"What the hell was that?" Keiko whispered and walked up behind Alistair. "Papa?" She gripped the bottom of his shirt with with both her hands.
"Yes, I would like to hear an explanation myself." Tamanari nodded in agreement with Keiko.
"Well, this chest..." Alistair kicked the wooden box at his feet. "Just so happens to be a Mimic. A creature that disguises itself as a treasure chest to lure in and eat it's prey." Alistair explained. "They make good hiding places because most people wouldn't be able to escape from the mouth of a Mimic."
"Then how did you, Papa?" Keiko walked up to Alistair's side and held her arms up towards him.
"An item called Mimic Repellent. It causes a reaction in Mimics, similar to how pepper makes people sneeze, this item makes Mimics sneeze." Alistair picked up his items as a few people stared at the scene that had just unfolded. He smiled softly when Keiko raised her arms towards him. "Come here, Princess." With one arm, he bent down and scooped up the young neko in his arms.
"It's alright." Tamanari raised one hand and gave a soft smile. "They are with me."
The small crowd began to disperse slowly, but a few people eyed the demi humans as they left.
"They were staring at us, Papa." Keiko whispered and hid her face in Alistair's chest.
"I know. Don't worry about it." Alistair cooed softy and held her close. "We will be gone soon. My lady, please lead the way."
"Of course." She turned around on her heels and started walking towards the center of town. "It will be just down this way."
'I've got some pretty rare materials. They should fetch a good price.' Alistair thought to himself as he followed after Tamanari. He gripped the items and Keiko tightly.
'He is so protective.' Tamanari smiled sweetly as she peeked behind her at Alistair and Keiko.
'I never thought I could fall so deeply in love with someone.' She chuckled softly to herself and sighed happily.
"Is something amusing, My Lady?" Alistair grinned when he heard her chuckle.
She turned her head to the side and stuck her tongue out at him. "Not a thing, my love." Her voice was barely a whisper, but she knew Alistair heard her.
"I am glad, My Lady." Alistair whispered back softly.
"Papa." Keiko whispered as she snuggled into Alistair's chest.
"Don't go back to sleep, young lady." Alistair gently reprimanded the young demi human in his arms.
"But, Papa..." The young child in his arms went to protest.
"No, buts, sweetie. You have to stay awake. You won't go to sleep tonight, otherwise. Now, I'll still carry you, but if you fall asleep, you will start walking with us." Alistair explained and looked down at Keiko.
She had puffed up her cheeks and started pouting. "You're mean, Papa." She folded her arms across her chest and turned her head to the side.
"Listen to your Papa, Keiko." Hina chimed in, her voice soft enough to avoid drawing attention.
"Okay..." She pouted and nestled herself back into Alistair's arms. "I'm sorry, Papa."
"You don't have to apologize to me, sweetheart. Just try to listen to me a little more. I don't like scolding you." Alistair bent forward and kissed the top of Keiko's head. "Understand?"
"Mhmm. I'll do better, Papa." Keiko whispered and smiled softly when she felt Alistair kiss her forehead.
"I know you will, Princess." Alistair gently squeezed the little girl in his arms. 'I know you will make me proud.' He thought to himself and couldn't help but smile.
'He never ceases to amaze me.' Tamanari thought as she kept stealing glances back at the demi humans behind her. "We are almost there, Alistair. It's just up ahead." Tamanari pointed towards their destination.
"Yes, my lady. Keiko, can you walk for, Papa?" He looked down at the young child in his arms.
"Mhmm! I can walk for you, Papa!" She smiled wide and clambered out of Alistair's arms. She stretched her arms above her head and yawned innocently as she stood beside her Papa.
"Good girl, Keiko." Alistsir rubbed the top of her head gently. "Alright, my lady. Are you going to accompany me?" He looked to his lover with a soft smile.
"No, I'll wait here with Keiko. You shouldn't take her inside." Tamanari placed her hands on the small of his back. "Go, love." She whispered and gave him a gentle shove towards the door to the Merchant's Guild.
"Good luck, Papa!" Keiko giggled and waved as Alistair walked through the doors.
Heavy machinery and raised voices perforated his ears. The smell of oil and sweat hung heavy in the stagnant air. "Welcome, Patron. To what do I owe this pleasure?" A stout, Dwarven man stepped out from behind the counter. He stood much shorter then the counter in the Guild Hall. "Names Uthuk Runebender."
