While the woods provide her with much of what she needed, Anja often found herself needed to make trips to town for things. Mostly various things for her blood work, metals and salts, chemicals and other such items and the occasional food stuffs. And today the merchant she had a long standing relationship would be back. With a letter from Father and he could take the package back with him.
Her breath trembled slightly, cheeks flushing at the thought of her father, belly tightening in anticipation. It had been so long, months since the last word from him and she craved and feared it. Hurrying through the crowds, Anja met up with the merchant and after a few pleasantries, the package filled with vials of blood and her letter to her father was given to the merchant and she had her own package.
Clutching it to her chest, Anja beamed, "Thank you! So much. It means the world to me."
Laughing, the large man shook his head, handing her a bag filled with her requested items, "Family is important. I think it's sweet how much ya write yer da." The merchant then frowned, making a disgusted sound, "Them beggars. Botherin' honest folk..." He then smiled at Anja, "Go on love. I know ya wanna go rip it open."
Turning in the direction of the merchants gaze, Anja saw a pitiful figure. Wrapped in a ratty blanket, holding his hands out was a man. He looked hungry and dirty and Anja felt a stab of pity. Turning back to the merchant, she bobbed down in a slight curtsy, "Oh yes. Thank you. Again."
The package would contain more money from home, to help with her living expenses. Not much, as she was only a bastard, but more than she deserved. Not all the children got allowances, but she was one of Father's favorites. Moving closer, Anja realized there was something off with the man.
Then it dawned on her. He was blind. It wasn't right, someone being treated like that! The girl moved closer, "Excuse me? Sir? Are you alright?"