Opri Mercar 💀

They yawn and their leaf shaped ears press against their head for a moment. Geez. If something doesn’t happen soon, they’re going to fall asleep.

Only a few customers picking up wares requested beforehand and no new orders all day. They’re not worried, some days are just slower, but they’re very, very bored. Their notebook fills with drawings ranging from enchantment and design ideas to not very well drawn cats.

Opri sits behind the counter in their shop, doodling in a notebook. The door of the small rather cluttered shop is open wide, welcoming customers. Every now and then they glance at the door when someone passes by but their hand keeps drawing even then. The day has been slow.

“Well, yes. Maybe. The test sure seems to think so and I can’t think of a reason why it would be wrong,” Opri says, laughter in their voice.

Quiz result: Consensual but not safe or sane You’re a little bit feral, but that’s okay—you weren’t socialised as a puppy. It’s not your fault. You mean well.

“I’m—“ Opri, initially confused by the result thinks about it for a short while, then shrugging, “you know what, that’s fair.”

Wide smile, the scar on their face making it harder to raise the right corner of their mouth.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then! I’ll be terribly cross if you won’t show up and will send Fluffy to claw holes in all your pants. Bye then!” They wave with the absurd threat and start towards the city.

“Not at it doesn’t want treats. It just can’t do anything but bat them around…” Opri adds with a bit of a sad laugh. “It also gets things stuck in its skull. And ribs. It’s not pleasant to clean but… I wanted a skeleton cat! My own fault.”

They then flash their new friend a little lopsided

In the morning.”

They get up from the rocky ground again. “I’ll try to see if I can talk Fluffy into showing its little face. It’s kind of hard to bribe a being that can’t eat treats.” The elf runs their fingers through their hair, trying to tame it a little. It’s useless.

Opri thinks about it while tying their belt on their hips over the tunic. It has so many little pockets on it as well as some tools and keys.

“I have to confess, I’m not the biggest fan of getting up early in the morning.” They tell Vincent with a grin, “I think I could make it here by ten

They smooth the fabric a bit before sitting back down. They pick up their knee brace, a simple looking thing with a light metal frame and leather straps, and slip that on their right knee, then fastening it in place.

“I should also head home. Still stuff to do. Orders to work on.”

Not gonna go and drown from exhaustion half way to your hypothetical clothing, are you?”

Opri turns to put the ring they found in one of the multiple pouches on their belt, then picking up their pants. They stand up to pull their undies and pants on, the long tunic mostly covering them.

Opri, very much distracted by their flexing, takes a moment to process what they had said. They return their eyes to Vincent’s kind face.

“Oh, yeah! You’re probably pretty beat after the journey. And the swimming. Tomorrow sounds good.” They smile wide.

“Will you be okay getting back, though?

Today or should we meet up here tomorrow? I come most days anyway.”

They turn their head to look over the water, approximately to the direction Vincent waved to before. “Did you swim far? You look like you’d swim really far just for fun. I’m actually not a very strong swimmer though I like it nonetheless.” They look back at them, “do you want to tour the city

The elf blinks a few times at their demand. They hadn’t realised they’d signed on as an actual tour guide but hey, why not!

“We’ll check out Dock Town’s markets too and get you a candle and you can also stock up on supplies. Everything is much cheaper there compared to upper city.”

Opri is glad the melancholy that flashes on Vincent’s face is soon replaced by a smile again and they laugh at their mock hurt tone. They hadn’t been all that serious with their words but now that they thought about it… “yeah, you kinda do.” They answer deadpan.

“Anything else.. well there’s this shop in Dock Town that does best enchantments in town! Their bowyer’s extremely skilled too. Oh and they sell all sorts of practical clothing and lighter armour!” There’s a playful grin on Opri’s face as they talk about their own shop, “Totally worth checking out.”

Making the elf look lively despite sitting down.

“I’m sure the cafe has tea too. And other drinks.” They say, returning to Vincent’s earlier question, “the place is kinda hidden, though…”

They lean their head on their hand that’s propped on their good knee,

It’s very beautiful, especially at night.” They explain with a slight smile.

Opri laughs at their comment about the catacombs, “hey, you never know. Someone might try to rope you into exploring them or to find treasure or a lost kitten…” their hands move quite a bit as they talk,

Opri watches them with their head tilted, noting the unease at the mention of gods. They don’t blame Vincent. They’re not religious in the least themself. At least not when it comes to gods.

“Wall of Lights is this… it’s a memorial for those that have passed. People light mage lights and candles.

Exploring those alone. You might end up as just one more corpse down there.”

It’s clear Opri likes the city they live in despite all its flaws.

That’s full of cats. It’s wonderful and not at all stinky and the coffee is good.” They say with laughter in their voice.

“The docs are also impressive but perhaps you’ve seen enough of those if you live in Rivain. The old catacombs are interesting but not exactly safe, so I wouldn’t recommend

Opri has lived in Minrathous their whole life and worked with the shadow dragons in the past, so they know many of the city’s secrets.

“The wall of lights is quite a sight, as well as the temple of Andraste, if you’re interested in that kinda stuff! There’s a cafe in dock town

Opri keeps their eyes on Vincent, nodding at their words. Their pointy ears wiggle a tiny bit when they smile.

“Oh, you’re here for the first time?” They ask, visibly excited, “there’s a lot to explore for sure!”

“Where are you staying, by the way? An inn or are you camping? Or at a friend’s place?” Opri asks, curious.

“Right, somewhere.” They repeat with a grin while looking at Vincent.

Speaking of clothes, they should probably put on some pants themself. Eventually. They glance at the pile of clothing nearby and pull it closer but make no move to get dressed yet.

Opri snorts a laugh though their freckled cheeks feel a bit warmer than a moment before. And while Vincent’s moustache feels nice the ghost of them makes the elf rub at their ear to get the feeling out of their spine before it gets uncomfortable.

“And since I live quite a walk away I don’t want you to make the trip for nothing.”

The elf gave Vincent a longer look before grinning slightly.

“Also, you’re only wearing swimming clothes, I realise now. And while you’d surely be popular walking around half naked, maybe that’s not the best idea.”

“Ah, yeah. Sorry, I really shouldn’t have made assumptions.” Opri said, genuinely apologetic. “But you’d be surprised how many people ask me that… or don’t ask and just decide I’m a horrible person.” They added with a laugh.

“I’d offer to introduce you two but I can’t be sure it’s at home,”

They very quickly smile again. It’s a little mischievous. “Don’t you agree that Fluffy is a very good name for it?”