[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210311/5e92881017aae64a865aab0bc040bb78.png[/img][/center] [indent][indent][indent][color=gray][sub][right][color=A887B2][b]Location:[/b][/color] Tarashima Forest -- Village of Kotana, Town Square[/right][/sub][/color] [hr] “A fine choice.” The seller responded as Ipharia handed over the coin she had set aside for it. The price hadn't been too steep, but in a village in the middle of the expanse of forest and rough surrounding hills things tended to be a little more coin than they would be in common places. Not as steep as in large cities where they tried to fleece you for everything an item was worth, but it was what it was. [color=A887B2]“What's the story behind this item, my friend?”[/color] “This was carved by a shrine maiden from a fallen branch of our sacred tree.” He motioned to the large tree at the center of the village that towered above the rest of the forest around them. At the base was the village's local shrine, where their clerics operated in earnest. He cleared his voice, subduing a weak cough before continuing. “Our local shrine maiden told me it is enchanted with the aspect of life, much like the great tree. When attuned to that of a pure soul it is said to protect them from poison and disease, to make their stomach like an iron pot. I thank you for supporting our village by purchasing it.” [color=A887B2]“A trinket that resists disease and poison. Much needed by our long travels, thank you.”[/color] Ipharia responded with a polite bow. Ipharia moved to look to Hiroko and Honami, who had returned to her and Kaito after their respective purchases. Ipharia didn’t want to admit it but she only barely had enough coin to purchase food and water for the four of them for [i]part[/i] of the journey to the capital. She most certainly couldn’t afford a carriage. Not that Kotana had any, but the next town over the border beyond the forest would certainly have one. She discarded the thought as soon as it came, however, choosing to instead address the two women. [color=A887B2]“Honami's right in her assumption. The bigger the town the better their reagents and items. We can probably get you guys some decent gear once we're on the grand highway. I guess all that's left for now is visiting the food stalls. You three must be starving.”[/color] [/indent][/indent][/indent]