After her adventures across Middle-earth, Deorla's travels brought her to the bustling town of Galtrev in Dunland. Known for its vibrant trade and diverse populace, Galtrev was the perfect place for Deorla to sell some of the items she had acquired during her journeys.
One afternoon, Deorla set up a small stall in the market square. Among the various trinkets and curiosities she displayed was a finely crafted dwarf crossbow. The weapon was a masterpiece of dwarven engineering, its intricate carvings and sturdy design making it a prized possession for any warrior or collector.
As Deorla waited for potential buyers, a burly dwarf with a long, braided beard and piercing blue eyes approached her stall. He wore a travel-worn cloak and carried an air of authority.
"Greetings, lass," the dwarf said, his voice a deep rumble. "Name's Gamdrong, but most call me G. I've been looking for a weapon of fine craftsmanship, and that crossbow of yours caught my eye."
Deorla smiled, sensing an opportunity. "You're in luck, Gamdrong. This crossbow is one of the finest you'll find. Crafted by the dwarves of Erebor, its accuracy and power are unmatched."
Gamdrong examined the crossbow closely, running his fingers over the carvings and testing the draw. "Aye, it's a beauty. What's your price?"
"Three hundred silver coins," Deorla replied confidently. "A fair price for such a fine weapon."
Gamdrong's eyes narrowed as he considered the offer. "Two hundred fifty, and I'll take it."
Deorla shook her head. "Three hundred, and not a coin less. You won't find another like it in all of Galtrev."
After a moment of contemplation, Gamdrong nodded. "Very well, three hundred it is. You've got yourself a deal."
As they exchanged gold for the crossbow, Deorla felt a sense of satisfaction. The transaction had gone smoothly, and she had made a good profit. Gamdrong, pleased with his purchase, gave her a nod of thanks before disappearing into the crowd.
Later that day, as the sun began to set, a small figure approached Deorla's stall. It was a hobbit, her curly hair and bright eyes giving her an air of curiosity and mischief. She wore a simple yet elegant dress and carried a small satchel slung over her shoulder.
"Good evening," the hobbit said with a warm smile. "I'm Wrenya, and I couldn't help but notice the lovely jewelry you have on display."
"Good evening, Wrenya," Deorla replied, returning the smile. "I'm Deorla. Feel free to take a closer look."
Wrenya's eyes sparkled as she examined the assortment of rings, necklaces, and bracelets. She picked up a pair of delicate silver earrings adorned with small emerald stones. "These are exquisite! Where did you find such beautiful pieces?"
Deorla chuckled. "They were part of a treasure I acquired from an old ruin. The craftsmanship is Elven, if I'm not mistaken."
Wrenya's face lit up with excitement. "I've been looking for something special, and these earrings are perfect. How much do you want for them?"
"Fifty silver coins," Deorla said, watching Wrenya's reaction closely.
The hobbit's eyes widened slightly, but she nodded. "Fifty it is. It's a fair price for such beautiful earrings."
As Wrenya handed over the gold coins, Deorla wrapped the earrings in a soft cloth and placed them in a small wooden box. "I hope they bring you much joy," Deorla said as she handed the box to Wrenya.
"Oh, they will," Wrenya replied, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Deorla. You've made my day."
With her new earrings in hand, Wrenya gave Deorla a final smile before disappearing into the evening crowd.
The Unexpected Hospitality
As Deorla packed up her stall, satisfied with the day's transactions, she noticed Wrenya returning, this time carrying a steaming bowl of food.
"I thought you might be hungry after a long day," Wrenya said, offering the bowl to Deorla. "Consider it a thank-you for the earrings."
Deorla accepted the bowl gratefully. "That's very kind of you, Wrenya. What brings you to Galtrev, if you don't mind me asking?"
Wrenya chuckled. "I got lost on my way to the Shire and ended up here. But I've decided to make the most of it. The cooks in Galtrev have some wonderful recipes, and I've been learning from them. This stew is one of their specialties."
As Deorla tasted the stew, she was pleasantly surprised by its rich flavor. "This is delicious! You have quite a talent, Wrenya."
The hobbit beamed with pride. "Thank you, Deorla. I'm glad you like it. If you ever need a good meal, you know where to find me."
With her belly full and a new friend made, Deorla felt a sense of accomplishment. She had made a good profit, met interesting people, and even enjoyed a free meal. As she walked through the busy streets of Galtrev, she felt a sense of contentment and readiness for whatever lay ahead.
With the gold she had earned and the kindness she had received, Deorla set her sights on new adventures, ready to embrace whatever the future held. The night was young, and the world was full of possibilities. Deorla, ever the survivor and adventurer, was eager to see where her next journey would take her.
