Gin and I made our way back to the store front without saying a word to each other.
Surprisingly, the walk did not feel awkward. I was quietly thinking the whole time and debating if I should or shouldn't give him something.
Making up my mind, I pulled out 4 paper talismans I specially made from the fibers of the tree that was my home. Right before heading out to the front of the store, I pulled on Gin's sleeve.
"Wait. Take these." Gin has never shown me so many new faces in one day. His shocked face was priceless.
"Seems like you know what this is. I won't answer any questions, other than I made this. Only use if for emergencies OK!? I don't want you showing up in my home just to say hello got it!?"
I thought Gin's eyes were going to fall out. "Your home? You live near the Trees of Gahliah?!"
I smirked, "you know your stuff old man. It'll take you straight into my home. Don't give it to anyone you don't trust. I don't want any drama alright?" Gin just stared blankly at the talismans in his hand. I wonder what ran through his head, but refrained from giving too much information.
"What a day of surprises kiddo. I do pray you be careful out there. I'm finding so many more secrets about you, Ansel. I'm more curious, but I'll leave it there."
I was relieved he wasn't going to interrogate me any further. "Thank you Ansel. This is a precious treasure. You have my word I will use them only when necessary."
I've never been thanked like this before. In my confusion of emotions, something came over me, and I gave Gin a quick hug and ran out first.
I wondered if this was what having a father figure felt like.
Unfortunately while trying to run away from my embarrassment, I ran into the human concrete wall that was Alex's body guard and fell back flat on the floor. The big guy was unfazed as he looked at me like I was a criminal. I automatically put my hands up. I didn't want to mess with the big guy.
"Why are you acting like you stole something Ansel?" Alex questioned as he eyes gave me an odd scrutinizing look. Laughter came from the back as Gin walked in. "Because he stole a hug from me."
Alex's face flashed of horror. "You! What are you two doing?! I'm going to tell mom! I won't accept him father! Even if you take him as your boy toy!"
I was screaming inside. "Old man! Why is your son is so handsome but so dumb?!" The gods kept things balanced. He was annoyingly handsome, but dumb as a rock sometimes. "It's not like that you dimwit! And stop giving your son weird ideas Gin!" I reprimanded the father-son duo. Alex relaxed a little but was still not convinced. He knew something was up.
I disregarded the fool and quickly got up.
Grabbing my leather bag, I walked around and stuffed it full of fruits, meats and crackers. I walked up to Alex and placed 2 large silver coins in front of him. I was still gazed at suspiciously. I just wanted to get out of the awkwardness.
Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind and I smirked at Alex. Making him squint his eyes even more suspiciously at me. Well I might as make the best of the awkward situation and make it even more awkward.
I move towards Alex and he stepped back.
We continued until I cornered him to the wall. His bodyguard was going to move, but Gin shook his head. With no one to help and nowhere to go he looked at me like I was going to eat him.
"You're cute, but don't get ahead of yourself Alex. I'd rather take your bodyguard." Alex and even the bodyguard too were showing me so many colorful and different faces today. His fearful handsome face warped between anger then confusion and everything in between. He was speechless, so I added to the fire.
"Hey. I did you and your future wife a huge favor today. You can thank me later. Ask your father, unless your already satisfied down there." He covered up as I pointed below his belt. "Later, old man!" I called out as I took my leave.
The awkward silence broke as Gin waved telling me to come back soon. Alex was bombarding me with questions, but I ignored him as I put on my leather jacket and ran off into the rain. I didn't like being wet, but there was one last place I needed to go before heading home.
The good thing about the heavy rain was that there were few people out. The less encounters the better because who knew how many people I'd cross like that lady at the city gates. I paid my toll to get into town just like anyone else, and she had the nerve to spew nonsense and try to kick me out. I didn't want to have to deal with any troublesome knights either.
Ignoring the unpleasant memory, I focused on walking through the rain to my destination. The cobblestone road was wide and well-maintained making traveling here fast and easy. The area I was currently in was actually pretty nice, even more-so in sunny weather.
The buildings around were built with fine wood and had a certain finesse to them. They weren't anything ornate or overly fancy when compared to the noble's quarter, which was sectioned off with their own walls and had their own set of guards. Quite frequently though, even the nobles and many of the wealthy and common folk would be seen around here due to the many shops and wide variety of things people could do here.
I didn't care to hang around much so I personally didn't have experience with all the novelties here, but I did observe plenty interesting food places and the many activities and amenities provided should you be able to pay for it.
However, this nice section of the city ended as the streets began to narrow and buildings became compact. This part of the city wasn't necessarily bad per say. Many of the common people lived here and it was simple and mostly clean until you came to the red light district. Much of my time as a kid was spent either in the forest or walking these streets here to the slums hidden behind the walls at the road's end.
This was how high society dealt with the poor by sectioning them off behind a wall. Out of sight and therefore out of mind. The rich had them too, with similar a purpose: to keep their lavish lifestyles and dark secrets hidden from the eyes of the people.
I get it though. I don't want my business or dirty laundry for everyone to see. Same idea, but scaled-up to a level that sometimes affected the livelihoods of others. Such was the ways of the world.