Alistair watched the stout man walk around and introduce himself. He watched as Uthuk wiped his grimy hand on his pants. He stuck his right hand out and held an outstretched hands towards the silver haired Wolfborn.
"Alistair. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Alistair replied and shook the dwarf's hand.
"Pleasures all mine. New folks means a new influx of business. So, what can I get fer ya today?" The man's voice was thick and heavy, each word reeked of ale.
"Actually." Alistair lifted the bags from his side and dropped them on the counter beside the dwarf. "I had some business for you. I hear this Guild is always buying monster parts." He began to unty some of the bags.
"That's true, but I'm afraid that someone with your level couldn't possibly have anything we would be interested in buying. Low level and common monster material's are something we have in spades. I'm sorry but..." The dwarf's voice trailed off when Alistair removed a humongous tusk from one of the bags by his side.
"Impossible..." Uthuk ran his fingers over the smooth tusk. "A behemoth tusk?! And it's...authentic!?! How did you acquire this material?" The dwarf gasped deeply as he eyed the tusk. "How much?"
'They usually sell for 100,000 Valis. Then...' Alistair smiled and laid the tusk down on the counter. "55,000 Valis."
'55,000?? Does he not know what it's worth?' Uthuk slammed his hand down on the counter. "Sold! What else? Show me, Wolfborn!" He bellowed loudly.
"Of course." Alistair pulled out two more behemoth tusks. "100,000 Valis for these two." Alistair continued to pull items from his bag for several minutes. Each new item drew more respect and admiration from Uthuk.
"Holy shit. How in Zeta's name did you acquire so many monster materials?" Uthuk looked out at the spread of items now cluttered on his counter. "This will definitely draw in more business. This many rare items is bound to make me the talk of the town."
"Alright. With everything out, your total comes to 1.25 million Valis." Alistair replied as he tucked the empty bags into his shirt.
"That's all?" Uthuk stared in disbelief. "These items are worth a lot. Are you sure? I'd be more than willing to pay you extra."
"That's not necessary. Let's just say you owe me one. I would like your continued business and to count on you my friend in my time of need." Alistair smiled softly. 'Good. Everything's played out like I planned so far.'
"Very well. If it's within my power, you need simply to ask for my aid." The dwarf stuffed the items into his arms and walked into the back room. When he emerged, he was carrying a massive bag that jingled with every step. "1.25 Million. As agreed upon." Uthuk hoisted the bag of coins onto the counter.
"Alright. One second." Alistair looked to his side. "Come forth, that which devours my will." The mimic chest appeared beside him and the lid to the chest slowly opened. Alistair tossed the bag of coins into the Mimic.
Ding! 1,000,000 Valis added to the Treasury! 250,000 Valis added to Wallet!
Ding! New Title Unlocked! Valis Millionaire!
"No way. You even have a Mimic Chest?!?" Uthuk loudly blurted out. "Sell it to me. 5 Million Valis right now!" Uthuk offered a very generous sum of money.
"My apologies but..." The chest retreated into the ground. "I have need of this chest right now. Maybe next time we meet, I'll discuss parting with him. It was great doing business with you, Uthuk." Alistair bowed before turning to leave.
"That's a real shame. Maybe next time. I appreciate your business." He bowed in return as he watched Alistair leave the Guild Hall. "I reckon I'll be seeing him again soon."
"Papa's been in there a long time. I wonder if everything's alright." Keiko commented as she paced back and forth in front of the Merchant's Guild.
"I'm sure everything is fine." Tamanari tried to sooth the worrying child. 'I hope...he gets what he wants.'
The door swung open and Alistair stepped outside and into the blazing sun. "Papa!" Keiko shouted happily. She ran towards the Wolfborn giggling and with her arms held open.
"Haha. I wasn't gone that long, sweetheart." He crouched down and scooped Keiko back into his arms once more.
"Everything went well I take it?" Tamanari walked to his side with a smile.
"Yeah. Now, who's hungry?" Alistair questioned and smiled at the two ladies in front of him.
"Me, Papa! What are we going to eat?" Keiko giggled and snuggled into her Papa's arms.
"Shoot. I forgot to pack that extra food you made earlier." Tamanari gently slapped her forehead. "I'm sorry." She whispered sheepishly.
"It's okay, love. We can grab something from here." He carefully whispered to her and smiled warmly.
