The Merchant Guild is a great way to have security in ones selling affairs. Few can question and argue with official documentation. And all for a little fee. That said. Sometimes people dislike such fees and look for sneaky ways around them. One being a certain Naga merchant who puts some 'personal skills' to persuade himself from not paying.

A personal silly story I thought of after getting some pixel art commissions from my friend  Griff45. Please don't feel shy about messaging him to see his work. This features my lovely Naga sona, Sly. The good boy in this DnD style, generic fantasy setting is a scatterbrained merchant who dislikes paying fees. So using some hypnotic abilities he cheats the system. A few references to other stories I've done here including a cameo from a friend who I did a story for maaaany years ago on DA. Name the character for bonus points and 2 cookies!

This will be an entry for  entrancingawards and their in the works competition
So please check it out and get ready to see some amazing talent shared there =D

The characters are mine

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If there’s one profession that will never fade away its the merchant. For as long as there has been a world to explore, loot to obtain and things to bargain for. There have been people willing to profit from it. From those aligned and insured, to a degree, by the Merchants Guild. To freelance buyers and sellers. To small homemade wares. There’s always someone from any walk or live willing to offer their goods for the right price. And many more willing to take said items for the best deal. Trading hubs and towns always have a rush of these types. People trying to cash in around Adventurer Guilds, travelling caravans or your regular farmer who may have an eye for something special. Anything could be sold from a merchant. Potions, weapons, gear, magical items, food, drink, daily items like plates and forks.

Anything from the magical to the mundane. And for those who get into town. Well, there’s usually a fee that comes with goods. Fees often relate to the amount of product being brought in and set up for the numerous vendors. Luckily for many though these fees and paperwork also ensure you a spot and sometimes even a simple stall. Though not everyone is eager to pay.


Slithering into a busy trading hub was a slender, green Naga named Sly. Wearing a brown leather vest and dark navy undershirt with a broken pair of goggles wrapped around his neck. One with a fractured lens. His light green scales shifted to faded yellow on his chest and down. Down the sides of his head and over the back like a mohawk were fins. Small quivering appendages with a thin layer of skin between them. He had bright golden eyes and crimson pupils that helped give him a bright look. On his back was a multilayered backpack. Strapped around his chest and arms he hunched slightly as he moved forward.

A large, faded orange backpack with brown straps nearly a metre wide and filled with all manner of items took the most space. On top was a bedroll and poking through it were the heads of a small shovel, axe and several small wooden pegs. On the left-hand side were a small pan and lid. And the right a pair of tied satchels of unknown contents.

A simple wooden brace kept all this together. Narrowly stopping the heap from falling onto the wandering traveller. Deep breaths watched his chest rise and fall as he happily looked into the bustling town walls. Welcomed in by watchful guards positioned at the entrance.


Sitting at the gate was a singular guard. A tall human man with bright green eyes and messy cut brown hair. He wore chainmail hidden under a leather tunic with long slacks and boots. A short sword on his hilt that shifted slightly as he moved.

“Greetings traveller. A merchant by chance?” He asks while kneeling against the archway. Sly looks up and nods.

“Yea. Looking to offer up and trade wares.” He smiles. A wistful and tired look on his slender features. “The road was a long travel to... Ugh.” He tries to look up for the town's name.

“Glascrie.” The guard chimes in. “Were you not travelling with an intent to reach here?” Sly shrugs. Moving his weight to keep balance.

“Wasn’t thinking specifically. I’ve been travelling through from Alaras. I didn’t have any real destination in mind. Mostly where goods can be found.”

“Alaras? That’s quite the trek. You’re either determined or stupid to be carrying all that this far. Then again maybe you have something of value.” His eyes squint as he looks Sly over. The Naga gulps nervously. “Eh.” He shrugs back. “You don’t seem to have much. Pay your fees and don’t cause trouble.” He nudges his head. Indicating for Sly to enter. Giddily he slithers along. His tail tip wagging behind him like a pup.

“Ok! Will do Mr Guardsman!” He waves back and heads inside. Passing through the gate and walls they were tall. About four metres but only about two men thick. This town was built to hold up against small assaults or animals. It wasn’t a stronghold.


