"I have plenty of time to look at books anyway." Goddard sits up and stretches. "I know what I'm doing now." He mumbles softly to himself and the candles dim. Shadows move around the room and the floor creaks. "I don't even have to think to do any of this."
Goddard chuckles and adds a few hand motions. The tips of his fingers look frosted and then ice creeps down over his hands and forearm. "Be careful," he says softly, and shadowy hands lazily reach up over the sides of the bed. They seem to claw at the sheets but do no damage as they slide back down.
With another giggle, a thick mist rolls out from under the bed, filling the room. "Monsters under the bed don't scare me, love," she chuckles, leaning forward slightly.
"I don't want them to hurt you." He shakes his hands, making the ice melt and disappear, and with a wave of his hand, the shadowy arms retreat under the bed. "Those could have. And the ice." Goddard leans toward her, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
She nods and gets it, bring it back to sit on the bed. "Nuur'eni...we're all right, right?" she asks, trying to be casual and picking at a loose thread on her robe.
"No! That was all me, I swear," she says quickly. "I just...I didn't think you'd want...I'd just..." She offers up a lackluster smile. "I just feel a little ashamed of myself, that's all."
"I...don't know if this will make anything better, but if I was alright with it with anyone else before, of course I would be alright when it comes to you. You're my lecai. I love you. I'll always want you in every way. I need you."
She grins and lays on her back, raising a knee and letting her robe slide down, exposing most of her leg. "I'll keep that in mind," she chuckles. She conjures a little sparkle and teases Sethai with it.
Sethai nudges Aara gently before he flies off and lands on Goddard's desk. The small dragon tilts his head, listening to Goddard mumble words as he writes.
Gath gently strokes Kryn's arm. "The bigger scars I had gotten while fighting in the pits. There I had to fight beasts and monsters we would never normally have to deal with. Everything else is a mix of blades and arrows from so many encounters, I can't remember. Except for one dagger wound."
Her eyes crinkle as she smiles. "Then stay. I don't expect Rafi this late, and he'll be busy in the morning." She settled back down and lays her head on his chest. "I don't know if anyone's ever told you this...but you're quite good," she snickers.
"I see. Then I too am selfish..." Except for... Gath pinches the bridge of his nose with his free hand. "What does love mean to you? She asked me about it and I feel as if my answer was unacceptable. But then again, I was in love only once, many years ago."
"I assume she meant romantically? Well...for me, it's wanting Rafiq happy, with or without me. My heart jumps a little when I see him, and sometimes I'm so overcome with it I can't breathe. I want to be with him, I want to share my little moments of everyday happiness and the greater joys of life. It's...he turned my world from black and gray to color. What did you tell her?"
"Well, I have love for you. I adore you and I want you happy, but it can't compare to what I feel for Rafiq. It's wanting the best for a person, and willing to help them get it, but not exactly willing to sacrifice everything for it."
"All for the better," she giggles. She drums her fingers on his chest. "Just...give the three of you some time. Figure out your feelings, toward each of them, and decide what you want bad enough to ask for. Otherwise, you'll have only me and Rafi," she adds cheerfully, "and there may be some desires he isn't ready to fulfill for you."
"You're asking for a lot don't you think? Being present is plenty. Helping with the cake is a bit much. Gifts and dancing? What do I look like? Some kind of pink softy?"
"Then she will have a lovely gift and a confusing dance to remember on her birthday. Do this for me," she pleads. "Tomorrow night, after it all, you can leave it alone if you want."
Goddard gets up earlier than normal, worried if he'll be able to keep Aara out and occupied long enough for Two to get this party set up. What if she's bored? Or tired? I could leave Sethai...Two could tell me when he's done and I'll know and then I can bring her back quickly... He goes into the common room to snack on something and hopefully clear his mind.
Aara wakes not long after he gets up, stretching sleepily and tightening her robe. She goes into the common room just as Two stumbles into the apartment.
Once Aara is gone, Goddard stands close beside Two. "How long? I'm going to leave Sethai with you so you can tell me that way but I'd still like an estimate."
Might as well enjoy this as long as I can. Who knows how Two is going to react. Hopefully not the same way she does. Gath gently runs his fingers through her hair.
"She doesn't know anything," Two whispers back. "Not even what day it is. Just make something up." He snaps and grins. "Tell her you saw it in a book and wanted to surprise her."
"Alright. I have...a part of a plan, but I think it's good enough."
--
Gath bolts awake and feels around for a dagger. Before he reflexively dives onto the floor, he looks around, remembering where he is, and narrows his eyes at Kryn. "Pie? You had me looking for a dagger over pie?"
