A crackle of fire in a small hearth is ever-present in the background. There is a melodic clamor of tinks as bottles are moved about on shelves. A table groans as it is dragged across the floor to a different position. A heavy length of canvas is shaken to free it from a layer of dust. Coins clatter from palm to table as folk count and pass along their currency. Folk speak to each other in soft tones, in disparate languages, the general store drawing a diverse range of clientele.