The inner town was busy. The entry consisted of a long street leading up to an open plaza. Two wells sit in the middle. The ground was paved in cobblestone and drains hewed around the edges. Houses lined the street for the first two blocks before shifting to storefronts and an armoured tower. Likely a barracks. Buildings made of carved stone for the first floors before wooden extensions of various make and quality sat on them. Buildings were made two or even three stories taller by such renovations. Some towers were kept up by leaning support beams on the neighbouring roof. Tenuous, but it kept balance. In the central plaza was where the main action was. Stalls were set up from wooden displays. Vendors building off simple wooden stalls and racks. A market was set up. Merchants set up stalls for produce, pottery and exotic items from far off. One claiming to be a mystical lamp from the far-off kingdom of Maluraba. Though in actuality it was likely a polished-up oil lamp. But who could say for sure?

His eyes tracing over a small bracelet on a table. A silver ring with green, red and blue crystals laced on one side. The merchant behind the stall. A female, peacock birdfolk wearing an ashen black dress with a coat over her shoulders made of brown hide.

“Interested, my slithery friend?” She asks while staring down at him.

“Hmmm. It’s pretty buuuut.” He begins to question it. Should he buy the item? But before he can, a vendor's booth brings up a loud commotion. Several in the area including Sly and the birdfolk merchant look over. A Dwarven man with a finely up twirled moustache and short trimmed beard, covered in enough barber oil to grease a refinery yelled. Being held against the booth and having his hands bound in shackles as numerous fine-looking pieces of pottery and artwork were collected by a series of guard. Three in total all dressed like the outside watchman. Two having helmets and the third with their face exposed. This one was an Orc. A ruggish man with fiery red hair and tired eyes.

“Garrol we’ve been over this a dozen times. You can’t keep selling false garbage. Why do you keep trying in this town?” The Dwarf gasps.

“How dare you accuse me of such things! This is obviously wrong as these are real and fine works of.” The Orc snaps his fingers. A golden light radiates off his palm and as he waves it over the items the illusionary magic fades. Showing the items as blank parchment, poorly made pottery and rusted pieces of scrap. Garrol stares wide eyed. He then looks away and huffs. “Well, that’s… Just a coincidence…” As he’s dragged away by the other guards his stuff is collected up. Seeing no value in it, it's simply thrown behind the stall. Sitting down a slim alleyway. The Orc puts a notice on the stall. ‘Foreclosed’ was written on it. Several other bits of text spoke of needing permission from the Merchants Guild and minor disclaimers. Sly was giddy at seeing the eviction. Springing off from the jewellery merchant he eagerly took the piece of paper. Pushing on the stall and pushing it back two feet to sit just out of the street view. Comfortably in the corner. Wasting no time, he put down his bag. Shaking his sore back he quickly got set up. Various wares were placed out from the bag's main compartment. Most being odd but nothing special items. Pieces of clothing such as a light blue nightcap, a pair of mismatched socks and what seemed like a relatively nice grey scarf. Small nick nacks and similar items were scattered on the table. Arranged nearly before Sly turned to the bag of the Dwarfs garbage. He began digging through it. Intrigued by it all even if it was, by most opinions, trash. His behaviour got an odd glance from passersby, but no one stopped to pay him much hide. Another eccentric traveller they thought. A dime a dozen when passing through here.


Townsfolk and travellers passed on by. Some popped in to browse the odd wares Sly had on display. Most looked them over and walked off without a second thought. Others, including a small Orc child who was interested in a wooden cudgel. A toy based on the weapon used by the famed Oni of the Eastern Isles. An engraving of ivy was on the hilt. This quickly led to a purchase. Sly eagerly handed over the toy and the child went off swinging it around. Adding the gold to his vest’s inner pocket. Around two hours passed. The day laboured on, and the crowds waxed and waned. Sly threw the tarp over his wares and put up a crudely written ‘be bck shrtly’ sign that was ripe with errors. Grabbing some type of curried fish dish from a stall. Something that resembled a bowl made of bread with a scoop of chunky, fishy stew. Eagerly he chugged it down on his way back to his stall. As he gnawed on the edges of the bread bowl and licked his lips he saw a pair of men by his stall. One was a guard. A tall man, about six foot with a bald head and bronze tan. He was broad shouldered and wore the same gear as previous guards. The other individual was a shorter Tabaxi man, about five eight. A light grey furred feline with white tipped ears and a pair of glasses resting on his nose. He was dressed in fine blue and white clothes designed for more comfort and official duties. Sly grumbled under his breath. He recognised a small badge on the Tabaxi’s chest. A member of the Merchant’s Guild. Putting on a cheery smile Sly approaches.