She shakes her head. "Just me. Daddy is a deep red and has black marks on his ribs, and black horns. Pythir- my brother- is pale like my mother. I'm somewhere in the middle. Oh! I have a cousin who is the same colors as a tiger lily."
Gath chuckles. "Yes. Except, none had horns and such. They would have killed him for it. And not even just druchii. Asur, humans, dwarves...all of them."
"No. He had escaped and Otto, who was asur at the time, he wasn't always taking the form of a possessed dragon, found him, felt pity and raised him like a son. We all ended up here accidentally. Otto saved us all. We would have all been killed."
"I see. Oh! We have to go shopping!" she cries, throwing the blankets off.
--
Not knowing what to expect, Aara dresses simply and rings her eyes with khol before going back into the common room. "Well, I'm ready if you are, Nuur'eni."
"Yes! We have to find a perfect present! Not too personal, because you don't really know her, but you do know her, so a thoughtful one," she rambles, hopping up and going through her wardrobe.
--
Aara pauses at the foot of the stairs. "Goddard...he's in there," she whispers, pointing. Sure enough, Tallyn is only a few feet away, joking with a patron. "What do I do?"
"I can deal with it just for you," he smiles. "Now, let's go find our gnome friend and see if he can help us out."
They make their way to the bookstore made of books, and after a little chatting and explaining, get information about a place called Calimshan. Once they have the key and portal location, Goddard leads the way, opens the portal, and stands before it. "Well...are you excited to see what this place is like?" he asks nervously.
She nods. "Me too. But this time we won't be separated." She turns her face to look at him. She stands in front of him and takes his other hand, walking backward toward the portal and pulling him along. "I'm not scared of anything with you."
They come through in the center of a huge market, the sound nearly overwhelming after Sigil. Aara breaks eye contact with Goddard and squeals, looking around. There are booths and shops everywhere, draped in fabrics and striped awnings against the hot sun; the scent of roasting meat and vegetables mixes with incense, and even the stench of a trade city can't make this city less wonderful in her eyes.
"Look! Sweet Uzzaya, it looks like home! Oh, Nuur'eni, look!"
Goddard grins after the kiss and follows Aara around. This is great! This can take up most of the time. We can go back, get the dress, go back to the garden...this was perfect.
Aara is fascinated by Calimshan, soon learning that they are in the city of Calimport, just off the open dessert. At the first acceptable stall, she buys a length of silk to wrap around her head, shielding her from the heat, amazed by how the fashions here are so similar to Araby.
"I wonder if we can take some camels into the dessert and have a picnic?" she says, pausing at an incense stall and sniffing a few.
"Chocolate for one, but you'll see," he grins. "Let's enjoy this for a while though. Look, you already found something you wanted and we just got here. Oh how about some oils?"
As they wander around looking for oils, Aara is distracted by a leather merchant. She picks up a round black quiver, admiring the carving along the edges. "Hm. This is nice."
"I saw it and thought of him, that's all," she says, putting it back. "I feel kind of bad about peppering him with questions and then just bolting last night."
This feels so much like home! Only better, because this is a world where no one looks at me like a touch will kill them, or even knows that I was once a Mashi Al'Maut.
She stops and looks at some lovely turban pins, wondering which one Two would like.
"Good day, sir, madam," the woman says, leaning over the table. "Can I interest you in anything special? A turban for your gentleman, perhaps?" she asks, twitching Aara's silk good to get a better look at her.
Aara looks up from the pins. "Ah, I don't know if he would wear one," she says, looking at Goddard. "And then there's the horns."
The woman comes around, a little taller than Aara but much curvier, like a dessert version of Katarina. "I could show you," she tells her.
The woman puts her hands on Aara shoulders and moves her in front of Goddard. "There. What color?"
"Purple."
She smiles sweetly at Aara and grabs a long purple piece of fabric. She stands close behind Aara, hands over hers. "You wrap as normal until the horns," she says in Aara's ear, moving their hands together.
Goddard sits still, quietly trying to make some kind of connection with Sethai. He must be far away. It's so faint...I hope the times don't run any differently.
Goddard looks between Aara and the woman and tries not to laugh before taking the mirror. "Oh this is different," he says as he turns his head to see it from as many angles as he can. "I bet I'd make Two jealous."
"You?" the vendor laughs. "Plain? Not with those eyes," she murmurs, brushing Aara's hair back.
Aara blushes and turns back to Goddard to unwrap the turban. "You'll have to wear one when we come back for a holiday. I'm sure Two has a pin to spare."
She smiles. "Or we can do that. I like the amber one for Two," she says, tapping her cheek and looking at the pins. "What color for you? Purple?" she asks, waving him over.
