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A wooden sign hung just to the left above a door of an otherwise plain building in the Crozier. The letters painted on the sign were far too stylized for X'yahma to read, but he recognized the ring in an open palm. He opened the heavy cedar door, his ears perking at the bell as it chimed. It wasn't a large shop, but cases around the walls and in the center held jewelry on display: rings, bracelets, necklaces, a few pocket-watches, and more.
As X'yahma looked around the cases, his eyes drifted to a stern-looking Elezen man, staring at him with his arms crossed. "May I help you?" He glared at him with narrow eyes.
"A friend of mine recommended this shop. I'm looking for something for my wife, the anniversary of our bonding is approaching, and-"
In a flash, his features softened and his scowl gave way for a toothy grin. "'Anniversary?' Congratulations!" He rushed over and shook X'yahma's hand with an iron grip. Were he a normal man, he'd be certain the shopkeeper was like to tear his arm off. "May I ask how long it's been since your bonding?"
"This is our first anniversary, it may be short notice, but-"
"I can offer several pieces your darling wife would be sure to love!" He disappeared into the back room before returning just as quickly with a sort of booklet. "Everything from matching earrings to a pair of rings that make an intricate whole, you name it, we have it. And if not," he waved his hand, "we can procure it."
X'yahma stared blankly before shaking his head, trying to get back on track. "We've recently named our daughter, you see, so I'm afraid rings are out of the question, lest it ends up in the diaper."
The shopkeeper nodded enthusiastically. "I completely understand. And I'd advise against bracelets. I've had far too many clients tangle them in their younglings' buttons." He put a hand to his chin and gazed at the floor. "But I am getting ahead of myself, did you have anything in mind when you walked through our door?"
X'yahma flicked an ear, briefly considering a matching pair of earrings, not unlike what Alphinaud and Alisaie wear. But he quickly buried the thought. He didn't want to match, he wanted to show what she meant to him. But in practice, it may as well be a peace offering. "She's a fighter at heart. It may be late to ask now, but I'd like to see what you'd suggest to a lady on the battlefield."
"We've ruled out rings, but I have an idea for something custom-made." He pulled out a pocketbook and retreated behind the counter. "Any thought for the material? Or what sort of piece it would be?" A pause. "Details, details, what speaks from your heart?"
"A simple circlet." X'yahma blurted out. "Or maybe a hair clip. With a feather in it, perhaps. She's not... the stylish sort, if that makes sense."
"Ah, humble. Or concerned about the coffers. Either way, the greatest gifts are hardly flashy. Now, for the hair clip?"
"A feather comes to mind. Had things gone different, she'd be a hunter. Can we use a griffin feather?"
The shopkeeper nodded, "Of course we can, if you're willing to pay a little extra."
X'yahma smiled. "I'm sure it's within my means."
"Now, the metal?"
"Rose gold. An alloy of two metals near her home."
"Oh, I can see it taking form already." He scribbled something into the pocketbook. X'yahma drew closer, watching him sketch out the hair clip. The shopkeeper turned his head towards him and smiled. "Do you think your wife would like this?"
"I have no doubt." X'yahma could barely contain his excitement as he bounced from foot to foot.