Night at the Market [Arkale]

[Seline]

8th of Winter 512 AV It was late evening, but one could hardly tell when you were so deep within Stormhold. Torches lined the walls at all hours, and many of the booths within the Bazaar had their own colorful lamps and exotically scented candles, giving it the appearance of daytime when outside the sky was black. During the day the Great Bazaar would be crowded with people, but as it was many of the cities inhabitants were at home or at the taverns, eating their evening meals and ending their long days of work. Among the few people left milling the streets was a small cloaked figure, standing near a particularly extravagant looking stall carrying products all the way from Eyktol. Seline had picked one of the brushes up from its place on the counter alongside trays of makeup and jewellery, wistfully thinking how beautiful the shining silver would look running through her copper hair. Her fingers brushed over the intricate designs along the handle and edges of the brush, turning it to see the large peice of stone inlaid in the back. A small picture painted on the stone – an intricate scene of a desert oasis, although Seline didn't know what that was – showed the craftsman’s true skills. All in all, it was a stunning work of art, but dramatically above the young dancer’s price range. When she’d bent to pick the object up, her cloak had slipped off of her left shoulder, revealing a knot of green and red fabric. The embroidered scarf Seline commonly wore around her neck was now tied together at the ends and draped over one shoulder, effectively creating a pouch in which she could carry her purchases. It was currently empty and hanging loosely at her hip, hidden from view under the folds of her dark purple cloak. As she held the small object longingly in her hands, she couldn't help but consider how easy it would be to slip it into her pouch. She would never be able to afford something like this, even if she came across such a masterful piece of artwork again. There was hardly anyone around to see her, and the merchant was currently busy at the other side of the stall. All she would have to do is pull her hand back into her cloak and walk away.

[Arkale]

Another night of patrol, and Arkale was much chagrin to find himself strolling through the Bazaar whith his hand on the hilt of his Longsword. It was not that he disliked the Bazaar by any means, he just would have preferred to be patrolling near the gates, or anywhere that was quieter that the Great Market. With a sigh, the Knight decided to make the most of the route, and stopped every now and again to peer at the stalls and see what goods were available. There were a few weapon merchants that boasted some swords of rather decent quality, a few even claimed to be of Isurian make, which the Knight doubted rather quickly. He had seen examples of Isurian steel in books back when he studied in Zeltiva, but never had seen them in person, and judging from the swords he had seen, neither had the blacksmith who had tried to replicate the legendary work. So the Mage Knight moved on. Once he was about midway in the Bazaar, he noticed a girl examining a rather ornate hairbrush. Though her eyes were awfully active for someone simply admiring a to-be purchase. It was a red flag is Arkale had ever seen one, the way she glanced around to see if anyone was watching. If she pocketed the item it would mean time in the tank, but a girl like this would find life in the bowels of Syliras a nightmare. Not wanting to see an innocent girl thrown to that fate, Arkale took it upon himself to intervene. "Excuse me miss, but I could not help but notice you admiring that hairbrush. Would you allow me to purchase the brush from you on behalf of the Syliran Knights as a gesture of kindness?" Arkale did not want to seem this an act of charity, but also did not want to call attention to the fact he knew her intent. Crime was not tolerated in Syliras, and Arkale would prevent it at any cost, even if that meant dishing out a few mizas here and there.