#baxter's bakery

He was a calm and stoic man.

Farwyn bent down to adjust Elysia's coat, pausing just outside of the old hag's place. Her tail swished eagerly behind her, although a pout was on her face for being left at the woman's house again. It was good for her though- learning, even if the woman was a monster to talk to and would eat him alive if he was ever late.

“He's here so often.”

“I heard a rumor they work together. That poor child!”

“She should have her mother.”

It wasn't that uncommon for him to hear mutterings from people, although it grated on him early in the morning as the pair of Midlander women gossiped past them. Elysia furrowed her brow, looking like she might say something but he placed a heavy hand on her head and ruffled her hair. Even if he also wanted to turn around and give them an earful.

Yet he was a calm and stoic man.

“I don't think that'll work.”

“It will, I promise. I've done it many times.”  Farwyn was quoting a man for a potential project to restore the stone fence around the yard. He also wanted his windows redone, which the Highlander was willing to do even if it wasn't his exact specialty.

“No, no... I think you should bring the fence in closer near the water.”

“I could do that, but you'll be cutting off the view a bit and losing some space. You'll want that space eventually. Trust me, it'll look best when it's all done if yo-”

“No, no that's wrong. I want it done like so...”  The Lalafell walked away from Farwyn to show him precisely, with his hands and motions, where he thought the fence should go. Ultimately he was the customer and Stonewolfe knew this, but his expression went from a muted interest to a flat, dead expression. Of course how could he know what would work best- this was only his profession and something he did for a living.

“See? That will work far better. I have a keen eye for these things, you know. I might be a tailor, but I dabble into all sorts of things as a hobby. I could probably build the wall myself! But...”

Farwyn gritted his teeth.

He was a calm and stoic man.

Stonewolfe glanced over the man's wares, appreciating the craftsmanship of the leather. It was a cheaper hide, but it'd been sewn and reinforced expertly. The leather worker owned the stall and often visited Limsa, much to Farwyn's appreciation. It was hard to find good gloves and boots that lasted awhile but didn't destroy his gil pouch in the process.

“What is wrong with this place? I can't find a single item worth purchasing.”  

“The private shops are far better than this swill. I mean, look at this color! Who would wear this?”

A pair of Elezen dressed in light finery were speaking loudly with little care who overheard them. Farwyn looked askance at them and wrinkled his nose, praying to the Twelve that they'd simply dawdle their way past. No such luck though. One of the men drifted over and picked up a leather pack between his finger and thumb, as if it were some diseased rage he'd lifted from the shelf.

“Are you seeing this? There isn't even any design!”

“I suppose it's for a peasant's purse.”  The other commented, flashing a look towards Farwyn with a hint of mirth.  Stonewolfe breathed out slowly through his nose and focused on the boots he held, glad that at least the leather worker was too busy talking to someone else to pay the obnoxious pair any heed.

“It's just so dirty ...”

He was calm. He was stoic.

Farwyn stood near one of the tables loaded with baked goods with a basket in hand. He finally had reached the respite that was the end of the day. His journey home often had him stopping at Baxter's Bakery, a nice little shop that an energetic Au Ra had shown him in the past. It wasn't uncommon to see her there as well, such as today.   The little wisp of a lady was practically bouncing up and down as she talked to Baxter, who simply smiled and slid a plate of cookies in her direction.

At this time of day, there usually weren't too many patrons and the bakery was nearly empty save for the three of them. That's how Farwyn preferred it. He would come and take some bread home along with an occasional sweet or sandwich. Baxter had hired him a few times and the man was easy going enough- not one to ask too many questions but still friendly and amicable. Yesui, good Gods, had enough energy to power Limsa's lights. She was a kind hearted soul though and even in whatever hardships she endured, Farwyn couldn't help but respect her positive nature. He didn't often talk much to her, because he didn't like talking to most people but he enjoyed listening and would offer a comment here or there.

Today though he was happy to let the pair talk while he took his things, said a hello and then left. That's how it was supposed to go, anyway.

The door opened widely, a bell jingling to announce someone's entrance. Farwyn didn't look up as he glanced over some freshly made cupcakes, wondering if he could get them home and hide them from Elysia for a gift tomorrow.

“Wow is this the bakery that was destroyed?”

“I heard it blew up.”

“I guess you can kind of tell.”  

It was a Miqo'te woman and a large Xaela man who had entered, dressed as if they'd spent a day at the beach. The woman grinned and batted her eyes towards Baxter, who shifted his footing and looked a little like he wasn't exactly sure how to take those words. He turned and busied himself back over by the oven.  

“Oh hello! Welcome to the best bakery EVER! You sho-”

“It's her.”  The man whispered a bit too loudly and the pair laughed at Yesui. The tiny Au Ra blinked, looking a tad confused as the woman spoke up.

“Don't mind us, we've just heard people talking about you. You visit this bakery often, right?”

“Careful. I think I saw her around port with those pirates. Probably one of their... you know...”

“Friends? Yes!” Yesui's expression remained as cheerful as ever, but Farwyn couldn't help but think he saw a hint of understanding there. “I have a lot of friends! Although if you're here, you should really buy something. Baxter makes the most DELICIOUS sandwiches a-”

“Do you think she's bad luck? I mean this place... pirates...”

They kept talking as if Yesui wasn't even there. Baxter had a disgusted look on his face as he grabbed a towel to wipe his hands and looked about ready to tell the people to leave. He probably would have gotten a word out, if the Miqo'te woman hadn't reached out to poke Yesui in the forehead in a demeaning fashion.

Farwyn was a calm and sto-

A switch flipped and the Highlander felt all of the rage he kept coiled inside of his gut suddenly flare to life. This was supposed to be a quiet place of respite after a day of dealing with idiotic and insufferable morons!

“SHUT UP!”  He roared, large hands gripping the underside of the cupcake table and flipping it over in the same motion. (In hindsight, Farwyn would regret such a motion but anger had a wonderful way of being irrational.) Colorful cupcakes flew everywhere as the table smacked into the larger Au Ra. The woman shrieked and both of them looked over to see a heavy breathing, pissed off Highlander glowering at them with the ugly scar across his face.

Perhaps wisely choosing their battles or simply too startled to do much else, the pair fled out the door. A cupcake slowly splotched down onto the floor a silent moment after, having been stuck on the ceiling. Baxter blinked as he saw another cupcake had managed to land in a boiling pot on the stove. Frosting painted the bakery in a few places and Farwyn took a moment to realize what he'd done. He visibly swallowed, clearing his throat to apologize and offer to clean up and pay when Yesui threw her hands up in the air.

“That was so funny!”  She beamed, a cupcake perfectly balanced on her head somehow. She stuck out her lip though and waggled a finger at Farwyn, “You shouldn't throw tables though. That's dangerous.”

Farwyn inwardly groaned and drew in a deep breath.

So much for being a calm and stoic man.

-------------- FFXIV Writing Challenge