Cal left the Oasis and took his first big breath of fresh air. Well, as fresh as it could be. He could smell the burning coal from the people's furnaces, the rotting fish the markets claimed to be fresh, but what was the most overwhelming was all the mixed perfumes he could smell. Floral and fruity mixed together in a sickly sweet combo nearly making him nauseous.
He began walking up a random road just seeing where his feet took him, the place was definitely more lively than Earlstone but it was also much bigger. So more people was definitely a given. The street was full of people bumping into each other and yelling how rude the other was. People too focused on themselves, too crowded for no reason.
The street was clearing a market type area, stores lined for all to see. Whether it be clothes, books or even a blacksmith. It had everything you could think of or ever need, well all except food that is. Of all the stores to catch his eyes was a small one with a wooden sign hanging off the door.
Galo's pets.
" Wonder what you've got?"
Opening the door rung a small bell in the door frame alerting the store clerk who he assumed must be Galo.
" Hi welcome to my pet shop, anything I can help you with?" He said as he has said a thousand times before. He watched as Cal walked around looking at the different birds, dogs and cats before his eyes settled on a small grey cat with ridiculously short legs. " Oh that there sir is a munchkin cat, quite cute and popular with the ladies."
" Does it have a name?" Cal asked as he slowly reached a hand for the cat.
" No, not yet, you name the pet yourself once you buy her," Galo explained calmly.
" Hmm, Smokey seems like a good name for her, how much?"
" Five silver coins is all I ask sir, ill even give her a bow and you can be on your way."
Cal paid the small price for the creature, and Galo's handed it over to him before going to the back of the store. Galo's motioned Cal over and showed him a variety of collars. He grabbed a blue lacey collar so it would match Smokey's large eyes. The collar even had a small bell on it so she wouldn't be perfectly quiet.
" What does she need in terms of food?"
" They eat a diet of meats make sure it's raw and fresh, keep them well hydrated as well. Most people have a bowl they fill with water. Also, you'll be in need of a box for the kitten to use as a toilet." Galos rambled as he dragged Cal around the store, grabbing all necessary items. By the time he was leaving the store Cal spent way more than he ever thought he would. Carrying bags full of toys and extra collars, even a leash to walk the cat.
Leaving the store bags in hand and a cat on his shoulder, he walked like it was any other day. Ignoring the coos from women or the staring from children. He wanted to see more of the town so it was easier to take Smokey with him than return to Oasis and leaving her alone in a room. She sat calmly as she could on his shoulder, looking proudly at the world around her.
Through the day Cal and Smokey stopped to look at many shops and places they walked by. By far the two shared a favourite few places. In the center of town, there was a lush green park, benches every so often along the pathways. The smart food stall sellers set up close to those benches offering a close-by spot to eat their food.
" Do you want something Smokey?" He asked as he walked to a stall, ordering a plate of fish and chips, the seller was even nice enough to give him a small plate with some raw cod on it for smokey. The two say down in the grass, eating their food. He's never had fried fish, at least not fried in a pool of oil. Was gross to think of but it tasted good so that's really all that matters in the end and Smokey was enjoying her fish as well. He gave her small pats as she scarfed down the food. Her fur was much softer than he thought it would be. " We should keep walking sweetie."
Seems the town split the markets down the middle, separated by the park in the center. More business and object focused stores were in the west of town and food, butchers and fishermen stayed in the east of town. Didn't really need to buy food as it seems the Oasis gave it for free anyway, but it was good to keep in mind for little Smokey.
Heading back to Oasis as the sunset behind him, the warm glow was welcome and made the inn look so much more homie than it was. It wasn't home, not yet at least which is fine. The home was where Tanen is and he wants to stay here. Might even be getting a boyfriend right about now he thought with a smirk.
Entering the inn he walked straight for his shared room to set up Smokeys things. Placing the litter box for her in the far corner and putting toys at the foot of his bed. All the while Smokey investigated the room, sniffing and crawling over anything she saw though sometimes she couldn't jump up because of her short legs. He was just settling down on the bed with Smokey on his chest when someone knocked on the door.
" Who's there?"
" Oh, so you are home Cal, mind if I come in?" It was Vayle, what could she possibly want.
" Sure."
" Okay so we haven't been able to find Klaus or Tanen all day-" She said as she came into the room. " Is that a cat?"
" No."
" Did you really buy a cat?" She asked as she plucked the cat of his chest to get a closer look at her.
" Okay, I got a cat," He replied sitting up. " She caught my eye."
" What's her name, you did name her right." She asked holding the kitten close to her chest.
" Yeah, I named her, its Smokey."
Vayle gave a small laugh before saying, " Always name a grey cat Smokey, the golden rule."
" Now what's the real reason you came into my room?"
" I want to start over." She replied as the room fell silent.