"I know," she laughs. "So...this one," she says, holding up a black stone set in silver. When she turns it on the sunlight, it lights with color, revealing blues and purples sparkling inside.
"A wise choice, madam," the vendor agrees. "Just a moment, and I'll wrap them for you."
She grins and scratches under Sethai's chin. "It's only because he flirts with me," she chuckles.
ReplyDelete"And I think he appreciates that you stick with your studies. He says I'm lazy," he chuckles.
ReplyDeleteShe snorts. "I think we proved this afternoon that you aren't," she laughs. "You're just procrastinating."
ReplyDelete"I have plenty of time to look at books anyway." Goddard sits up and stretches. "I know what I'm doing now." He mumbles softly to himself and the candles dim. Shadows move around the room and the floor creaks. "I don't even have to think to do any of this."
ReplyDeleteShe giggles, whispers another word, and little sparkles of light dance slowly around the room. "Neither do I."
ReplyDeleteGoddard chuckles and adds a few hand motions. The tips of his fingers look frosted and then ice creeps down over his hands and forearm. "Be careful," he says softly, and shadowy hands lazily reach up over the sides of the bed. They seem to claw at the sheets but do no damage as they slide back down.
ReplyDeleteWith another giggle, a thick mist rolls out from under the bed, filling the room. "Monsters under the bed don't scare me, love," she chuckles, leaning forward slightly.
ReplyDelete"I don't want them to hurt you." He shakes his hands, making the ice melt and disappear, and with a wave of his hand, the shadowy arms retreat under the bed. "Those could have. And the ice." Goddard leans toward her, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
ReplyDelete"You'd never let anything hurt me," she whispers in his ear.
ReplyDelete"Never. How about we have the tea you brought before it gets cold."
ReplyDeleteShe nods and gets it, bring it back to sit on the bed. "Nuur'eni...we're all right, right?" she asks, trying to be casual and picking at a loose thread on her robe.
ReplyDelete"Of course we are! As long as you think we are. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..." he bends the tip of his ear and stares down into the tea.
ReplyDelete"No! That was all me, I swear," she says quickly. "I just...I didn't think you'd want...I'd just..." She offers up a lackluster smile. "I just feel a little ashamed of myself, that's all."
ReplyDelete"You didn't think I'd want what?"
ReplyDeleteShe flushes with embarassment and looks down. "Me. Not after I'd just left Tallyn. I mean so soon...I mean- you know what I mean, don't you?"
ReplyDeleteGoddard shakes his head. "I don't care. You could have run straight from his bed into mine and I wouldn't care."
ReplyDelete"Really?" Her misery starts to lift a little, and she's glad she told him.
ReplyDelete"I...don't know if this will make anything better, but if I was alright with it with anyone else before, of course I would be alright when it comes to you. You're my lecai. I love you. I'll always want you in every way. I need you."
ReplyDeleteAara sets her tea aside and tosses her arms around his neck. "I love you," she sniffles.
ReplyDelete"We can do whatever you feel most comfortable doing. But remember, it's all for you. Don't worry about me."
ReplyDeleteShe nods, nuzzling his neck. "I'm pretty tired...why don't you study a little longer, and I'll play with Sethai over here?"
ReplyDeleteGoddard nods and goes to his desk. "And don't worry about distracting me. I wouldn't mind a distraction or two."
ReplyDeleteShe grins and lays on her back, raising a knee and letting her robe slide down, exposing most of her leg. "I'll keep that in mind," she chuckles. She conjures a little sparkle and teases Sethai with it.
ReplyDeleteSethai hops around the bed, chasing the sparkle.
ReplyDelete"I hope you feel better," Goddard says, unrolling multiple scrolls. He absentmindedly picks up a black feather pen and begins scribbling away.
Aara plays with Sethai a while before exhaustion claims her, and she curls up with the little dragon and falls asleep.
ReplyDeleteSethai nudges Aara gently before he flies off and lands on Goddard's desk. The small dragon tilts his head, listening to Goddard mumble words as he writes.
ReplyDeleteKryn rolls over and settles into Gath's arms, idly tracing a scar on his chest. "How did you get these?"
ReplyDeleteGath gently strokes Kryn's arm. "The bigger scars I had gotten while fighting in the pits. There I had to fight beasts and monsters we would never normally have to deal with. Everything else is a mix of blades and arrows from so many encounters, I can't remember. Except for one dagger wound."
ReplyDelete"My poor Duckling," she murmurs.
ReplyDelete"They remind me that I can make it through almost anything. That I'm alive and I've lived."
ReplyDelete"No one should have to live through all this. It breaks my heart."
ReplyDelete"That was life for us. I'm not sure how we didn't slice our own race into extinction."
