Freds Beds

Taya was enjoying her short time with the group. A few were introducing themselves, while others did not. A couple of them, a dwarf in particular, were downright cranky. In any case, she was with them for the day to earn coin. Oh, and to help some children.

The person with the list of addresses pointed to a boarding house on Bester Street.

"I'll take this one," said Taya. No one said anything, so with a shrug, she entered the simple, three-story building.

Inside was an outer area lit by natural sunlight from a large window. To the left, five men were seated at a round table, playing some sort of dice game. There was a counter, a doorway behind it, and a set of stairs to the right. Behind the counter was a bored boy about fifteen. When he saw Taya, the lad perked up, smoothed his shirt with his hands, and smiled.

"Can I help you?"

"I'm here for some gifts for Pelor's Day," said Taya. "Sergeant Erkennis sent me."

"Oh. Mother! Someone's here for the toys."

Taya wasn't sure, but for some reason, the boy seemed disappointed. After a few moments, a woman about Taya's age emerged from the hallway behind the desk.

"Frederick, go out back to your father's workshop and get the gifts."

The boy scurried out the same way the woman entered.

Taya spoke after a few seconds of silence. "Fred's Beds, eh? You named it after your son?"

"His grandfather, actually."

"Ah." More silence. It was becoming uncomfortable, so Taya began humming a tune she learned as a young girl. Thankfully, Frederick came back. He was holding four, small figurines, a cow, horse, dog, and a cat.

"Here you go, ma'am. Carved by my dad." Frederick beamed proudly.

Taya nodded and accepted the gifts. "I've got more places to go, so thank you and have a nice day."

River Quarter