[I]~Northern Clocktown, Dawn of a New Day…~[/I]

As the first morning light crested the skyline, the Northern Park of Clocktown was already a bustling hub of activity amongst the Deku encampment and market. Although the Deku of Woodfall typically were up with the sun, this was an occasion of particular haste and activity as merchants competed to set up shop and attract patrons as early as the city guard permitted. Indeed, the pushy mercantile nature of most of the Business Scrubs were a bane to the tourists or residents of Clocktown who were simply trying to enjoy a peaceful stroll in the park. While selling baubles and poultices was the main aim of many of the Deku procession that was sent to the festival on the King’s behalf, others were more interested in just getting caught up in the festivities of a historic event.

One such Deku Scrub was contented to set up his wares on a finely woven rug and let the patrons come to him on the perimeter of the Deku designated half of the park; now resembling something akin to a wild garden not only on account of the scores of wood people but their looming flowers and plant. While the gardens in Woodfall Palace were the envy of Termina, the park looked like a slightly more organic version of the Tent City that propped up on the Western outskirts of the city. The Deku Scrub didn’t mind the chaos and racket of his kinsmen; indeed he was well accustomed to it from his time in Marshfall peddling his own wares. His family was well reputed and had no trouble making ends meet, regardless of how he performed on this particular venture. Despite his lack of drive to sell his wares off, the Deku Scrub was doing rather well for himself, having had a semi-steady stream of patrons, many of which recognized him from other occasions.

“Why, is that Teruk?” a friendly voice called out as he approached the Deku, who was laying out his wares on the rug, illuminated by a makeshift lamp post of bamboo and vines with his oil lantern hanging sturdily from the nook he had shaped with his forest free magic, shaping the bamboo stalk before harvesting it. Amongst the items on display were bottles with various potions and poultices, promising to cure ailments, give the consumer a magical boost, increase virility, and so on, a small table with a alchemy set and carving knife sorted across the surface in an orderly fashion, and various other hard goods from carved figurines, wallets and purses, pendants, and even a couple knives carved from bone. Teruk had also fashioned himself a simple but sturdy chest made of bamboo with a padlock he had secured from a locksmith his first evening in town. While not quite the extravagant set up some of his kin had, Teruk’s shop was a cozy and welcoming place that while wasn’t quite as eye catching as some of the other merchants’ efforts, proved to be something of a relief for the senses for those weary of loud battering plant men, blinding lights, and the poignant and overwhelming scent of dozens of distinct floral scents that weren’t necessarily complimentary. Teruk had heard the term ‘miasma’ thrown around by more than one passerby. 

“You’ve got me.” Teruk said, throwing his hands up in mock surrender before nodding enthusiastically; it was rather difficult to form a smile when you lacked lips. “I seem to remember you from the autumn in Marshall. You had children with you, if I recall correctly.”

“Good memory! I held onto the customer chit you gave me last time, I was hoping it still counted for something.” The man, a tall middle aged fellow with a well groomed red beard with hair to match looked around the park. “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t relieved to have found you before chancing that gauntlet.”

Teruk laughed, taking the carved wood from the man and working on another notch. “I live with that rabble nearly every day, I can empathize, my friend. Why do you think I’m all the way over here?” 

That earned him a chuckle and a grin. “You’re alright, Teruk. So now that I’ve made the effort to find you again, what can you do for me?” he inquired.

“What interests you?” Teruk replied, sweeping an arm over his wares. “Pick anything under 20 Rupees and it’s yours with another purchase. Half off anything above that.” He clapped his hands together. “Of course, feel free to take your time and ask questions. Something for the children, perhaps? Maybe the wife-”

“She left me. For a Zora, of all things.” The man sad, shaking his head. 

“The world is a strange place. I hope she enjoys sea food.” Teruk offered, heading to the chest, rummaging through it.

“Yeah, it was a couple years ago, but it’s been harder on the kids than me. She was kind of a- what’s the word?” the customer asked, looking at a pair of carved figurines.
Teruk came back, holding a leather water flask. “Here, on the house. I figured there’s more than one tavern here willing to top you up for your patronage.” 

The customer took it gratefully, sincere smile across his face. “As I said, you’re alright. I think I’ll pick up the Goron and Mad Scrub for the kids.” He said, before a loud commotion caused both the man and Teruk to turn their attention to the street, a man struggling with a Green ChuChu latched onto his arm. He found himself rather compelled by the titan struggle between the man and the tiny green pest, and both Teruk and his customer were rather transfixed on the commotion, momentarily forgetting their commerce. The show was over as soon as it began with the flash of a dagger and the man collecting himself and the book he must have been carrying off to the gate. 

“May I interest you in a dagger?” Teruk asked suddenly, turning his attention back to matters at hand as his customer fetched his wallet.