Page 39 of Bloody Business

Many of the shops and booths had craftsmen working where the customers could see them.There was something fascinating about watching a potter at their wheel or a woodworker carving a family crest.In’shi didn't mind watching with her, content with the entertainment.

There were traditional performers, as well.Martial arts displays were a big favorite, but there were also fire jugglers and dancers.Restaurants enticed customers with live music, and the whole place had a party atmosphere.

“Is it always like this?”Julep asked, amazed.

“N-no, but it's the weekend.I thought you would like it.”In’shi grinned.“B-but what I really wanted to show you is the ear salon.”

“Hair salon?”Julep echoed, not sure she heard correctly.

“E-ear cleaning salon,” In’shi pronounced carefully.“I-I've always wanted to try it.”

Julep stared at her.“I can't even imagine...what in the world could they possibly be doing?Do they wash behind the ears?Because I do that every time I take a bath.”

In'shi snorted.“G-goblins have big ears.”She waved her hands around her ears as if to illustrate.“I-It's like a human getting a foot rub.”

Julep made a face.“I've never had a foot rub.We didn't have servants.Well, we had a house maid sometimes, but she certainly didn't rub feet!”The idea seemed somewhat scandalous, and definitely bizarre.

“P-please?”In'shi pleaded, her eyes wide and hopeful.

It was the hope that did it.Julep's shoulders drooped in resignation.“Fine.”Weird or not, it was probably harmless.

In'shi lit up.She grabbed Julep's hand and hurried to a cute, pastel colored shop.

Before she knew it, Julep was settled in a chair, looking warily at a chipper goblin girl in a blue apron.

“I can't believe I get to work on a human today!You have such cute little ears,” she cooed.“Is this your first time?Don't you worry, we'll take good care of you!”

She set an array of sparkling clean tools on the little table next to Julep.

First, she used the warm towel to gently scrub Julep's ears.Julep couldn't help giggling.It tickled, plus she was slightly embarrassed.She hadn't had her ears cleaned since she was a baby.

The stylist used tiny, blunt scissors to trim the hair inside the ear canal.“This is standard procedure, but just between us, you have no hair to speak of,” the girl confided.

Julep was silently grateful that hairy ears weren't one of her faults.

Next, the girl used little brushes to scrub and soap Julep's ears, washing it off with warm towels.Julep's neck and scalp were massaged, which she hadn't expected but found quite enjoyable.

For the finale, the girl used a very soft brush to clean imaginary dust off Julep's ears.

“Ta da!Don't you look gorgeous!Do come back and visit us soon.”

In'shi waited until they were out of earshot and asked, "W-what did you think?”

“That was one of the strangest things I have done in my entire life,” Julep said.She paused and added reluctantly, “But it also was kind of nice.”

In'shi squealed and squeezed her arm.“I-I'm so glad we became friends!”

Julep grinned.She was, too.

Artur met them for lunch at a brewery that was known for sandwiches with tender meat and crunchy rolls.Julep had her first pretzel there, and discovered the joys of fried vegetables.

“This is weirdly addictive,” Julep said, munching on a fried vegetable.It was slimy inside, with seeds that popped in her mouth, but the dipping sauce was spicy and creamy and quite delightful.

“It's grown with huge quantities of sheep manure.That's how they get it so slimy.”Artur's face was completely serious.

Julep stared at him.“You made that up!”

He grinned.“Did I?”

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