Cup of coffee need the caffeine

He kept his body low as he moved through the area, hesitating as he searched the stalls, keeping himself as small as physically possible. He was looking for something specific, but he didn't have much to offer, only four coins that he kept nestled in his mouth, holding it tightly.

He found a shop that looked like it would have something he was searching for, so he pushed his way inside, still very low to the ground and quiet, barely making any noise.

When he finally saw the item he was looking for, a small carrying pouch, he froze when he saw the giant ox like creature that was standing at the corner of the shop. Uh...uh... can I.... how much for... that? He spoke softly and hesitantly, clearly absolutely terrified, the coins spilling out of his mouth, which wasn't the optimum way to speak, but he was terrified, who could blame him. He pushed his nose towards the small carrying pouch, flicking his gaze up at the creature, clearly looking moments from bolting at any giving point.

Soft brown eyes watched the timid canine pick its way carefully through the shop - this was his first customer since they had reopened! He was eager to welcome the lad in, but hesitated the longer he observed: the poor boy seemed ready to flee at the drop of a pin. So Thaddius stood patiently behind the counter until his guest expressed interest in a pouch. He gave a hearty hmph of gentle laughter and picked the pouch up from its position.

"Is it fer yer coins, lad?" he asked while placing the pouch lightly toward the boy, careful not to be quick with his movements. Despite his size, Thaddius had a warm and soft voice, the way one might speak to a startled stray.

"Tell ye what, this one's on the house," he continued, leaning slow onto the surface of the counter and poking at the pouch with a stubby finger. "When ye get more coins in it, ye can come back and buy whatever ye like fer only two coins, eh?" He gave the boy a fatherly wink. "One time discount, heh!" Thaddius had the unfortunate urge to talk too much. Although he tried to restrain himself in fear of scaring off his first customer, he couldn't help wanting to soothe the anxious kid.

Would that he could scoop up the lad and cradle him like a baby...

"Sound like a good deal?" he prompted, his coffee-like eyes holding the boy in an warm, relaxed gaze. He then gave a curious, playful glance around the shop and added quietly, "Unless anything stands out to ye now..."

Maybe something comfy? His clothes weren't as nice as Irimel's, but they were decent budget items. Thrifted finds, patched up and made ready with love by yours truly. But he didn't want to pressure his guest and gave a slow flick of his hand. "Either way, pouch is yers. Heh."

He hesitated at the man's words, shyly nodded at his question about the pouch and his coins. Y-yes sir... Oh he really hoped he didn't somehow offend him, that wouldn't be very good.... However instead of anger, or anything like that, Ozzy was shocked when the man simply offered to give him the pouch. His eyes widened and he gasped softly, his tail waving behind him, though he still remained slightly cautious. Wait.... really? You mean it?

His face lit up slightly and he hesitated for a moment, nibbling on the inside of his cheek for a moment before slowly moving forward to take the bag, before looking up at the man with large, curious eyes. He seemed to think for a moment, his gaze flicking across everything before he spoke, slipping his new pouch over his neck so he could carry it easily. I uh... I have a friend... he's an... octopus.. about this big...? He sat on his haunches and make a vague shape with his front paws, showing how small his friend was, about the size of his head.

Turning his gaze back up at the man, he seemed to light up slightly as he spoke of his friend. Do you uh... do you think you have anything for him? He hesitated for a moment before shrugging. I-it's okay if you don't... I understand.. but I... I wanted to buy him something....? He shifted slightly but stayed seated, waiting and hoping that he would have something. However, Ozzy was quick to add on. I don't mind coming back with more coins! He really just wanted to get something nice for his friend.

As the boy's face lit up, Thaddius gave him a reassuring nod and grumbled an uh-huh noise. Of course he meant it! But when the lad asked after his friend, it warmed the oxen man's heart anew. He studied the size example the boy gave him and brought stubby fingers up to his chin in thought. It elated him to meet someone so selfless and thoughtful, so he wanted to try and match that energy and figure out what he might have in his shop that would be a good gift for a tiny little fella like a small octopus.

"Well now, that's might kind of ye, lad. Let's see what I got," he said, taking slow and steady steps around the side of the counter to scan the shelves. He didn't personally know any tiny octopuses, but what he did know of them in general, was that they liked fitting themselves into comfortable spaces. Maybe if it had a little home of some kind? Carefully, Thaddius picked up a small jar and removed the cork lid, holding it down for the boy to see.

"Maybe something like this fer yer little friend?" he offered, setting the lid aside and taking a knee so that he was more eye-level with his guest. "He don't have to be in it all the time, eh? Maybe a cozy spot to sleep in er something?" He held it out upright on his palm, giving the boy the option to pick it up or just look at it. "We can look fer something else though, if this don't suit ye!"