"I think I should try my luck in the Barter Alley," I replied, and Felix responded with an enigmatic smile.

"Of course! But, I don't see anything valuable that you can offer other than the dress you're wearing and, of course, what you have on the inside," Felix pointed his finger at me, his tone cryptic.

"I was hoping I could have food on tabs. You know, eat today and pay later," I confessed.

"Oh, daring! What did you say your name was?" he inquired.

"Elara, Elara Frost," I answered.

"Look, girl, nothing is on tabs in Radiant Refuge. If you want something, you have to pay for it. For example, for the information on the location of the marketplace, I'll be needing that dress from you," Felix ran his hand along the fabric of my teal gown.

"What a lovely color! I've never seen a color like this," he added.

"I cannot give you this. If I did, I'd be left in my underwear. I wouldn't like to go to the marketplace for food in my underwear, would I now?" I confronted him.

"Well, that's barely my problem, dear. As I said, everything has a price," he grinned at me.

"There must be something I can offer other than this dress. How about a hug or a kiss, maybe?" I tried to reason with him.

"Hugs and kisses hold no value here, sweetheart. But since you're a newcomer, and as much as I hate to part with that beautifully colored cloth, there might be one thing you can do to get the information."

"Okay, what is that?"

"So I have a friend, and due to my busy schedule, I last found the time to visit him a few days ago. You see, he's a bit different. He's 40, but his mind is still around 12-13. In exchange for this information, you can visit his place, tidy up his room, and help him if you wish.

"That sounds great. At least I have an option now," I thought.

"Of course, if you do that, I'll also give you 3 aluminum foil balls, which you can use to get vegetable broth for 3 weeks in the Barter Alley. But for the dress, I'll give you 5 tin antennas. With those, you could have at least 1 week' worth of a three-course meal or 2 weeks of regular food. However, you choose to spend it, of course."

"Okay," I replied.

"The directions to the Alley are relatively simple: you head straight to the large building, then reach a junction. Take a right turn and continue until you get an Old settlement. Walk past the territory, and you will find Barter Alley at the end. The food there is primarily distasteful, but they are good enough to keep you going.."

Felix held 3 aluminum foils in one hand and 5 tin antennas in the other.