ReplyDeleteAt a loss for words, Kryn snuggles deeper into his arms. "Will you stay?" she asks. "In the morning we can shop for gifts."
ReplyDeleteGath lazily twists a piece of her hair around his fingers. "If that is what you wish."
ReplyDelete"What do you want?" she asks, raising up on her elbow.
ReplyDelete"I don't know what I want," he admits. "I do like what's going on now though."
ReplyDeleteHer eyes crinkle as she smiles. "Then stay. I don't expect Rafi this late, and he'll be busy in the morning." She settled back down and lays her head on his chest. "I don't know if anyone's ever told you this...but you're quite good," she snickers.
ReplyDelete"No one has. Well...he did during but I really don't think that counts."
ReplyDelete"Probably not," she agrees. "But I've quite enjoyed myself. And I'm selfish," she laughs.
ReplyDelete"Selfish?"
ReplyDeleteShe nods. "I tend to take my own pleasure first. Only Rafi has ever been different."
ReplyDelete"I see. Then I too am selfish..." Except for... Gath pinches the bridge of his nose with his free hand. "What does love mean to you? She asked me about it and I feel as if my answer was unacceptable. But then again, I was in love only once, many years ago."
ReplyDeleteKryn laughs. "You aren't that selfish. Love is..." Her eyes wander as she thinks. "There's a lot of ways to answer that."
ReplyDelete"Hmm...nevermind then. I'm not surprised at my lack of knowledge seeing as how my people didn't love anything that wasn't combat."
ReplyDelete"I assume she meant romantically? Well...for me, it's wanting Rafiq happy, with or without me. My heart jumps a little when I see him, and sometimes I'm so overcome with it I can't breathe. I want to be with him, I want to share my little moments of everyday happiness and the greater joys of life. It's...he turned my world from black and gray to color. What did you tell her?"
ReplyDelete"That I didn't love. But that doesn't matter."
ReplyDelete"What do you feel for the Sheik?" she asks, ignoring that she can look and find out.
ReplyDelete"It...it doesn't matter. I don't love him if that's what you're thinking..."
ReplyDeleteShe chuckles. "All right, Duckling. Just remember there's a difference between having love and being in love."
ReplyDelete"And what is that?"
ReplyDelete"Well, I have love for you. I adore you and I want you happy, but it can't compare to what I feel for Rafiq. It's wanting the best for a person, and willing to help them get it, but not exactly willing to sacrifice everything for it."
ReplyDelete"Hmm...well, I want you happy too."
ReplyDeleteShe grins wickedly and stretches like a cat against him. "I could tell," she laughs.
ReplyDeleteGath snickers. "Was it that obvious? I'm losing my cold, unfeeling touch."
ReplyDelete"All for the better," she giggles. She drums her fingers on his chest. "Just...give the three of you some time. Figure out your feelings, toward each of them, and decide what you want bad enough to ask for. Otherwise, you'll have only me and Rafi," she adds cheerfully, "and there may be some desires he isn't ready to fulfill for you."
ReplyDelete"I'm still not sure I should be around tomorrow. Not after she left so abruptly."
ReplyDelete"Nonsense. We'll find a lovely gift for you to give her, and we'll all have a grand time. And you will dance with her! That will be perfect!"
ReplyDelete"You're asking for a lot don't you think? Being present is plenty. Helping with the cake is a bit much. Gifts and dancing? What do I look like? Some kind of pink softy?"
ReplyDelete"With a little help," she giggles. "Show her up and make a larger effort than dessert and coffee. Your lord will be quite proud."
ReplyDelete"We don't want that though. She might get upset. He's got to be proud of her."
ReplyDelete"Oh stop worrying about him and her. You can't change that. Worry about you and her, and you and him. That's what you can alter, Gath."
ReplyDelete"And what if it's best I leave it all alone?"
ReplyDelete"Then she will have a lovely gift and a confusing dance to remember on her birthday. Do this for me," she pleads. "Tomorrow night, after it all, you can leave it alone if you want."
ReplyDelete"You both do that," Gath grumbles. "You say to do things for you and...fine...fine..."
ReplyDeleteShe giggles and kisses him on the mouth. "I love hearing 'yes'," she tells him, sliding her head under the blanket.
ReplyDelete"I'm sure you do. Doesn't everyone?"
ReplyDeleteHer agreeing giggle is muffled.
ReplyDeleteGoddard gets up earlier than normal, worried if he'll be able to keep Aara out and occupied long enough for Two to get this party set up. What if she's bored? Or tired? I could leave Sethai...Two could tell me when he's done and I'll know and then I can bring her back quickly... He goes into the common room to snack on something and hopefully clear his mind.
