While quaint, the marketplace was nicely laid out, with shops lined around the main plaza in a half-circle, making them easy to spot.
Rion craned his neck, trying to find any signs of fire damage, but couldn't see any. It seemed the Wyrm had missed this place entirely. Maybe for that reason, the atmosphere in the marketplace felt almost chipper compared to the rest of the village, though still melancholic by any other standard.
"Let's head to the blacksmith first," Ezra said. "It'd be a pain to drag the Colizard Cloaks around all day."
So, to the blacksmith they went, entering through the front door. Inside, they were met with a space far larger than Rion and Maria had expected from the outside. In the corner sat a single forge, with the blacksmith beside it, a tired look on his face.
"Hey Frank, long time no see!" Ezra called out.
The blacksmith—Frank, turned toward the voice, a look of utter shock crossing his face. "Ezra, my boy, where have you been!?"
Ezra wore a slight smile. "To the capital. Got us some help." he pointed toward Rion and Maria
Frank's eyes widened. "Don't tell me—"
Ezra nodded firmly. "Tonight."
"Well I'll be damned." Frank leaned forward. "I'll put my work on the back burner. Anything you need I'll make, is it more nails you want?"
"That, and a magic ring for my friend here to help circulation."
Rion stepped forward. "I'd appreciate it."
Frank studied him for a moment, then smiled. "Show me your finger, boy."
Confused, Rion complied, holding out his ring finger.
Frank nodded slowly. "Alright. Give me until evening. I'll have everything you need."
"Thank you frank, How much?" Ezra asked.
Frank shook his head. "You can pay me after you get your reward for slaying the thing." He gave a wink.
Ezra looked uncertain. "Are you sure?"
Frank waved him off. "I've never been unsure of anything in my life. Give me your hammer too, I'll reinforce it for you."
Ezra smiled and handed it over. "Thanks."
"Now you three get outta here. I've got work to do!"
——
With even more time on their hands, the three decided to browse the village. Ezra caught up with old acquaintances while Rion and Maria grew more familiar with the places Ezra frequented.
By lunchtime, they headed back to the marketplace and stopped to eat at a restaurant in the plaza, where tables and chairs were set out in the open They all ordered what Ezra recommended, chicken skewers.
They stayed for a while, eating, chatting, drinking before Ezra decided they might as well pick up the Colizard Cloaks and then stop by the blacksmith afterward.
This shop wasn't in the main plaza but a bit further back, forcing them to maneuver through a few alleyways until they reached the small establishment.
Once inside, Rion and Maria ogled the strange assortment of goods inside. There were animal skins and hides, various skulls hanging on the walls, jars filled with diluted liquids and odd things inside, eyes, ears, and a peculiar-looking toe which Rion couldn't tell if it was human or not.
Eventually, they reached the counter, where a surprisingly pretty woman sat, she was sleeping.
Ezra tapped her shoulder. "Hey, Lance. Wake up."
Startled, she jolted upright. "Who are you..." she paused. "Ezra."
"Yo."
"How've you been?" she asked with a sigh.
"Good. You?"
"Good. So, what do you want?"
"Three Colizard Cloaks, please."
She stuck out her bottom lip, nodded , then disappeared into a back room. A moment later, she returned carrying three cloaks over her soulder and slammed them onto the counter.
"What do you need these for? You trying to fight that Wyrm or something?"
"Yup," Ezra said flatly.
She raised her eyebrows, looking him up and down. "Hmm… eight bronze coins, please."
Ezra handed over the money, and she passed him the cloaks, which he distributed between Rion and Maria.
"Come again," she said, sounding bored.
Ezra smiled. "Will do."
With that they exited the shop. Once outside, Maria turned to Ezra.
"For someone with such a strange shop, she—"
"Was easy to deal with, right?" Ezra interrupted.
Rion shrugged. "Well, yeah."
Ezra chuckled. "Y'know the two of us used to date."
"…WHAT?!" Rion and Maria shouted in unison, jaws slack.
Ezra smiled. "Anyways, let's go pick up our items from Frank…"
(And thus, Lost Keep's adventure continues…)