[Nexus] Home 11

[Murkus]

The Cornucopia

The little metallic creatures trundle about, scurrying over Miss Q's feet and toppling each-other playfully. The lights lining the walls flicker as if alive, dancing and writhing in their glass prisons. A metal bird, twittering tinnily, sits in a cage above the counter. It's eyes glow white with soulfire. When Sticks reaches up to open the cage, the steel creature flutters out upon velvety wings, swooping around Miss Q and alighting upon a nearby shelf. It quirks it's head, hopping about skittishly as if unnerved by the newcomer.

"I made them," Sticks explains, a little proud, and a little shy. Even when he has time to open the store, it's rare that he gets someone so fascinated by his little contraptions. "I'm a bit of a tinkerer, I suppose. It's a hobby."

The tall creature steps around the L-shaped store counter and presses a button. A moment later, a tiny wheeled refrigerator comes rolling out of the back of the store. It clinks over to Alice and pops open, revealing several bottles of cold water. "Something to eat, while we talk?"