#justroll

The woman carries two massive baskets of colorful fruits and vegetables. Vex eyes the curve of her tone arms before turning back to the shelf of coffee.

“Here, here,” says the shopkeeper. “Let me sort these, and I’ll get these baskets back to you.”

“Take your time,” the woman says.

Vex gathers her things and takes them to the front counter. The shopkeeper nods at her from the produce table he’s refilling. “Be with you in just a moment, ma’am.”

“No rush,” Vex says. She leans against the counter and picks a nail.

The red-haired woman moves closer. She shifts, producing a ripe, richly-colored peach. She slides it across the counter toward Vex’s pile.

Vex looks up at her.

“Trust me,” the woman whispers. “Picked it myself.”

“You work here?”

The woman shakes her head. “At the farm outside town. But I make deliveries a couple times a week.”

“Oh.”

The woman’s eyes linger on her. “You’re not from around here.”

Vex’s hand twitches toward her bow. She runs her fingers along the string, calming herself. “What of it?”

“Oh!” The woman’s cheeks darken. “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it. It’s just that I’m usually the only new face around here. It’s nice to see other travelers.”

Vex tilts her head. “Are you really a traveler if you work here?”

“I guess not. It’s temporary, though. I’m just saving up money so I can keep going.”

Vex thinks about the clip of cash she keeps beneath her pillow every night. “Word of advice, then. Keep those plans to yourself.”

The woman wrinkles her nose. “Fair enough.”

The shopkeeper stands and stretches, groaning. He walks back to the counter, handing the now-empty baskets back to the woman. “Here you are. And your pay. Keep the change for yourself.” He hands over a small cluster of bills.

The woman beams. “Thank you, Mister Tristan.”

“Don’t mention it. I swear, the crop gets better every week you’re there.”

“You’re very kind.”

The woman tucks her money away. Vex looks away to pay for her food and stuff everything into her bag. She grabs the peach last, looking back over at the woman.

“Um. Thank you, by the way.” She holds the peach up.

The woman grins. “My pleasure. Hey--are you staying in Stilben a while?”

Vex raises an eyebrow. The woman’s shoulders fall, just a little.

“Right, keep your plans to yourself.” She perks up again. “Well, if you are, I guess I’ll see you around. And if not--well, best of luck, I suppose.”

She straightens her dress, tucks the empty baskets under her arm, and heads for the door.

“Wait.” Vex isn’t sure why she says it, but then the woman turns, a small, hopeful smile curling her lips, and she can’t help but ask, “What--what’s your name?”

“Keyleth.”

“Keyleth.” It forms easily in her mouth.

“And you are?” Keyleth smiles a little. “Or is that a secret, too?”

“Vex,” she says. “And...you might see me around again.”