"Yeah. You're right. What do you feel like having?" Tamanari's face lit up from her lover's gentle nature.
"Meat!" Keiko shouted happily.
"Meat? You can't eat just meat, sweetie." Alistair chuckled softly at her outburst. "You need fruits and vegetables, too."
"Ick." Keiko stuck her tongue out in disgust.
"Haha." Alistair chuckled again. "Well, you'll eat them for Papa, right?" He cooed.
"Fine." Keiko pouted and hugged Alistair.
"So adorable." Tamanari giggled softly to herself.
"Well, My Lady, since you know Denerim well, where do you think has the best food?" Alistair smiled at Tamanari.
"Hm. It's a little pricey, but I really like this dine in restaurant." Tamanari looked to Alistair and Keiko. "You fit the part, love, but..." She touched the rags covering Keiko's body. "We..."
"Need to get her some new clothes." Alistair finished his lover's sentence and nodded with her thought. "Yes. I planned on doing that. She needs some things before we leave. Plus, I need some more clothes myself."
"Very well. Shopping first, then lunch." Tamanari smiled at Alistair.
"New clothes...for me..?" Keiko questioned in disbelief.
"That's right, sweetheart. Papa told you, didn't he?" Alistair smiled and gently poked Keiko's nose. "I'll take care of you."
"Hehe. Papa's the best!" Keiko giggled happily as she threw her arms around his neck and squeezed him tight.
"Keiko..." Alistair smiled and wrapped his arms around the darling child in his arms. 'Thank you, Keiko.' He thought to himself.
'My heart.' Tamanari smiled as her heart melted at the touching scene in front of her. "Alright. The best place for clothes would be over this way. Come on." She giggled and tugged on the sleeve of Alistair's shirt.
"Haha. Yes, my lady. Whatever you desire." Alistair flashed her a wry grin, one of his canine incisors just barely visible.
"Papa! I want a dress!" Keiko cheered as she held onto Alistair's neck.
"A dress, huh?" Alistair kissed Keiko's cheek. "Then I'll get you the most prettiest dress ever."
"Really?" Keiko's eyes went wide and the two black ears atop her head twitched happily. "You mean that, Papa?"
"Does your Papa look like the type of man that would lie to you, Keiko?" Tamanari looked back at Keiko and smiled.
"No. Papa would never lie to me. I believe that." Keiko laid her head on Alistair's shoulder. 'Don't leave me, Papa.'
"Good." Alistair reached up and gently poked Keiko's nose. "Tamanari. Are we almost there, my love?" He whispered to her softly.
"Mhmm. It's just right up there." Tamanari pointed to a small building on the corner. "It's small, but the owner is a good friend of mine and she does amazing stitch work. She'll dress you two up well."
"Hehe. I'm so excited!" Keiko giggled innocently.
"What about me, Master?" Hina spoke up.
"I'll run you by the blacksmith and get you touched up, too, Hina." Alistair laughed softly at his partner's jealousy.
"Alright. Let's go inside." Tamanari pushed opened the wooden door with minimal effort and walked inside the cool, well lit shop. A little bell rang loudly to signal their arrival.
"Ahh, Welcome, welcome!" A deep, feminine voice called to the newcomers. Standing behind the counter was a tall and powerful looking woman with green skin.
'An Orc...tailor...?' Alistair thought to himself as he soaked in the woman's appearance. 'That's definitely odd. Most Orcs are Warriors. It's in their blood.'
"It's good to see you again, Kuritah." Tamanari smiled and bowed her head to the Orc woman.
"Is that...?" Kuritah walked around the counter to get a closer look at her customer's face. " Why, it is you! Little Tamanari's all grown up! I forget how rapidly you humans change!" The large tailor wrapped Tamanari in her arms and laughed loudly while she hugged the young woman tight.
"Haha. It's good to see you, Miss Kuritah. I see you've been getting on well." Tamanari looked around the shop. "It's been ages since I've come to Denerim."
"Well enough, I suppose. People are starting to see my work and love my clothes. It was hard at first, though." Kuritah released the small woman from her arms and looked behind her. "And who's the handsome young wolf behind you?" She whispered with a smirk.
"Ah, please forgive me, Miss Kuritah. My name is Alistair, and this..." He smiled and nodded to the little girl. "...is Keiko. She's my daughter." He kissed her forehead gently.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am." Keiko whispered and hid her face in Alistair's shirt.