ReplyDeleteAara wakes not long after he gets up, stretching sleepily and tightening her robe. She goes into the common room just as Two stumbles into the apartment.
ReplyDelete"Out late?" she asks, grinning.
"Hmm. Yeah," he grunts. "Girl downstairs. Wild."
"Wild like a wild animal...like part tiger or something? Or just wild?" Goddard chuckles.
ReplyDeleteHe gives them a dazzling smile. "At least one of those." He kicks back on the couch as Aara pours tea. "Any plans for today?"
ReplyDeleteAara shrugs and sits, tucking her feet under her. "Not really. I want to spend some time in the garden telling the hours and stretching."
Two raises an eyebrow. "Not today you can't. Gill has it closed off, something about a private party."
"I wanted to spend the day out with you anyway."
ReplyDelete"That settles it then," Two says, ruffling her hair as he heads for the food.
ReplyDelete"I suppose it does," she laughs. "Has anyone seen Gath? It's not like him to sleep so late."
Goddard gets up and walks over to Gath's room. He knocks twice before simply opening the door and peeking in. "Hmm...he's not here."
ReplyDeleteShe frowns. "Even stranger. I hope he's all right."
ReplyDelete"I'm sure he is. Maybe he got up even earlier than we did?"
ReplyDelete"It seems so. He must have come in quietly last night." She gets up and kisses one of his horns. "I'm going to get dressed, and you can plan our day."
ReplyDelete"I think I'll plan to wander around," he chuckles. "I'll be too lost in your beauty."
ReplyDelete"Flirting is a good start to any day," she laughs as she leaves the room.
ReplyDeleteOnce Aara is gone, Goddard stands close beside Two. "How long? I'm going to leave Sethai with you so you can tell me that way but I'd still like an estimate."
ReplyDelete"Maybe five after peak? Rent a room and tie her down if you have to."
ReplyDelete"I'd rather her tie me down, but that doesn't matter. I'll figure something out."
ReplyDeleteTwo winks at him. "I'm sure you will."
ReplyDeleteGath yawns and stretches. He blinks a few times, confused with the unfamiliarity of the room but then he remembers the night before and relaxes again.
ReplyDeleteKryn is fast sleep, strewn over him in pure comfort.
ReplyDeleteMight as well enjoy this as long as I can. Who knows how Two is going to react. Hopefully not the same way she does. Gath gently runs his fingers through her hair.
ReplyDelete"Mmmm," she sighs, shifting slightly.
ReplyDelete"We can just lounge around like this all day right?" he chuckles softly.
ReplyDelete"Hmmm? Huh?" she mumbles, blinking slowly. She sighs and promptly falls back asleep.
ReplyDelete"I'll take that as a yes." Gath closes his eyes and takes a few deep breaths.
ReplyDelete----
"Does she know you got her a dress? Or do I have to make something up?" Goddard asks, leaning closer and whispering.
"She doesn't know anything," Two whispers back. "Not even what day it is. Just make something up." He snaps and grins. "Tell her you saw it in a book and wanted to surprise her."
ReplyDeleteGoddard nods. "That'll work. Is it going to be downstairs? Outside? Where exactly so when I bring her back I know where to take her."
ReplyDelete"The garden."
ReplyDelete--
Kryn sits up, gasping. "Pie!"
"Alright. I have...a part of a plan, but I think it's good enough."
ReplyDelete--
Gath bolts awake and feels around for a dagger. Before he reflexively dives onto the floor, he looks around, remembering where he is, and narrows his eyes at Kryn. "Pie? You had me looking for a dagger over pie?"
"Huh? What?" she mumbles, rubbing her eyes. "Pie?"
ReplyDelete"That's what you were gasping about so you tell me."
ReplyDelete"Oh, I'm sorry," she laughs. "Sometimes I dream of things I should have made. For customers who will come in."
ReplyDelete"That would have been something to warn me of," Gath sighs, falling back down to the bed.
ReplyDelete"Sorry," she repeats, lying back down. "It doesn't always happen."
ReplyDelete"No no, I'm fine. I just don't want to hurt you."
ReplyDeleteShe chuckles. "Not to sound unappreciative, but I'm not sure you could."
ReplyDelete"And why would you say that?"
ReplyDelete"Well...aside from this," she says, showing him a long scar on her rib, "nothing really hurts me."
ReplyDeleteHe gives her a devilish grin. "I wonder why I didn't notice that before." His grin fades as he studies the scar. "What happened?"
ReplyDelete"My brother."
ReplyDelete"You had awful siblings too?"
ReplyDeleteShe smiles. "It was an accident."
ReplyDelete"An accident? That's an awfully large accident."
