A Grumpy Start
Max shuffled down the spiral staircase from her apartment above the shop and turned on the light in the main room. Her glass cases of artifacts, magic supplies,and “kickknacks” came to life with a soft glow, illuminating the items within. The sun was already up, but it was silent outside- it was too cold for birds. Max sipped her cup of coffee and muttered to herself about how she picked dumb hours for business. She opened some of the shades half-way, to let in some natural light, and set down her cup of coffee to unlock the front door. When she looked up through the window, she almost yelped.
Pressed against the pane was a round, bearded face. A small man was standing on his tip toes to see into the shop. Max narrowed her eyes, scowled, and unlocked the door. As she turned away, the small man yanked the door open and rushed in.
"Good Morning, Mistress!" the small man peeped, and Max grunted a hello as she picked up her coffee again on her way behind the counter. The man was dressed in a patchwork of clothing, with grey trousers, a brown cumberbum, an orange vest, a plaid shirt, a striped scarf and two coats; one a brilliant shade of yellow, and the other a smarting shade of red. On his head was a emerald green bowler hat, and on his feet were two different boots. Max ignored him as he rushed around the shop, gathering items. She leaned over to rest her elbows on the counter and sip her coffee.
Just as the small man approached her with his arms full of items, two more similar men rushed in. One was in a similar patchwork of clothing in shades of blue, and the other in shades of green “Mornin’ Mistress!” they both squeaked, and rushed around, collecting the same items that the first one had.
Max gently sat down her coffee cup, as if to practice her patience by doing so. She silently rung up the first customer and placed his many items in a bag. He blinked up at her, expectantly, waiting for her to make small talk. She refused to comply, so—unfortunately—he started to talk instead.
"I’ve got to prepare for me garden duties today!" he piped, and Max grunted again. "It’s going to be cold, but we should still be able to get those bulbs planted and ready for the New Moon Festival next week!" He smiled up at her, but Max said nothing. "Are ya’ getting any new shipments in for the Festival? It should be a big deal! Fae and Human alike should be getting ready!" He smiled again, and Max finally looked him in the eye.
" The only new shipment that I’ll be getting is for the upcoming dragon festivals.” she said, and the man’s cheery smile seemed to dim a little as her eyes bored into his. “24 pounds” she said softly, and the small man handed her some bills. “Thank you.” she muttered, and the small man attempted to bring his smile back up.
"Have a good one, then!" he squeaked, and rushed out of the store. Max watched him leave. The two other small men had watched the whole time and decided it would be better if they paid and left with no word. As the bell jingled behind them, Max sighed.
"Mornings" she grumbled, and sipped her coffee. "Always brings in the Morning Glory gnomes."