"Such a cutie." Kuritah cooed and stood up straight. "So, what can I do for ya? I reckon ya didn't come just to catch up."
"Yes, ma'am. I would like clothes for myself and the little one. Price isn't an issue." Alistair stood up straight and smiled. "Whatever makes my little angel sparkle." He was prepared to follow through on his promise. "One special request, though. She would like a sun dress. Something pretty."
"Is that all? Piece of cake!" The tailor stuck her thumb up and grinned. "Gimme one hour. Until then..." She dug through a nearby rack and picked out a small, temporary dress. "She can wear this."
It was a small, white sun dress with a beautiful red rose floral design. "I can wear this...?" Keiko whispered as she climbed down from Alistair's arms. She ran her fingers over the silken cloth.
"Wear it? Hell, you can keep it youngling. Better then letting it go to waste on this rack." Kuritah grinned as she passed off the sun dress to Alistair. "There you go, pops. It's on the house."
'Pops? Oh, I'll get you back for that.' Alistair thought to himself. "Are you sure? I'm more than happy to pay you for it, ma'am." Alistair eyed the orc woman curiously.
"Please, think nothing of it. Consider it a bonus for your patronage. Now, I hate missing deadlines so get the young one changed and go enjoy the city." The orc woman grinned as she herded the three towards the changing room.
"Well, Tamanari, could you help her fit into this and show her how to wear it?" Alistair blushed as he looked to his lover.
"Of course, darling. Come along, Keiko." Tamanari smiled and winked at Alistair. She extended her hand towards Keiko.
"Kay!" Keiko grabbed Tamanari's outstretched hand and followed her into the changing room. Kuritah had begun her work on Alistair's order as she danced around the shop with ease.
Alistair leaned against the wall near the changing room. His arms were crossed and his eyes were closed. He heard bits and pieces of conversation coming from behind the curtain, but his thoughts had drifted to the mark on his abdomen. A massive scar was visible on his left abdomen, a birthmark. The shape of the scar depicted a star shaped object.
"Forgive me, my child." A soft feminine voice filled the shop.
"Who's there?" Alistair sprung up from the wall.
"My sweet Alistair."
'That voice...? Mother...?' Alistair looked to Kuritah. She seemed to be frozen in time. "Mother. Where are you...?"
"Your mark. Never forget, my child."
"Never forget? Forget what?" Alistair tried to remember his mother's words.
"Your fate may be a cruel one, but never lose your kind heart. In the years that follow, you will face many hardships. I fear I won't be around when that time comes. Just know that, mother will always watch over you. I love you, my child." The voice of his mother faded, growing fainter with each word.
"Mother!" He tried to call out for her but was greeted only with silence. Kuritah's body began to stir, slowly at first. Then, just like that, she was moving around again. Completely unaware she was frozen in time. 'That was...weird. My mark...' Alistair looked down at the star shaped mark on his abdomen. 'It's...just a birthmark...right...?'
"Papa!"
"Hm?" Alistair was pulled from his thoughts by his daughter's voice.
"How do I look, Papa?" Keiko asked once she was sure he was listening to her. She gave a small spin, the dress fluttering upwards with her movement.
"You look beautiful, Keiko." Alistair smiled softly and dropped to one knee in front of her. "This dress suits you." He opened his arms towards Keiko.
"Hehe." Keiko giggled sheepishly and walked into her Papa's open arms. "I'm beautiful, Papa?" She asked nervously and hid her face in Alistair's shirt.
"Of course you are, my darling child." Alistair scooped up the little neko girl in his arms. He turned to face Tamanari and smiled once more. "Thank you, my love." He whispered to her softly. "Now. Ready to go?"
"Yes. Let's go. I'm famished." Tamanari replied as she stepped up beside Alistair. She looped one arm around Alistair's arm and pressed herself close to him.
"Tamanari..." Alistair blushed as she pressed herself against him. "Are you sure?"
"There's nothing wrong with a man escorting a woman, is there?" Tamanari shot back and stuck her tongue out at him.
"I suppose not." Alistair shifted Keiko around in his arms and leaned against Tamanari. "Let's go, my lady. Kuritah, we're heading out."
"Have fun, love birds." Kuritah grinned as she watched the makeshift family depart. "You chose a good one, Little Tamanari."