ReplyDeleteShe shrugs. "We weren't supposed to hurt each other. We just didn't follow the rules."
ReplyDeleteHe motions for her to continue. "Unless you don't want to talk about it."
ReplyDelete"It's nothing. Daddy insisted we learn how to handle ourselves, and his claws got me."
ReplyDeleteGath looks down at her hands. "I'm assuming he's...different than you?"
ReplyDeleteShe nods. "Like mother, but with claws and horns and a tail. Quite dashing, really."
ReplyDelete"Like my lord?" He coughs. "I-I mean with the claws and horns and tail...that...sort of thing..."
ReplyDeleteShe raises her eyebrows at him. "Prettier. Meaner."
ReplyDelete"Meaner I believe."
ReplyDelete"He's beautiful in a very sharp way. He and mother both have a cold beauty."
ReplyDelete"Sounds like druchii."
ReplyDelete"Perhaps."
ReplyDelete"Is anyone else pink?" he chuckles. "That is one thing druchii are not. I didn't seem to change so much when we came to this world."
ReplyDeleteShe shakes her head. "Just me. Daddy is a deep red and has black marks on his ribs, and black horns. Pythir- my brother- is pale like my mother. I'm somewhere in the middle. Oh! I have a cousin who is the same colors as a tiger lily."
ReplyDelete"Interesting. We were all pale with dark hair and dark eyes."
ReplyDelete"And pretty, like you and your lord?"
ReplyDeleteGath chuckles. "Yes. Except, none had horns and such. They would have killed him for it. And not even just druchii. Asur, humans, dwarves...all of them."
ReplyDelete"Is that why you all left? To protect him?"
ReplyDelete"No. He had escaped and Otto, who was asur at the time, he wasn't always taking the form of a possessed dragon, found him, felt pity and raised him like a son. We all ended up here accidentally. Otto saved us all. We would have all been killed."
ReplyDelete"I see. Oh! We have to go shopping!" she cries, throwing the blankets off.
ReplyDelete--
Not knowing what to expect, Aara dresses simply and rings her eyes with khol before going back into the common room. "Well, I'm ready if you are, Nuur'eni."
"Hmm yes...shopping." With a groan, Gath gets up to get dressed.
ReplyDelete--
Goddard grins. "I'm ready. You're much better company than Two. Let's go."
"Yes! We have to find a perfect present! Not too personal, because you don't really know her, but you do know her, so a thoughtful one," she rambles, hopping up and going through her wardrobe.
ReplyDelete--
Aara pauses at the foot of the stairs. "Goddard...he's in there," she whispers, pointing. Sure enough, Tallyn is only a few feet away, joking with a patron. "What do I do?"
"I don't know what she'd like. Wouldn't the cake be enough of a gift?"
ReplyDelete--
"I'd say greet him like you would any other day, but if you are uncomfortable, we can simply wave and be on our way."
"Silly Duckling," she laughs. "The cake was purchased. It's not a gift."
ReplyDelete--
Aara nods, wrapping her hand around Goddard's. Tallyn looks up when they enter and smiles brightly.
"Good morning, sweetheart!" he says cheerfully. "How are you this morning?"
"Um. I'm fine," she says.
"Nuur'Ninny taking you out for the day?" he asks, nodding to Goddard.
"Yes I am," Goddard says, nodding back. "We're going to spend the whole day making everyone sick with how much we love each other."
ReplyDeleteTallyn gives him a grin and turns to Aara. "Can we talk a moment?"
ReplyDeleteShe nods, following him out of earshot.
"Are you all right?" he asks, tucking a bit of hair behind her ear.
She nods, looking up at him. "I'm fine. We talked about it."
He smiles softly down at her. "Do you hate me?"
"Oh no, Tallyn! I could never!"
He chuckles and tilts her face up to kiss her softly. "Good. Now go back to your Ninny."
Aara practically runs back to Goddard.
"What happened? Do I have to knock Sunny around?"
ReplyDeleteShe blushes. "He just wanted to check on me. That's all."
ReplyDelete"That was nice of him, but now that that's all settled, let's go. We can do whatever you want. Maybe a fancy breakfast?"
ReplyDeleteShe shrugs. "Whatever you want. Today I'm in your hands."
ReplyDelete"I could go for a fancy breakfast. Then we can wander around the shops, maybe find a fountain to relax by."
ReplyDelete"That sounds lovely," she sighs. "Of only this world had hot, bright sunshine to nap in."
ReplyDelete"Maybe we can find one of those portals and find a place that won't try to kill us? We'd have to ask someone first. We don't want to get lost."
ReplyDelete"Do you mean that?" she asks excitedly. "I know you aren't fond of the heat..."
