"..." Jaw agape, Jash stared back at Bil. He was able to sense the serious yet gentle expression on Bil's face. "Wh-what do you mean? Didn't mom die–"
"She died eighteen years ago. And she insisted that I save something for when you come of age." Looking back and forth between Nelphy and Jash, Bil added, "I've also gathered a couple of gifts over the years, waiting for today… Regardless of where we are, I'll start the night with a meal of your choice. I'll buy whatever ingredients you want, for however many dishes you want me to prepare. Then, we share the gifts."
Nelphy's eyes lit up as she emphatically raised her hand. "OH! I want your special duck!"
"Anything else? Jash?" asked Bil.
Jash forced his mind back to the present moment and responded with a nod, "I-I want fire-roasted potatoes. And Cockatrice! Fried Cockatrice!"
Bil couldn't help but laugh. "Well, I did say I'd get anything. Jash, can you go cancel our reservation at the inn and meet us at the food market? And don't forget our packs"
"Sure thing."
As usual, Jash wasted no time as he ran to the inn. He was already at the reception by the time Bil and Nelphy passed the building.
The duo walked straight for the southwest corner of the town square. There, shouts of food vendors rang out. Different aromas wafted through the air, inviting all to come and partake of the food carts. Just past the made-to-order food carts were the stands for fruits, vegetables, meats, and more.
Catching Nelphy by a food cart, Bil nudged her along. "We'll buy some breakfast when your brother gets back. For now, take me to the meat stands, birthday girl."
"You got it." Graciously turning down all the enthusiastic vendors, Nelphy pressed forward. She reached one meat stand but Nelphy moved on without a second thought. Instead, they proceeded until they stood before the largest meat stand, one with a sign saying, 'The more exotic, the better the deal!' and with a lazy vendor reclining in a hammock.
"Hmm…" Sniffing around, Bil braced his walking stick between his bicep and pec while examining the meats by feel. "Nelphy, can you hand me a duck?"
Spotting the unusual customer, the man chuckled, "Hold on. You're just looking for a duck? Someone like you could go get that yourself."
"Either way, this saves me time," Bil replied with a matching chuckle. "Besides, what's wrong with helping out old war vets when I get the chance?"
"... Huuu, one sec." The aged hunter got up, brushing some dust from the sheathed knife tied to his leg. "The best products are in the back."
"Thank you, sir!" Bowing, Bil waited patiently for the man to come back with the largest duck he had.
The duck was placed in Bil's hands, still covered in feathers and warm. In a matter of seconds Bil returned the duck to the man. "I'll take it. That should be enough."
Taking the duck in one hand, the man accepted the silver drit in his other hand. "More than enough. What else can I get you?"
"Got any cockatrice on hand?"
"Hmm… I'll double-check for you, but I'm pretty sure I sold out."
Itching his short and scratchy beard, Bil asked, "But they're around these parts? Mind letting me know? I only need one, to celebrate my boy becoming a man."
"A hunter doesn't reveal their grounds.. But I'll tell you for a price, given the circumstances," jested the man, holding out a hand. Bil was already flicking him another silver drit and ready for the info. "Recently, they've started to live in the mountain ridge southwest of town. Your best bet is finding the cave on the cliffside, the one behind an overrun campsite."
"Really?" Chuckling at the coincidence, Bil took the duck newly wrapped in butcher paper. "Thank you. Best of luck."
Waving Bil off as he sat down again, the hunter replied, "Good luck, and stand proud."
"Yeah.. you too!"
Sighing, Bil turned around. He paused his steps after quickly realizing something. "Nelphy? Where'd you go?"
"We're over here!"
Bil easily followed Jash's voice. They were at a nearby stand haggling over the price of potatoes and tomatoes.
"Four coppers! That's already generous!" argued Jash, staring down the woman running the stand.
Smelling the air once more, Bil nodded. "Add some garlic, onions, and those herbs. I'll give you one silver for the lot."
"Sold!" The woman happily gathered everything. "Maybe you should teach them some barter etiquette."
"If I'm not mistaken, you were about to accept his offer. And my offer gave you the same value. It was just larger," retorted Bil, patting Jash on the back. "Good job."
Standing straight, Jash nodded and played off the gratitude. "Of course!"
"Nelphy, if you see something you like, then we can get it."
Caught off guard, Nelphy nervously chuckled, turning back toward Bil and Jash. "Sorry, I was just imagining something."
But Bil shook his head and pointed to the northwest corner of the square. "Go on. Take me there. I'm sure we'll find a suitable food cart over there too. And you should look around too, Jash. It's a special day for both of you."
"Thank you!" The young woman ecstatically led Bil to the other corner. Jash was dragged behind them as he was in charge of packing the duck and goods.
After grabbing some marinated chicken and egg kebabs, Nelphy pulled Bil around from stall to stall. She thoroughly yet speedily scanned every stand's wares.
Very soon, Bil stopped her for a moment. "Go on and search without me. It'll be faster that way. Then, come get me when you find something and I'll buy it."
"Okay… But keep an eye on him," Nelphy teased, dropping Bil off next to Jash.
Shifting his focus to the young man, Bil sighed, "You know, armor and weapons are better inspected with your hands, not your eyes. Avoid anything too flashy or you'll regret it on the battlefield.
".. Thanks. Sir!" Jash shouted for the shopkeep and stepped into the canopied stand. "Can I… Bil, can we afford–"
"Choose something you like. And if you don't find anything today, then we'll find something after reaching Frantoch."