“Hello there, interested to see my wares? I will open up in just a moment.” Wiggling between the wall and stall. Putting down his now empty and flavour-soaked bread bowl and ready to reveal his goods.

“That’s not why we’re here.” The Tabaxi says, raising his hand. Sly pauses. “This stall was foreclosed, and we were coming to evaluate and put it back for leasing. But yet we find you already set up here.” A tense silence falls between them. The feline's steely gaze focused on Sly.

“Well Sir, I submitted my formalities to the head office. I suppose it simply missed you. But I assure you it’s all managed and submitted as requested.”

“Then I will check with that myself. What was your name?”

“Sly Sir.”

“Well then Sly, I’ll check your claim now.” He then turns to the guard. “Could you please wait with our ‘client’ until I get back?”

“Yes Sir.”

“I’ll be back in a few minutes. Don’t go anywhere.” With a side glance the Tabaxi walks off. The guard looks down at Sly who waves back. An awkward smile on his face.


“So, you’re a guard here? Town guard or with the Merchant Guild?” Sly starts up a conversation. Pulling back the tarp over his wares and opening up again.

“Town guard being assigned to the Guild.” Sly nods.

“And you help protect that guy from all the mean shopkeepers?” His tone was a bit pandering. Mockingly and teasing. The man cocks an eyebrow.

“Awfully smug, aren’t ya?” Sly shrinks down at the man's gaze.

“Oh sorry, I just. I get a little nervous when people accuse me of things.” He squirms shyly.

“Well, if you’re innocent there’s nothing to fear.”

“Very true.” Sly nods. “So, what’s your name? You heard I’m Sly.”

“Garrel.” He says, eyeing Sly over.

“Nice to meet ya. From here?”

“For many years, yes. Where are you coming from?”

“Alaras was my last stop. Quite a trip really. Was nice to reach here.”

“That big city huh? That's two weeks on foot, right? And you walked, or well slithered it?” Sly nods in reply.

“Yep. About twelve days if you stick to the roads.” Sly looks Garrel over. The man had wide shoulders but seeing his arms weren’t super broad. He was fit no doubt. But not bulky. He had deep brown eyes. Nearly black and sat like polished gems in his bronze skin. “You know Garrel. This whole thing is obviously silly.” He looks up. Locking eyes with the man. “After all, I haven't done anything wrong. You know that right?”

“I’m not here to judge that. Mr. Haroll will be the judge of that.” A smile cocks the sides of Sly’s lips.

“But I think you can put in a good word for me. Can’t you?” Sly’s eyes begin to change. His golden eyes shift and change. Rings begin to flow from his pupils. Blue and orange in one. Green and yellow in the other. Then the colours cycle. Blue, orange, green and yellow. A constant flow but neither eye syncs up. The colours are always two off. Garrel was instantly caught. Sly’s sudden spell caught him off guard. His eyes widened. His dark pupils begin to widen as he gazes into the flowing colours. Widening to take in more of the sight.


Sly leaned in. His head swayed side to side as the guard was transfixed. Swaying along with the gentle movements.

“Pretty huh?” Sly says in a soft tone.

“Pretty…” Garrel says as his voice trails off. His pupils begin to shrink. Changing to light pricks as the man’s shoulders roll forward. His gaze locked onto Sly’s own. Gently swaying in light motions.