ReplyDelete"I can deal with it just for you," he smiles. "Now, let's go find our gnome friend and see if he can help us out."
ReplyDeleteThey make their way to the bookstore made of books, and after a little chatting and explaining, get information about a place called Calimshan. Once they have the key and portal location, Goddard leads the way, opens the portal, and stands before it. "Well...are you excited to see what this place is like?" he asks nervously.
She laces her fingers through his. "Are you afraid?" she asks, looking straight into the portal.
ReplyDelete"I think it's going to take a while before I can walk into these without my heart wanting to jump from my chest."
ReplyDeleteShe nods. "Me too. But this time we won't be separated." She turns her face to look at him. She stands in front of him and takes his other hand, walking backward toward the portal and pulling him along. "I'm not scared of anything with you."
ReplyDeleteGoddard smiles and follow her, leaving all hesitation and doubt behind.
ReplyDeleteThey come through in the center of a huge market, the sound nearly overwhelming after Sigil. Aara breaks eye contact with Goddard and squeals, looking around. There are booths and shops everywhere, draped in fabrics and striped awnings against the hot sun; the scent of roasting meat and vegetables mixes with incense, and even the stench of a trade city can't make this city less wonderful in her eyes.
ReplyDelete"Look! Sweet Uzzaya, it looks like home! Oh, Nuur'eni, look!"
"Yes, yes it is," Goddard says, trying to hold his smile. "Just as hot...is this what you wanted?"
ReplyDeleteAara pulls him close for a long kiss. "This is perfect," she tells him before grabbing his hand and running headlong into the market.
ReplyDeleteGoddard grins after the kiss and follows Aara around. This is great! This can take up most of the time. We can go back, get the dress, go back to the garden...this was perfect.
ReplyDeleteAara is fascinated by Calimshan, soon learning that they are in the city of Calimport, just off the open dessert. At the first acceptable stall, she buys a length of silk to wrap around her head, shielding her from the heat, amazed by how the fashions here are so similar to Araby.
ReplyDelete"I wonder if we can take some camels into the dessert and have a picnic?" she says, pausing at an incense stall and sniffing a few.
"Maybe. Or maybe, we can come back later and do that? I can prepare myself a little better?"
ReplyDeleteShe laughs, selecting a few small pouches in varying scents. "I think coming back for that is a good idea."
ReplyDelete"We have to make sure we go back at a reasonable time. There is something we need to pick up."
ReplyDeleteShe raises an eyebrow as she pays for her incense. "Oh? What are we picking up?"
ReplyDelete"Chocolate for one, but you'll see," he grins. "Let's enjoy this for a while though. Look, you already found something you wanted and we just got here. Oh how about some oils?"
ReplyDelete"A surprise? All right, love..."
ReplyDeleteAs they wander around looking for oils, Aara is distracted by a leather merchant. She picks up a round black quiver, admiring the carving along the edges. "Hm. This is nice."
"That is," Goddard agrees. "But does anyone use a bow?"
ReplyDelete"Does Gath? I know he uses a crossbow...what does he put his bolts in?"
ReplyDelete"You're thinking of buying him something?" Goddard laughs. "He puts them in a case on his belt. I'd assume he could use a regular bow."
ReplyDelete"I saw it and thought of him, that's all," she says, putting it back. "I feel kind of bad about peppering him with questions and then just bolting last night."
ReplyDelete"Don't feel bad. He'd probably just pretend it never happened."
ReplyDeleteI feel bad about more than that.
ReplyDelete"All the same, he didn't have to meet with me. Excuse me, do you have a bolt case similar to this?" she asks the vendor.
He nods and hands it to her. Like the quiver, it has sharp abstract lines carved into it. "Do you think he'd like it?"
"I think so...if it's possible for him to like anything. I like it."
ReplyDeleteShe nods. "I'll take it," she says, handing it back to be wrapped up. "Now, oils, right?"
ReplyDelete"Yes. Um, can I be around when you give that to him? I need to see what he does."
ReplyDelete"Of course. I'll give it to him later tonighf, I suppose." She looks up at him. "Why?"
ReplyDelete"It will either make me laugh or be completely disappointing."
ReplyDelete"Either way you'll get what you expect then?" she laughs.
ReplyDelete"Yes," he chuckles. "When we get back, you can spoil yourself with incense, oils, tea...maybe you'll let me join you?"
ReplyDelete"How could I sent you anything you wanted?" she chuckles. "Oh look, spiced chocolate. Let's try some!"
ReplyDelete"Father might like some of that."
ReplyDeleteAara examines the samples carefully. "I think so. I promised to have something for him next time she shows up."
