The Potter’s House II
Several weeks passed, and the potter's once-smooth chin now bore a warm, golden amber beard. Despite the passage of time, the Potter's house still held an abundance of unsold treasures. The display boasted intricately moulded bowls, exquisitely decorated vases, and meticulously crafted utensils. Argos, the playful feline companion, gracefully pranced around the kitchen floor.
The gentle chime of the front doorbell stirred Alexander from his tasks. A broad-shouldered merchant entered, his eyes drawn to the captivating display. Slowly, the Potter approached the counter, his warm demeanor welcoming the visitor. The merchant's dark, flowing hair framed his intent gaze. "Can I help you?" Alexander inquired with a gentle tone, noticing the furrows on the merchant's forehead.
The ambient sounds of the merchant's companions drifted into the store. "I'm heading home; my wife is eagerly awaiting something special from my travels," the merchant replied, his eyes momentarily glancing behind Alexander's shoulder. "She has high expectations," the potter responded warmly.
Argos, with a curious glance, approached the counter as the tall man rested an arm on it. "I'll give you some time to look around," the Potter kindly added, reaching for the corner of the doorway. Argos, the loyal companion, followed patiently as they retreated into the welcoming kitchen.
Alexander diligently searched the cabinets, his hands guided by the memory of days prior when he repaired a shattered vase. Rather than discarding the broken pieces, he skillfully melded them together. Once the vase had dried, he adorned it with a sparkling paste. In this moment, Alexandria, with a basket of freshly picked fruit, quietly entered through the back door.
"Are you searching for the vase?" she inquired sweetly. Alexander stood upright, leaning against the sink. "Yes, my love," he replied. The Potter's wife pointed to the corner of the room, noting, "It needed some air." A cheerful smile graced Alexander's face as Alexandria placed the basket on a brown stool and folded her violet head covering.
Returning to the counter with the vase, Alexander presented it to the intrigued merchant. "That looks interesting," the merchant remarked, captivated by the dispersed sun rays dancing around the bespoke piece. The potter recounted the tale of the vase's creation, his animated storytelling keeping the merchant's gaze fixed upon him.
"You didn't leave it broken in pieces," the merchant observed. "It's my best work; see how it stands out among the rest," the Potter proudly proclaimed, the warmth of accomplishment evident in his eyes.
"I would like to purchase it," the merchant stated with a genuine smile. Alexander's mind immediately shifted to thoughts of the upcoming rent payment, in the coming days. The merchant observed as the potter entered a contemplative state, concern etched across his face. "Is everything okay?" the merchant kindly inquired.
The potter, meeting the merchant's gaze with warmth, shifted his feet and responded, "I'm truly happy that you want to buy it." The merchant, eager to proceed, began searching his bag. "Alright, how much?" he added.
A hint of gloom shadowed the potter's face as he glanced towards the doorway where Alexandria gracefully moved about the kitchen, her presence comforting. "We need enough for our rent and some wood this winter," he replied solemnly. The merchant, displaying assertiveness, pressed, "How much?"
Taking a pen, the potter swiftly wrote a figure on a notepad. Before he could present it, the merchant glanced at the figure. The potter returned and the merchant placed a small emerald sack on the counter. "This will cover another year's rent too," the generous merchant added.
Gratitude filled Alexander's eyes as he exclaimed, "How can I thank you?" The merchant, holding the vase with care, replied, "You've given me more than I came here for." With a warm exchange, the potter watched as the merchant gracefully entered his horse-drawn cart and journeyed down the hill.
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