Laevin was up as usual before the dawn, with only a mild headache for the previous night's ale. It was a small price to pay for such a friendly and festive gathering.
After a small cold breakfast he readied his cart, which, of his own design, converted in a few steps to a market booth, already loaded and ready to show his metalworking wares -- all the common household metal goods that no home should be without. He was especially proud of his knives, polished and shiny, and sharp enough to shave with. He also would hone and sharpen blades that people brought in for a small fee. Mostly, though, he went to see everyone and to keep alive old friendships and contacts.
He arrived just as the earliest comers were setting up shop, and guided his new young workhorse to his normal spot in the rows of stalls. In a few motions he had unhitched his horse and was ready for the day. He spread out his wares just as the first market-goers began arriving.
A glance across the way espied Aldhelm and Deol in their usual spot, and Laevin was reminded of the new axlerod for the miller's expanding business. He would have to make sure to get the measurements before the day was out. Laevin did no baking of his own, except for the iron he baked at his shop, so he made plans to get his attention later in the market day. But he always carried a soft loaf or two to his market day, to show how sharp and fine his knives were...
And with that, his first customer began inspecting a new axe head, and the boisterous day had begun.
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The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. ~~ Marcus Aurelius
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