“Ah huh. You really should have a nice and long look. It helps you relax a bit. See that I’m not doing anything wrong.” Garrel’s eye twitches. Something was wrong here. Magic maybe? He wasn’t an expert or even versed in it. But did it matter? It felt nice to watch the pretty colours. Try and memorise them as they shoot on by. His eyes begin to copy Sly’s. Pupils fading and being replaced with flowing rings. One after the other. Sly nods. “See? I did nothing wrong. I’m innocent.” Garrel nods along.

“Innocennnnnt.” He slurred. As the guard was mesmerised by the Naga’s tricks and enticing spell a well-rounded looking adventurer looks over. He was in his mid-twenties with silken blue clothing and a quiver and bow on his back. Dark, chocolate brown hair was tied back into a ponytail. He noticed the odd closeness between the guard and Naga. Not thinking much of it he leaned in to look at the stall. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of some colours. His eyes felt attracted for a minute, but he snapped from it. Seemingly unnoticed by the two he pulled back from the stall. He felt he should say something but something deep down told him not to.A memory or something long locked away. Walking away he resumed browsing at other stalls.

“That’s a good guard, Garrel. You know I did nothing wrong. It’s all above board.” Sly nods.

“Above board.” Sly responds with a smile. Garrel’s lip quivers but begins to shift to a smile. His shoulders relaxed. Curved inwards.

“Good boy.” Sly smiles.

“Gooooood boooooy.” Garrel slurs out before a resounding ping in his mind. A smile hits his lips and his eyes pulse with the rings faster. Sly stops his own. Smiling. Pleased with himself. He leans over and straightens Garrel up. Making sure he stood up straight.

“Remember. I’m innocent.”

“Innocent.” Garrel replies. Sly picks up the bread bowl and proceeds to finish it off. Gnawing at the tasty crust.


It was nearly half an hour later that Mr. Haroll returned. Slamming his palm down on the counter he quickly got the attention of Sly who was poking around a small mousehole in the side of a building. He perks up and looks over.

“Mr. Sly.” He says sternly. “I have gone through the records for the past week and found not a single booking, invoice or so much as a greeting from you regarding this or any booth in this town. You are here without paying your fees and illegal use of a stall.” Sly looked down at the feline. He began to shiver nervously. An anxious sweat if snakes could.

“Oh, but I did. I suppose it must have gotten lost. Let me find it for you.” He then turns to his bag. Looking into it, he digs through.

“This is ridiculous. Garrel arrest this man.” Garrel simply stands there. Facing the stall and not looking at Haroll. “Garrel? Did you hear me?” A look of concern hits his face. He moves to try and get a look at Garrels face. He notices the corner of his lips. Was he smiling? He nearly leans around to get a view of his face when Sly jumps in.

“Here we are!” He says excitedly. “My documentation with the Guild and proof of all fees paid.” Sly holds up the form. Haroll tries to look. His eyes focus as he adjusts his glasses. It was the right form. Sly’s name was at the top, signature and the official Merchants Guild seal. But the dates and town in question were damaged and unreadable. “Oh, having trouble?” Sly says as he notices the scrunching of Harolls nose. “Garrel can read it for you. His eyes seem fine.” Sly then holds the paper to Garrel’s face. “This is all right isn’t it Garrel?” Garrel nods.

“Allllll riiigght.” He slurs the words. Haroll snatches the paper and catches Sly off guard. Reading it Haroll confirms it’s outdated. A form from several years ago without a shred of evidence for even where it was signed. The date and location looked smudged and blurred. How could anyone read this mess?

“You damned little charlatan. You think you can get away with not paying and illegal use. Well, you’ll spend the night in a cell for this with your gear confiscated.” Haroll put fury into his words. But his voice didn’t rise. He bared his teeth with a growl. It would be intimidating if it weren’t for his size.

“Maybe we should all calm down. I think emotions are a little high right now.” Sly nervously waves. Barely believing his own falsehood.

“Garrel, detain him. Now.”

“You heard him, Garrel. Detain him.” Sly smirks. Garrel then puts his hands on Haroll’s shoulders. Keeping the feline from moving.

