.” Edmund says as he looks around.

“Yes, yes. Look around, have a look. I’ll even give you a discount.” Seshie says with a wave of his hands.

Edmund looks through the various objects on the shelves and the walls, and just decides to go through them one by one. He assumed Galladril would say something if the object was near.

Something immediately catches Edmund’s eyes. “Hey, Seshie, is that a bow? Since when did you sell weapons?” He asks as he gets closer to have a look. Edmund’s eyes widen. “Is this made of Heartwood!? That’s crazy! Why would anyone sell you this?” Edmund asks, bewildered.

Seshie lets out a chuckle. “Yes, yes. That’s Heartwood alright. A ranger m came by to sell it. Seemed quite bedraggled too, and he seemed to be cut up all over. But he was intent on selling that bow, so I paid him for it. Got a good price too.” He says with a smile.

“That's wild! The man must’ve been desperate. Anyways, how much are you selling this for?” Edmund asks.

Seshie lets out a smirk. “It’s a pretty penny. I don’t think you’ll be able to afford it, kid.” He says.

Edmund lets out a sigh. Of course it’s expensive. I should just keep it out of my mind. He thinks.

Edmund continues to look. Eventually he came upon a red coin.

There, young one. Pick it up.

Edmund raises an eyebrow and picks up the coin. The coin was blood red and smelled of cherries. Emblazoned on the surface was a black skull.

There it is. Ah, the memories. My wife gave me this for my birthday. I thought I lost it long ago. But here it is. I must of dropped it somewhere along the way. Purchase the coin and keep it for me. I’d rather it be in the hands of my acolyte then some random hooligan.

“Hey, Seshie. How much for the coin?” Edmund asks.

“Oh? For that? Just keep it. Bought it for a few coppers because I thought it looked interesting. Consider it a gift.” Seshie says with a wave of his hand.

Edmund smiles and prepares to leave, but his eyes were once again drawn to the bow. His face scrunches up with desire, but his stomach felt queasy at the thought of the price.

“Hey, Seshie. Give me the price of the bow. I really want it.” He says.

Seshie smiles, the smile of a merchant, as he considers what he should do. “Tell you what, Edmund. Take the bow. But tell your father to come by my store to negotiate a few things. There are a few things I want to ask him.” He says mischievously. Once the boy has the bow in his hands, the deal will be as good as done. Edmund’s father will be supplying my fish for the next few months! He thinks, almost wanting to chuckle.

Edmund hesitates for a moment, but eventually he couldn’t let the idea go. He picks up the bow and walks out of the store resolutely.