The appearance and impression the pce gave is filthy. But as I walked further in, it changed. Life continues everywhere. Children pying in the distance, people selling wares.

  “Oouff. Watch where you're going.”

  Stumbling back a step, I steadied myself. A breath of air was knocked out, but the kid that bumped into me was sprawled on the ground, as his red forehead indicated where he was hit. Wariness glimmered in my eyes as his eyes flickered. I tentatively ask.

  “Are you okay?”

  “No no no, I’m fine…”

  That is strange, bumping into someone in a wide open area, what are the odds. He stood up, still rubbing his forehead as he passed me. Out of earshot of normal people, I heard some mumbles.

  "What a cheap motherfucker. Such a thick shirt and no money, weapons or anything? What a fucking bastard."

  "Tsk tsk."

  Next time I shouldn't ask. However that does bring up the question about what I should do with anything I have. How do I carry things underground? Last time I tried resulted in the stick dragging through the ground. Spping my face with both hands in realization.

  Don't I have this convenient thing only I can access? However, my dirt imbued shirt only has enough space to fit my hand inside. A rge amount of noise shook me out of my stupor. Raising my head a crowd is present, as the vibrant bustle in this ramshackle pce formed around colorful stalls.

  "Swords for sale! Get another sword for HALF price after buying!"

  "Miracle berries! Bulk selling berries! Get enough to purify water on your boat!"

  "Buying used armor! Best prices in town!"

  "Shuddap, everyone knows how cheap you are."

  "Wanna fight?"

  Hawkers selling wares raised their voices to sell quieted. A silence formed over the marketpce. Craning my head, I spotted a distinct yet familiar group. Ducking my head down, I found a hand sneakily rummaging over my clothes in search of something. The hustle and bustle of the crowd returned, even louder than before.

  A quick smack fixed the hand, as I trailed it back to a kid. The dignity of a poor man shall not be insulted. This is the second time already. Eyes narrowing as I reached out to grab at them but they slipped away with practiced movements. Squeezing through the crowd, I lost track of the thief as they dove between someone's legs. Pausing in my tracks, I shuffled out of the crowd.

  'Hide a tree in a forest.' Or is that how the saying goes? However they found me st time when I was underground so there definitely is something that is marking me so that saying is null.

  The crowd shifted strangely, as they started squishing to the side. Thats the cue to run. No slow walking down, don't care if the ground is tainted, just dropping in as fast as possible. Turning around to look at the strangeness as I escaped, it seemed that the crowd was parting towards me. Spearheaded by a big oaf followed by the same camp members I met earlier.

  My hunch was right and I successfully escaped this time. Shock and wariness clouded their eyes as I fshed a grin before my vision was covered by the fetid, packed soil. The smell shocked me. The natural earthy scent I was used to was repced by the smell above, but 2 times worse.

  A little bit of time has passed since I left them st time so countermeasures may be made for me and I HATE THE STINK. Nothing discernible from sound other than a jostle could be felt. Positioning my self like swimming, I instead pumped my legs up and down in my position to slide forwards. Bits and pieces of my original dirt shirt trailed as it rubbed against the ground.

  My nose acclimated in a bad way as I eventually left the town. No more vibrations of anyone could be felt and the smell became natural again. Popping my head out quickly, I scanned the area briefly to assess my surroundings. The coast is clear. Ducking down again, I moved a short distance before fully stepping out. Stretching my extremely skinny arms, I noticed something strange. I thought I left the town a while ago? Why people?

  A quaint vilge quietly y dormant as farmers tended to their crops in the slopes of the mountain. Layers of farmnd was id out like steps, while rocky walls held the soil. Taller crops were lower in the steps than the shorter crops. No flowers or fruit were present as tender leaves sprouted in the front. It seemed that it is an early spring, as winter didn't seem to exist on this side of the mountain. Back in Terbisia, the worst we had was a few flecks of snow, barely enough to dye the branches white.

  Guilty conscience me? Not today thank you. I shook my head to dispel the slight tinge of guilt. The target I found is a pnt I recognized, the csp peas. The fresh sprouts could be pinched in the top and eaten right away, with it growing back. It is even the method to have more robust stems. I am doing them a favor.

  "What kind of thing am I spouting?"

  I am independent now, so it should be fine to cuss. No no no. If I head back with that habit I am sure to get an ass whooping. Moral dilemmas aside, it is time to start. Estimating the distance with one eye closed, no farmer is spotted within one hundred paces. As long as I stay closer to the ground I won't be spotted.

  Going into the ground, I checked if anyone is moving my way. After a few checks, I was already there, grubby hands pinching at the less noticeable sprouts and greedily shoving it into my mouth. Crisp sweet and slightly bitter sprouts gradually filled my stomach, but I needed more. My muscles can't grow if I only eat pea sprouts. Bread, porridge, even hard biscuits. What would I give to eat them again? Not much, I don't need to give to take them.

  lirvothethird