“What are you doing?” He looks up. Noticing the dreamy smile on Garrel’s face and the rings in his eyes. He goes wide eyed. “Wait. What’s going on?” He asks. Looking ahead, Sly is smiling. His eyes changed to the same rings as before.

“Just relax. You seem very stressed Mr. Haroll.” Sly says as Haroll tries to squirm from the strong grip. Though quickly he finds his gaze transfixed. Like Garrel he is locked. Caught on Sly’s spell.


Sly sways his head side to side. Garrel’s frame blocks most viewers from seeing this. Watching Haroll be transfixed and enthralled by the pulsing colours. His slit pupils widened. An adorable sight as he gazes into the illuminating colours.

“That’s it. Just relax and breathe. I know it’s hard to accept but you did just make a mistake. I am allowed to be here.” Sly says swaying side to side. Haroll follows.

“Allowed to be here?” He replies confused.

“Ah huh. I paid all my fees. In fact. I secured this stall for as long as I needed. And all fees were paid in full and then some. I was very generous.”

“Very. Generous.” Haroll’s eyes begin to change. Fading back to thin slits and then erupting with colours. His body stiffens for a moment. Hairs standing on end before he relaxes. Following Sly’s gaze.

“See? You know you made a silly mistake. You should be very sorry for putting that worry on me. You are sorry right?”

“We’re. Sorrrrry.” Haroll says with an agape mouth. Drawn in he leans forward. Held back by Garrel’s hands. Sly smirks.

“I accept your apology. But you know. You need to just be a little more welcoming. You can fill out the forms when at the Guild. Make sure I’m all confirmed and up to date. Don’t want this mistake happening again, do we?”


“Welcome. You and fill out forms. Not happen again.” His mouth begins to twitch into a smile. Sly leans in. Opening his eyes wider. Haroll’s replicate the Naga’s without delay. His mouth edged closer to a smirk.

“Good job. You’re good at your job.” Sly smiles.

“Yeeeea. Good at myy. Job.” A moment passed from his slurred speech before the ping went off. His body tensed for a minute as his tail went stiff before relaxing. His face was a pleasant grin just like Garrel. Sly stops his rings. Watching as the two were completely entranced.

“Good kitty.” Sly pats Haroll. The Tabaxi purred. “Now then. I think it’s unfair that I was overcharged so much. You misjudged my wares. I overpaid quite a bit. You should compensate me.

“Compensate.” Haroll. Picks up a small pouch on his side. A bag containing a few dozen gold pieces from the various fees collected. He was hesitant. But Sly scratching behind his ear got him to relax. He put the bag on the counter. Sly grabs it and peeks inside.

“This looks right. Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome.” He replies sleepily.

“Now that we have this whole thing resolved you both should head on back to the Guild. You need to fix up my forms after all. Now be good boy's and do your job knowing I’m all up to date. And not worrying about coming back to me. Bye bye.” Sly waves. With smiles wide and eyes pulsing. Haroll and Garrel both wave to Sly.

“Have a good day.” They say turning and with wide grins walking off. Sly smiles as they leave. Counting up his gold he will certainly have a cosy room tonight.


The rest of the day was smooth. Several sales and even trading for some random bits and pieces. As sunset approached Sly packed up his wares and made his way into the inn. It was well worth the price for a full meal, the bartender was nice enough to give him the meal for free. How polite of him. Sly was always impressed how kind people would be when he fluttered his eyes. A warm bed for the night got him well rested. Back at the Merchant’s Guild Garrel and Haroll both awoke from their trance that night. Both found themselves in Haroll’s office. His handwriting was sloppy. Almost drunkenly so. Unsure what exactly happened the two shook off their haze. Haroll put away the forms for the poorly treated Sly and wrote off the gold refund he gave. Unsure where it went exactly. Heading home for the night Haroll couldn’t shake the feeling something was off. He shrugged it off though and went home.

Two days in town passed and with more gold to his name and a belly full of tasty meals Sly got ready to continue on his way. On his way out of town he saw a new guard on the gate. A tanned skinned man looked at him with confusion. Had he seen him before? Sly waves and without thinking he does too. Guess just another odd face. He thought. Making his way off to new towns and greater profits Sly was off once more.