Page 74 of Dark Elf's Good Girl

Passers by point at the carriage in marveled wonder in recognition of the vehicle. They clearly know who I am.

“It’s Fahci!” say the muffled voices.

So they know of my arrival, I think in astonishment. They must have been advertising my exhibition at the Orthani gallery.

I rub my hands as a wave of anticipation flourishes through my body. I expect a fun and exciting few days ahead during my stay in the city.

Money is of no issue to me, it’s not why I ventured here. Instead, I simply felt the need to get away for a while, plus it has been a while since I’ve visited Orthani.

I may as well make a little bit of cash off of this trip, because why not?

I enjoy the expressions upon the faces of the common folk as we ride through the streets. I begin to gather up my supplies, tidying away my notes and artwork as we draw nearer to our destination.

The carriage makes its final turn, pulling to a stop at the side of the road. The driver dismounts and walks to my door, opening it for me.

“We have arrived, sir Fahci,” he says, gesturing to the markets. “You can find what you’re looking for here. Let me know when we should get a move on to the art gallery.”

“Will do.”

I stretch my arms as I climb out. Scanning the area, it seems as though each inch of this place is covered with stalls and signs displaying discounted prices. Straight ahead is the art supply shop, the exact I need to be.

I walk forth. Just as expected, it’s not long before I’m noticed by the owner. He drops the ledgers in his hands and comes out to greet me.

“Fahci? I’m a big admirer of your work!”

“Why thank you,” I say, bowing respectfully to him.

I appreciated the fact he used that word instead of ‘fan’. It made me feel acknowledged as a true pioneer in my craft and not some trendy wannabe artist who only does what’s popular. Of course, I am well known amongst the land but not because I do what people want to see, it’s because I create true and authentic art.

“How can I be of service to you?” asks the shopkeeper.

“I am looking to purchase some art supplies, here’s a list.”

The elf takes the parchment from my hands, nodding as he inspects the list.

“Excellent, we have all of this in stock. Come inside and we’ll get everything sorted for you. My name is Syrval by the way.”

“A pleasure to meet you.”

He gestures for me to follow as we head inside his shop. Inside is decorated with shelves upon shelves of everything an artist needs, from paints and primers to easels and canvases.

“If you’re interested, we’ve just gotten the finest quality brushes from Kaynvu.”

“One of every size then please,” I say with a smile.

“Very well.”

He pulls out a stool for me as an assistant pours me a kaffo.

“Your goods will take a short while to get packaged. Have a seat in the meantime, and let us know if there’s anything else that you require.”

I let my mind wander for a few minutes, enjoying the aroma of the paints and oils lingering in the air. As I wait, I hear a familiar name dropped by another customer in the shop.

“Some odd things are going on in the Detlar estate, that much is for sure.”

“Excuse me,” I call out to him. “Did you say Detlar?”

“Yes, you know that family?” he asks.

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