My Stuff!

Howard slowly herded his new tribe of Mountain Goats. Granted they were a bit more expensive than he wanted to pay for his first batch, but they were the only ones unafraid of Dog. For some reason the other goats ran from him in a fright. While the fainting goats immediately keeled over.

The mountain Goats were a great investment though. They were the trifecta of goats! Good for meat, milk, and furs. They were also a lot hardier than other breeds. Which would come in handy as they would not be easy prey for the beasts. Their large size and intimidating looks should keep the lesser monsters away. Plus white fur sold better as it was easier to dye.

As they peaked the last hill his new house came into view. It was built into the cliff to give it natural shade and shelter from the elements. The dark wood blending in yet still obvious enough to prove it was in fact a building. Howard smiled in overwhelming joy at the sight. He had his own home.

He skipped up to the house the new fence already being overtaken by the extremely aggressive vegetation. It was beautiful. Howard and Dog herded the goats past the fence making sure his new herd was secure for the night. Dog ran around the area exploring the new additions to their land. Howard smiled at the scene as he made his way to the only building.

Up close the native dark wood seemed to almost glisten in the afternoon sunlight. Shutters closed over the windows protecting the items within from the elements. It was everything he had ever hoped for! Overjoyed with how smoothly his plans were coming along Howard flung open the door. The rooms dark and shadowed due to the lack of invading light.

With a blinding smile on his face Howard skipped over to the nearest window. Shutters smoothly swinging open letting in light and fresh air. In a moment of pure indulgence he closed his eyes and turned to face the room. It was his present to himself of course he was going to milk it for as long as he could. Build the suspense if you will.

Finally, finally! He opened his eyes to survey his new house. The same glistening dark wood meet his eyes as his eyes swept through the modest one bedroom home. Although something was very wrong with the scene. Howard's smile faded to confusion. The room was empty. True there was still the table and chairs. Large pieces of necessary furniture, but nothing else. No pans or dishes. No blankets or really any cloth to be found. His house, his new home was empty.

Someone had robbed him!

Howard clutched the new stone counter trying to reign in his shock. Someone had come to his new home while he was away and stole all his stuff. Leaving only the things that would be difficult to carry. Dog came bounding in at the sound of his Master's distress whining in confusion.

Bandits. Howard thought despairingly. Bandits had ransacked his home. It was unusual for such a thing to occur. What with how far out Mudtrap was. Although not impossible. Every once and a while you would hear about a bandit raiding one of the outskirt homes. It would appear that Howard had been very unlucky. His new home the perfect place to rob while he was away.

He sank to the floor head cradled in his hands. Did he even have enough money to buy everything he needed? Sure he had enough for food. Pillows and bedding could be straw instead of the nice hides he had from his childhood. Maybe his cook wear could be obtained from the second hand store. Ms. Maze always did have surpassingly nice items for sale.

Dog nudged Howard with his cold nose grabbing his attention. Big intelligent black eyes watching with concern. "Its alright Dog." Howard said more for himself then the animal. Hand reaching up to scratch it's head. "Everything will be fine. This is nothing. Just a bump in the road. We have everything we need in no time." Dog ruffed softly as if agreeing while Howard smiled.

Alright, there was still time today. If he made his way to the village he could buy some of the things he needed before sunset! Really it was nothing. Life is full of hardship and Howard has had it surprisingly easy so far. Of course he would run into problems as soon as he moved to live on his own. Everyone had to go through this.

Hyped up Howard ordered Dog to stay with the goats. Sure that despite the little training it would be able to keep the goats from roaming.

The road to town was quiet. His worries distracting him from his surroundings relying only on habit. Despite this he quickly arrived in the center of town. However something was unusual. People were swarming the Shop of Needs.

Curious Howard moved over to the thick dusty window. There were pots, pans, bed sheets, cutlery, dishes, a rug, and more. They were all relatively new and looked to be in good condition. This is what was drawing people into the normally quiets shop. There was one thing they all had in common though. It was all Howard's stuff!

The Shop of Needs was selling what amounted to the inside of his house! Howard gaped in disbelief. How? How did all his things get here? With a visible shudder he gathered his wits. This would not do. He needed these items to survive. He would talk to the clerk. Surly they will give them back once he explains what happened.

Shoulders back and head held high he marched into the Shop. The clerk stood behind the counter counting out coins. "Craig!" He called getting the clerks attention. "Where did you get all of this?"

Craig was a relatively short man, but fairly muscular. Fluffy brown hair pulled back into a low pony tail. "Evening Howard." He said with a sharp smile. "Some people came a couple hours ago and offered it for a nice price. Surprising isn't it. There is no way I could pass up such a deal. We get so little here after all."

Howard felt anger raising. He knew. Craig knew it was his stuff. This must be payback from when they were kids it had to be! "It is my stuff Craig! You can't sell my stuff!"

The clerk leaned back against the wall casually. "Now Howard," He tutted. "How do you know it is yours? I was told they found all this in an abandoned house. Are you telling me that my suppliers lied to me? It isn't nice to accuse someone. If you want to something you have to buy it like everyone else."

"You can't sell me my own stuff!" Howard huffed in a rage. "Who does that? And my house isn't abandoned. You know that. Is this about the thing with Sue? I swear it was an accident..."

"Accident!" Craig hissed. Anger flaring in his eyes. "That was no accident. You cost me that woman. The love of my life!"

"Damnit Craig! It was just one time! Are you seriously doing this?" Howard asked in disbelief.

The man drew himself up to his full height. "Yes. Yes, I am. You will suffer as I have had to suffer." He declared with an air of finality.

Howard gaped. Was... was this really happening? All because he saved Sue from drowning in a river and Craig was too afraid to. How much of a grudge does he hold? It was just a silly crush!

Slightly dazed Howard left the Shop of Needs. He would have to buy some cheaper items from another store. Maybe the second hand store will let him have a discount.