ReplyDelete"Which one do you think we should try? Or should I buy a little of each."
ReplyDelete"I want to try this one, with chili," she says plucking it from the plate. "Then we can buy some of each."
ReplyDeleteGoddard nods and counts out the payment. "I'm sure this will last more than one day. That's a record."
ReplyDeleteAara covers her mouth. "Sweet goddess! This is hot."
ReplyDelete"I thought you liked the heat," he chuckles. "Are you going to be alright?"
ReplyDelete"I do," she says, eyes watering. "But this is a different hot." She fans her face until it passes. "I like it!"
ReplyDelete"We'll get you extra then," Goddard chuckles. She's so happy. This trip on it's own could have made her birthday extra special.
ReplyDeleteThis feels so much like home! Only better, because this is a world where no one looks at me like a touch will kill them, or even knows that I was once a Mashi Al'Maut.
ReplyDeleteShe stops and looks at some lovely turban pins, wondering which one Two would like.
"Good day, sir, madam," the woman says, leaning over the table. "Can I interest you in anything special? A turban for your gentleman, perhaps?" she asks, twitching Aara's silk good to get a better look at her.
Aara looks up from the pins. "Ah, I don't know if he would wear one," she says, looking at Goddard. "And then there's the horns."
The woman comes around, a little taller than Aara but much curvier, like a dessert version of Katarina. "I could show you," she tells her.
Goddard chuckles. "I'm not sure I would even be able to get it back on once I've taken it off. "
ReplyDelete"Here, sir," the woman says, gesturing to a chair. "I'll show you how to wrap it."
ReplyDeleteAara grins. "Just for a few minutes, Nuur'eni?"
Goddard takes a seat and smiles up at Aara. "Anything for you."
ReplyDeleteThe woman puts her hands on Aara shoulders and moves her in front of Goddard. "There. What color?"
ReplyDelete"Purple."
She smiles sweetly at Aara and grabs a long purple piece of fabric. She stands close behind Aara, hands over hers. "You wrap as normal until the horns," she says in Aara's ear, moving their hands together.
Goddard sits still, quietly trying to make some kind of connection with Sethai. He must be far away. It's so faint...I hope the times don't run any differently.
ReplyDelete"And the horns?" Aara asks.
ReplyDeleteThe woman leans closer, guiding Aara's hands on a figure-eight around Goddard's horns. "Like this," she says. "My, your perfume is lovely. Jasmine?"
Aara nods, focused on arranging the folds correctly.
"Now pin, just here."
Aara does as she says, and the woman pulls her back to admire their work. "That's wonderful!" Aara says, turning her face to look at the vendor.
"Like a regular dessert bandit," she woman says, her breath on Aara's neck. "Ready to steal women's hearts everywhere."
Aara hands Goddard a nearby mirror. "What do you think?"
Goddard looks between Aara and the woman and tries not to laugh before taking the mirror. "Oh this is different," he says as he turns his head to see it from as many angles as he can. "I bet I'd make Two jealous."
ReplyDelete"I wager you're right," Aara kaughs. "He hates when others are more handsome than him."
ReplyDeleteThe vendor catches Goddard's eye and grins. "Then this Two person must loathe the both of you," she says.
"Oh he's way more jealous of your beauty than my handsomeness," Goddard tells Aara. "Always trying to tell you you're plain."
ReplyDelete"You?" the vendor laughs. "Plain? Not with those eyes," she murmurs, brushing Aara's hair back.
ReplyDeleteAara blushes and turns back to Goddard to unwrap the turban. "You'll have to wear one when we come back for a holiday. I'm sure Two has a pin to spare."
"Or, maybe we could buy one here?"
ReplyDeleteShe smiles. "Or we can do that. I like the amber one for Two," she says, tapping her cheek and looking at the pins. "What color for you? Purple?" she asks, waving him over.
ReplyDelete"Purple, black, silver, that's pretty much my range of color."
ReplyDelete"I know," she laughs. "So...this one," she says, holding up a black stone set in silver. When she turns it on the sunlight, it lights with color, revealing blues and purples sparkling inside.
ReplyDelete"A wise choice, madam," the vendor agrees. "Just a moment, and I'll wrap them for you."
"You know me too well lecai."
ReplyDeleteWhen the woman steps away, Aara leans closer to him. "She's strange, isn't she?" she whispers.
ReplyDeleteGoddard chuckles softly. "How so?"
ReplyDelete"She has no concept of personal space," she whispers just as the vendor returns.
ReplyDelete"Here you are, madam," she says, giving her a dazzling smile. "I do hope you'll return to me soon."
"She's flirting with you," he whispers in druhiir.
ReplyDelete