"fifteen notes! just to hitch a ride with you? that's ridiculous!" yelled Lucas outraged at the giant woman who was now wearing a cocky grin.
"supply and demand, my dwarf friend, you won't be finding any other rides to iron port," boomed the red head, her grin revealing the golden tooth pushed askew. "maybe you'd prefer to walk all the way there, through the treacherous lands and dangerous creatures?"
Lucas crossed his arms, clearly disgruntled. The towering woman, a burly figure with a mop of fiery red hair and an air of confidence, seemed unfazed by his protest.
"what's this about walking?" asked Adara, causing Lucas to jump, how long had she been there?
"Well, well, if it isn't a lovely lady joining us," the giant woman said, her cocky grin transforming into a more amicable smile. "I'm sure we can work something out for a pretty face like yours."
Lucas, still disgruntled, shot a confused glance at Adara, who raised an eyebrow in response. The giant woman, now seemingly in a friendlier mood, gestured towards her merchandise – an array of colourful fabrics and garments.
"I run a fashion brand, you see," the merchant explained, her eyes gleaming with entrepreneurial spirit. "And I've been looking for a model to showcase my latest designs. How about this, beautiful elf? I'll cut you a deal. Three notes for the both of you, and all you have to do is model a few outfits for my collection. What do you say?"
Adara, caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, exchanged a glance with Lucas. While still skeptical, Lucas seemed more open to the idea if it meant saving some notes. Adara, considering the alternative of walking through treacherous lands, sighed and nodded.
"Fine, we'll model your clothes. But three notes is our final offer," Adara negotiated, maintaining a hint of assertiveness. The giant woman, seemingly satisfied, extended a massive hand for a shake.
"Deal! You won't regret this. I'll make you both the talk of Iron Port!" the merchant exclaimed, sealing the agreement with a firm handshake.
"Wait, hold on a second!" yelled Lucas, "what is with this blatant lookism! why wasn't I asked to be a model!"
The giant woman burst into laughter at Lucas's outburst, her hearty guffaws echoing through the bustling port town. Adara couldn't help but smile at Lucas's indignation, finding the situation unexpectedly amusing.
"Ah, my stout friend, no offense intended. It's just that you don't quite fit the aesthetic I'm going for with my latest collection," the merchant explained, still chuckling. "But don't you worry, I'm sure there's a market for dwarf models out there. Perhaps a niche waiting to be filled!"
"And for the last time, I'm not a dwarf!" his hand wandering between Adara's head and his own, showing off the extra height he had on the mage.
The giant woman's laughter only continued, resonating through the port town as Lucas vehemently asserted his not-dwarf status. Adara, still wearing a faint smile, felt a sense of relief at the unexpected turn of events. Modelling clothes in exchange for a discounted ride to Iron Port seemed like a small price to pay.