[@spiral origin]

[quote]The sturdy, well-aged gentleman behind the counter assessed Robert for a moment, eyes narrowing. "Yer not a soldier. You one of them outsiders?... Ya look a 'lil familiar, but also a 'lil strange…" The uncertainty in his slow, measured voice seemed to soften at the vague recognition of fellowship in Robert. "...Well, how can I help ya?"[/quote]

Robert and his father had visited before, of course. He and some of his hired men later, over the years.  The general goods merchant was a cagey sort, who was fearful of outsiders. Coin in his hand made him jovial enough, but he always questioned what you were going to do with his wares, if he did not know who you were. That seemed to be the feeling Robert always got when shopping with him anyway.

[color=f9ad81]"Good evening, Sir." he opened. "Just a few things today. Nothing special.  I need a new backpack, an empty ledger, and a few pencils."[/color]

After a moment's consideration, he decided to at least [i]TRY[/i] to get something out of the man edgewise, by inquiring obliquely.

[color=f9ad81]"--Why?, is there something I should know about the strangers in town today?"[/color]