Just an idea for a story...
The ocean lapped against the shore peacefully, the birds out in the early morning to go catch their meal for the day, the air crisp with frost and ferocious winds.
Holding your jacket closer to yourself, you bounded down the market, your bag making a rustling sound against your back. No one was up just yet, the market a deathly silence as you made your way to your booth. While others sold meats, fish, vegetables, and other goods for travelers, you sold runes.
Lifting the thick tarp of a blanket, you carefully folded it as the sun peaked over the high mountains, the earth slowly warming in its light. “You’re up early,” Your dear friend Malak spoke happily, he too set up his booth for the day. Malak was a fisherman, born and raised on the seas. He would often tell you stories during the slow hours of the day, keeping your mind wandering with adventure and warding off the boredom.
“I’m always up early,” You responded with a lighthearted grin, setting down your bag as you began pulling out your items. “Aye that’s true,” Malak responded as the conversation dwindled into silence, the two of you making light work of the morning with the sounds of the others rustling as your background music.
Soon the market was bustling, the fisherman from the south coming up from their route for supplies before continuing their journey back home, travelers making conversation with the locals.
Biting into an apple, you observed the crowd as your runes gleamed happily in the sunlight. “Quiet day for you?” Malak nodded to you, and you nodded back, “Most don’t believe in runes anymore I’m beginning to believe,” You laughed before the gossip of two ladies caught your attention.
“The Pirates from that raid a few months ago have been spotted heading our way.”
“No way, we’re too far north for that? They wouldn’t risk it!”
“As rumor has it, Captain Oakenshield is looking for new territory to conquer..”
You shook your head as you continued eating your apple, “Rumors, ladies, just rumors.” You called out, startling the two as they gave embarrassed giggles before leaving the market.
“Malak,” You called, watching him lift his head out of the book he was reading,
“What do you know of Captain Oakenshield?”