After picking the Dragon's Wrath and Widow's Kiss, it was finally time to pick some new protective clothing. Audu took Abel into the main town. As usual, the streets were bustling with activity. Stall owners were calling out and advertising their products and wares, while buyers moved to whichever stall caught their attention first.
"Over here for the best steamed buns you can find in Seneris! Monty's Buns won't let you down!"
"Oi! You there, you look like you could use a few health potions to heal you right up. Come over to Lizzy's Potions!"
"Come get your shiny weapons! Swords, Bows, Axes, everything you could ever need at Sparta's Armory!"
Abel looked around as the different smells and aromas wafted through his nostrils. The blue hair he shared with Audu drew some curious gazes, but nothing too excessive. After all, it wasn't all that strange to see people with bright colored hair these days.
Speaking about looks, Abel had noticed that Audu looked much younger than he did before the Tower incident. His wrinkles had almost completely disappeared, and the grey strands in his hair had almost disappeared, giving way to the bright blue. His posture had straightened up, and his lean muscles had begun filling up the sleeves of his shirt. It was quite obvious that something was different.
Well, that was a matter for another time. For now, Abel had no plans to ask Audu about the matter.
The pair stopped outside a large armor shop. Unlike the shabby stalls that lined the outer perimeter of the city, this shop was a large three story building. It's exterior decoration was eye catching with detailed paintings of armors and cloaks, and many other materials that are meant to increase one's protection. The large sign board on hanging outside the building stated the name of the shop.
Arnold's Armors.
"Old Arnold's been a good supplier of quality materials for decades. We can count on him to have some good stuff." Audu explained as he led Abel into the building.
"Welcome to Arnold's Armors! How can we be of service to you today?" A cute, petite salesgirl greeted them as they stepped in. She had cute dimples that showed as she smiled, and her eyes squinted cutely in a way that made Abel stare too closely at her for a few moments longer than normal.
"Little Sara! It's been a while; look how much you've grown!" Audu exclaimed when he laid his eyes on the petite girl. She stood at roughly the same height as Aileen, a 5'4. A bit on the short side, but Abel still didn't mind. He personally had a thing for shorter ladies.
"Um, do I know you?" The petite girl, Sara, tilted her head and furrowed her eyes in confusion. Her maid outfit didn't help in making her look less attractive.
"Oh, you blind little girl. How could you forget old Audu?"
"Gramps?! Oh my God, why do you look so different?!" Sara jumped in surprise before leaping into the old man's waiting arms. Abel noted that it resembled a family reunion.
"Oh, that. It's a long story for another time. For now, I just want to see that old man of yours. Where's Arnold?" While they spoke, Sara led them inside the shop. Another girl in a cute maid outfit quickly took her place.
"My dad's in the back room. He's been working on something all month and rarely comes out anymore. I'm sure he will be happy to see you." Sara took them through a short corridor that was out of bounds for regular customers who just wanted to buy something simple. The path they took was lined with rooms containing premium materials. Shiny chest plates and shin guards glinted under the bright lighting that was provided in the rooms.
They soon reached an area that was almost completely devoid of life. The only people who occasionally passed this area was the sales girls that needed to get pieces of gear from the back storage room.
"In here." She stopped by a door and knocked.
"Who is it?!" A gruff voice yelled from the other side of the door.
"It's me, dad! I brought you some guests!" She replied.
"I told you, I don't want any guests, I'm busy!"
Their back and forth continued for a bit longer before Sara finally managed to persuade her father to come out and see the blue haired pair.
With a low grumble of frustration, the thick metal door swung open, revealing a Dwarven man standing shirtless. A pair of goggles hung over his thick brows, and sweat ran down his chest.
"Audu?!" The Dwarf called out in shock.
"Haha! Arnold buddy, how are ya?!" Audu replied happily.
"I'm fine... I should be asking you that! How did you get your blue hair back?" The shorter man of the two asked in shock.
"Oh, that's a long story. Let's just get down to business. When I'm done with my commission, I'll tell you all about it." Audu waved Abel over. "This is my boy. He needs a new set of lightweight armor for the Tower. I know I can count on you to give him the best, so I brought him here." Audu explained their needs to Arnold.
The Dwarf listened attentively as Audu pointed out all their requirements carefully. He confirmed whatever he wasn't sure of with Abel at intervals and Abel replied with the necessary information.
"That should be it." He rounded up the list.
"I see..." Arnold turned to face Abel. His eyes lingered on Abel's head of blue hair before shifting to his eye level.
"Very well, then. Let's see if I can get his new look ready in time."