Crystal Crockery

[hisdivineshadow]

The noise and bustle of the marketplace was as intense and irritating as ever. I don't understand how anyone can stand it, Shen thought to himself. Just passing nearby is enough to give me a headache. But at this point there wasn't much choice.

He'd managed to break one of his best bowls, and discovered cracks developing in several of his older jars. Of course, he'd had them for years now, so it wasn't surprising that they'd eventually need replacement. The healer only wished there was some way to get new crockery without having to wade into this roiling sea of humanity.

A new shop caught his eye; at least, new to him. He might've just missed it on previous trips to market, considering he was usually in a rush to get away from the place. Broad glass windows dominated the storefront, displaying a wide variety of varicolored sculptures, trinkets, and dishware. It was the last that caught his eye; that, and the fact that the store looked all but empty, promising at least a temporary respite from the commotion of the streets.

Ducking inside, Shen quickly shut the door behind him and leaned against it, closing his eyes and letting out a relieved sigh. "Blessed quiet," he murmured, and relaxed for a moment before straightening and beginning to look around.

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It was indeed a quiet shop, perhaps a bit cluttered, but as Shen looked closer, he discovered there was a definite system for the merchandise: One rack of shelves had nothing but dinnerware, while another had jars and perfume bottles of various sizes. Two more racks displayed figurines, inkwells, pen holders and paperweights, and prisms, suncatchers and windchimes hung from the ceiling.

Still another held candlesticks, and next to it was a row of bins full of little charms of various colors and shapes; labels over each bin announced the charms to have the ability to attract various desirables, such as luck, health, mental balance, charming manners, and more.

Perhaps the crowning glory was the jewelry: A box of glass shelves next to a counter displayed necklaces, small tiaras, rings, bracelets, anklets, and even a pair of "glass" slippers.

On the counter was a roly-poly raccoon, chewing on an apple and obviously enjoying it. When Shen paused for a moment, the animal looked up curiously, chirping once.

[hisdivineshadow]

The healer stopped in his tracks and just stared for a minute. After all, it wasn't every day you saw a raccoon manning the front desk of a store.

"Oooookaay then," Shen commented blandly, then turned to continue browsing. Disregarding the animal . . . I wonder how sturdy this crystalware would actually be. Not much point buying a replacement bowl if it's just going to shatter on me. He paused and looked back at the counter. There's gotta be an actual person here . . . right?

Returning to the desk, he looked for a bell to ring, or any other way to call for the shopkeeper's attention. He glanced at the raccoon, looked away, then turned back and asked, "So where's your boss?"

[Deleted]

Ah, so this was a customer, not just a browser. The raccoon perked up considerably and set down his apple, then jumped off the counter to land (thump) on the floor. He waddled for the stairs and climbed the banister, scooting his way up.

A few minutes later, the raccoon was followed by the store's pale owner, who was binding back his hair (which looked rather messy, as if he had been attempting to cut it himself). "Welcome to Crystal Cut, where you can find some extra sparkle for your life," he greeted with a little bow. "I'm Shion Yuujel Reegis, and this is Don Reacher. Pleased to meet you."

[hisdivineshadow]

Shen thought, Right. Because everyone wants life to be sparkles and ribbons. What he said was, "How durable are your goods? I'm looking for bowls and jars, but I'd think crystal is too brittle." There was a bluntness in his tone that almost dared Shion to prove him wrong.

[Deleted]

"As durable as you want or need," Shion immediately replied with a smile. Pushing his spectacles up his nose, he motioned for Shen to follow him as he approached the shelf of bowls and suchwhat. Selecting a container about the same size and shape as a jelly jar, Shion handed it to Shen so the healer could feel the weight. "Now go ahead and drop it."

[hisdivineshadow]

Shen took the jar, examined it and tested its weight, then, with a dubious glance at Shion, held it at arm level and dropped it. He flinched reflexively when it hit the floor, then blinked and looked again. The jar was still intact. He bent down to pick it back up.

There wasn't a single crack or chip in the surface of the crystal; it was completely unharmed after a five-foot drop. "That's . . . impressive," the healer commented grudgingly. "Is everything so tough?"

[Deleted]

"No," Shion admitted, and brought Shen to the shelf of figurines. "The things that don't actually see use are a bit fragile, and are naturally handled with care." He picked up a little statue that resembled a little girl splashing in puddles with a parasol, all parts carefully tinted, and dropped it.

The figurine shattered, predictably, and Shion crouched to pick up the pieces. "However, should something fragile break, I can fix it at half the price paid for it."

[hisdivineshadow]

Shen flinched again, and was glad he did this time. "You're going to cut yourself doing that," he said in a slightly scornful tone, referring to how Shion was picking up the crystal shards bare-handed. "And how would you fix it?"

[Deleted]

"Been there, done that," Shion said dryly, and held up a hand to display the various pale slashes. "It doesn't really bother me any more. I guess you could say the pain has lost its edge."

He straightened, all the shards in one hand, balanced on or close to his Earth sign. "Anyway, this is how I can fix my wares." He touched the sign with a fingertip, chanting under his breath, and the statuette reformed itself, every sliver in place and the surface smoothing out to display no flaws. Shion grinned and passed the figurine to Shen. "See?"

[hisdivineshadow]

Now that was impressive. Shen couldn't hide the little bit of awe on his face as he examined the figurine. "Well . . . that's great, but I'd hope my bowls don't break like that."

He passed it back to Shion, then turned and headed into the midst of the merchandise, examining a few large bowls that would suit his purposes. Picking one up with both hands, he hefted it above his shoulder and called out, "How much?" even while continuing to browse the rest of the selection.

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Shion took a quick glance as he put the figurine back in its place on the shelf. "Seven coppers," he said immediately, approaching the counter and lifting Reacher back on to it, so the raccoon could finish his apple.

[hisdivineshadow]

"Seven?" He thought about haggling, but it really wasn't an unfair price, considering the quality of the workmanship. Not to mention he wanted to get home as soon as possible. "Fine. And this?" He tapped another, smaller bowl. "And I want five of those jars, like the one I dropped."

[Deleted]

"The other bowl is six coppers, and there should be more jars on the appropriate shelf," Shion mentioned, pulling on a lock of his hair and scowling at it. "I'll knock off some coppers if you can tell me where to find a barber. This just isn't working."

Reacher chittered, and Shion shook his head. "Thanks for offering, but I don't think you could use a pair of scissors carefully enough."

[hisdivineshadow]

Shen looked up and ran a hand through his own silvery hair. "There's a guy over on Fleet Street. Works fast." Carrying the two bowls to the counter, he set them down, one inside the other, and then went to grab the jars. "So how much?" he asked, gesturing at the jars as he placed them in the bowls.