6 The Town of Sweetgrass (1/2)

Through the gates of the town, a whole new world appeared before Kalin. The first thing that he noticed was the smell. It didn't smell of the flowers or grass of the valley, nor did it smell of medical herbs or animal furs. It was full of a myriad of smells, some of which were familiar, while others were new. The smells of wood, iron, smoke, soaps, perfumes, bakeries, dirt, meat, sweat, sex, waste, blood, illness, herbs, and many others mingled in the air. The mixtures of aromata and stenches flooded into his nasal cavity. Though it wasn't a pleasant smell, Kal was not disgusted, but excited from the sensation it brought him.

The noises were much the same. Though not a particularly large town, Sweetgrass did have around 9,000 citizens. Though some worked in the fields, or in various jobs outside of the town, there were still several thousand citizens that were active. As it was midday, the city was at its loudest. Many vendors were advertising their wares, and many taverns their food, as the people of the town were going about their lunch. As the busiest time of day, most merchants or peddlers made many of their sales during this time. Unlike the menacing and roar-like screech of a griffon, the city was like the endless rustling of trees, drowning out all other sounds in the endless bustle.

Though the sounds and smells were new and astonishing, there was nothing as breathtaking to Kal as the actual sights it had. The buildings were of various styles and materials. Some buildings were made of stone, while others brick or wood. Some had large windows, others small. Occasionally there would be a larger building or one with a sign hanging above the door. Some streets were stone, others brick, while some were just muddy stretched of dirt. Along the wide roads, there were stalls vending anything from foodstuffs to weapons. Some were even selling jewelry, though most of it was definitely counterfeit. There were some fat people, some skinny, some fit, while others boney. Each person had their own unique look and smell, and they were all fascinating!

Liliana had collected herself relatively quickly. It was somewhat scary how quickly women could change their mood. She, holding Kal's hand, lead him through the town. As they walked through the street, many eyes couldn't help but be drawn toward them as the easily were the most eye-catching people in the town.

”Though we have a lot more errands to do than I usually do, let's grab something to eat first.” Lili smiled, ”There is no point in trying to do business on an empty stomach!”

As they walked down the street, Kal seemed to have little control over his body, as every new item or experience required his full attention. Every few seconds Kal would ask questions such as: ”What is that,” ”What are they doing,” or ”Why is that person so fat?” After which, Lili would give a response such as: ”That's a place where they sell food,” ”They are getting money taken by a scammer,” or ”I don't understand the beauty trends of swine.”

The majority of the people on the street couldn't help but smile at the antics of Kal and Lili, however, some couldn't help but want to die a little. The two continued their antics for several minutes before arriving at a small brick building. Above the green door was a sign that read: ”East Market Eatery”.

”Although the name is kind of plain in a distasteful kind of way, the food is somewhat palatable.” Lili explained as the two walked into the tavern-esque diner with a couple dozen square tables at irregular distances from each other. The also had various numbers of somewhat similar chairs at the table, about half of which had rough looking men and women carrying weapons, laughing and drinking together.

”You really know how to give a compliment, that's for sure,” came a voice complaint from behind the bar. The owner of said voice had the body of a bear and a rough face with a terribly unkempt stubble. Dressed in relatively clean clothes and an apron, the owner of the eatery gave a somewhat exasperated smile before sighing. ”You know, it wouldn't kill you to give people compliments every once in a while. What are you going to do if I lose customers because of your comments?”

”Shove it old man,” Lili responded curtly, ”What's on the menu for lunch?”

”Soup and bread or boar sandwich.”

”So you really mean that there is only one meal to choose from. Everyone knows your soup tastes like a horse's ass.” Her comment made several in the joint laugh and raise their glasses to her.

The man couldn't help but stab back, ”And how would you know what that tastes like?”

”I didn't before I ate your food!” Lili quickly retorted. ”Two boar sandwiches and brandy waters.” She demanded as she sat at the bar itself, motioning for Kal to sit next to her.

”So who's the cutie you brought with you today?” asked a young lady as she walked out of the kitchen with a smile on her face. Although her clothes and apron were a little bit worn and dirty, it couldn't hide her charm. Her light brown hair was tied behind her head to prevent it from getting into her azure eyes. She was relatively tall for a girl and had a somewhat handsome vibe. The way she carried herself was tomboyish, and she had a charming smile on her face. Walking up to Lili, she gave her a hug and said, ”How've you been Lili? It's been a while, I missed you.”

Lili had a smile on her face as she returned her hug, although she did stiffen momentarily when her face was squeezed into the woman's relatively large breasts. ”I'm doing fine, Mei,” she said with a genuine smile on her face, ”I missed you too!”

After the hug seemed to carry a little too long, Mei finally released Lili from her breasts as she turned to Kalin with a flirtatious smile. ”So, you didn't answer my question, who's the little cutie here.”

”This is Kalin,” she responded before turning toward Kalin, ”Kal, this is my best friend Mei”

”You're so cute!” Mei responded as she squeezed Kal how she hugged Lili. Kal felt her large breasts rub against his face as he let her swing him around with his feet off the ground. Though they weren't as large as his mother, they were quite substantial. Putting his own arms around her, Kal laughed as he enjoyed the feeling of being swung around. After putting him, down, she told the man at the counter, ”Take care of the rest of lunch, I'm going on break,” as she pulled the two of them through the kitchen and up a set of stairs.

As they left, the man couldn't help but sigh at the antics of his daughter as she pushed all her work onto him.

******

On the second floor of the eatery was a house. As the downstairs was large, this allowed the living quarters to be large and spread out. Mei brought the two of them into a room where she started to change out of her work clothes. The removal of her dress and apron revealed a very toned and athletic body. Though she didn't have the build of a bodybuilder, her curvy figure had much definition to it. Her toned stomach showed her abs, while her butt had a firm, but soft look to them. Wearing only her light blue undergarments, she asked Lili, ”Would the two of you be fine if I accompanied you while you are in town? I'd love to spend some time with the both of you.”