The sailors cussing, merchants hollering and the custom officers shouting created an environment that was at home for Arthus in Valen city's harbour
Arthus was an Blacksmith apprentice and more previously an Earthlander ,yes I use the term Earthlander because I was no longer on earth as was evident by the two moons over this alien planet. I don't know if I am in a multiverse or perhaps this is just another planet in the far reaches of the universe,but it doesn't matter much as I am was reincarnated in this world known as Arna
And before you all wonder how I died and come to an conclusion that it was probably something involved with a truck,I would like to stop you all right there because my culprit was an honest to god thief who was probably new in his profession and shot me when I was taking out my wallet from my back pocket, the moron probably thought I was pulling a gun out a gun on him and after his 'banged' up mistake, I was born into Arna(the current world) in this family
My father's name is Tanel and he's a pretty good Blacksmith and sometimes even gets orders to make a nobles sword which puts some extra coins into our pockets ,my mother's name is Serna and she's is a housewife and her profession is probably shared by most of this world's married woman because after what I can deduce this world is in its late mediaeval period. I also have a little sister whose name is arya(yes really) and her profession is to either bother me or run around the house not an uncommon job for little sisters
Now back to the harbour, I always liked coming here to gaze at the incoming ships,and before you all wonder why let me tell you my own previous profession before being a Blacksmith apprentice was seafaring
that is to say I liked sailing all around the world on my boat, and I was always accompanied by my uncle and cousins who shared my love of the sea. I always thought that I would meet my end in a sea storm or something similar and not through the hands of an idiot
The ships in Valen's harbour aren't as advanced as the ones I used to sail in but a boat is a boat and I will just have to get used to a different type of rigging and sailing system, when I came into this world i still wanted to pursue my previous career but I couldn't because there was a law in Valen that only allows adults to own a ship or any other kind of business which meant that even with my previous knowledge I was stuck until I became 16 which was the age at which a boy reaches adulthood in the eyes of the City's law, but this wouldn't be a problem anymore because the day after tomorrow is my 16th birthday which means I will then officialy be an adult and have the right to own a ship and now I just needed to gather enough money to buy a ship
After watching the shore for some more time I decided to leave back to the forge.
While walking back I admired the city's beauty, even after spending almost 16 years in this city it still holds a fresh view every day.
The city of Valen is a republic but don't confuse it with a modern republic run by the people, Valen is actually a city state run by an council of the ruling nobles, the nobles of this city has always promoted trade and usually charge less taxes on trade than any other city or kingdom which in turn gave rise to a boom in trade resulting in Valen being a big Commercial hub
On my way I saw I particular merchant who was selling toys, thinking about arya I thought about buying a nice one for her and approached the merchant
when the merchant saw me coming his way he changed his bored expression into a bright smile
I saw various kinds of toys, Knights,Carts,animals,dolls and many more.
In the end a chose a woolen princess and asked the merchant the price
- You are my today's first customer so for you only 4 copper marks (merchant)
-4 copper marks for this woolen doll,really you joke sir(Arthus)
- No sir it's the truth i am afraid(merchant)
-Todays a fine day and I don't want to start it by getting robbed for a toy, my offer is 1 copper mark
-dear sir that wouldn't even cover the building cost of the doll, I say let's be reasonable and I would give it to you at 3 marks
-its still a too much for me, my last offer is 2 marks and before you say anything I won't be increasing it
The merchant looked at the doll for a long time but complied in the end
- You drive a hard bargain sir, but a man must eat so 2 marks it is
I brought out two marks from my purse and gave it to him and took the doll from the stall,it wasn't anything special just a figure stuffed with wool covered by cloth and a crown drawn on its head to give it a presentation of being a princess, I placed the doll in my bag and started back to my destination