4th Day of Summer, 513 AV
Sybel mopped her brow, glaring just beyond the merciless sun. It’d only been a few hours hiking and she felt absolutely spent. Perhaps she’d turn in earlier than usual, get some rest. But as she glimpsed the Sanctuary in the distance, she recalled laying eyes on Vanator again for the first time in five years. He was ever-present, always fixing or moving something… The thought of running into him, seeing his warm amber eyes staring back at her seemed too much to bear. She sighed. There would be no rest before sunset tonight.
So instead, she considered her options. Her head surged uncomfortably at the idea of the Blue Bull, so that was off the table. Browsing the Zhongjie Warren might be fun, but she wasn’t much of a window shopper… In fact, she wasn’t a shopper at all. Years on the road had tightened her purse strings. If she were to buy something, it would have to be a gift. Something special, something handmade.
Wasn’t there a glassblower in town?
When she’d been to Riverfall as a young woman she’d just glimpsed the shop, embedded deep within the rocky cliffs that bordered the city. Perhaps she’d go there and order something on commission. Kavala sprung to mind, having taken her in so willingly. It was her generosity that gave Sybel a purpose and a place to stay. That and of course, their tearful reunion. Her smiling teeth glinted in the sun.
She strode through the courtyard with ease, feeling slightly better as the light sank farther toward the horizon. Sweltering was a polite way of describing the summer heat. As she entered the showroom, she stopped for a brief moment, reveling in the joy of the indoors. ”Ah,” she said, glancing down at her sweat-stained shirt. Sybel had two outfits, both relatively the same. She frowned. It would have been good to have bathed first, at least.
Sybel slipped the leather thong from her wrist, quickly tying her hair to the side. Perhaps she’d ask for a horse figurine, something meaningful. In fact, why not a Cyphrus Strider? Kavala bred Denusk horses even then, so it was clear her heart was still with the Grass. Maybe a small reminder of home might do her well.
