"H-Hey, slow down... Slow down! I can't count if you keep- I don't know how much we have..." I struggle to get out in-between Rianta-chira's pulls, tugs and shoves. Sometimes, she's not even touching me and I'm still having to rush ahead because she's pacing a leap out of reach.
Muttering incoherently, I stare down at the bag of money we had been given. It's reasonably weighty, and there's one detail that is alluding me and my ability to figure. Why is the bag square-shaped towards the bottom? Is it because of the coinage within or because the bag was framed as such?
I know the money of this land, or this part of the continent, is rectangular. But, the rims are too thick to be caused by the money. I'm reminded of the rib-like supports of a wagon top, where the cloth goes over and around to form a canopy. This seems a little much for a bag of money, however.
I... I never really handled any finances back home, but I know a bag was always just that... A bag.
"It doesn't matter how much we have, anyhow. We have enough always because of this!" Rianta-chira points out, her hand poking out the decorative piece of metal that Brewbrt had also given us. It reminds me of a noble sigil and how its stamp or presence often accomplished a lot. Back home, anyway...
"Still, I'd like to be sure we use our funds properly." I try to speak up, but she seems to have not heard me.
"And, I do recall that his exact words were something along the lines of if the money is not enough. Present this and it would be passed onto him so he could handle the rest. But, still, he was insistent on us keeping any proof of purchase on our persons." she reminds me, her eyes going all over the place while mine keep meeting those who note my bare legs. I try to shuffle out of view and my want to get this over with thins my patience.
"Does anything look like a footwear shop to you?" I ask her, minding my feet as the path changes in texture. My toes flex against the new material. From smooth stone to something granular, with what looks like crushed geodes mixed in. A natural sparkle that twinkles under the light of day.
My feet might not be getting sore or turning red with pain. But, I am starting to get a little uncomfortable feeling all these dull edges against my heels and more. While it is a somewhat obnoxious sensation, it helps me keep my mind off of other issues. I can also seamlessly swap my focus to the tasty and enticing smells all around this part of the town.
Compared to the ships I have been on and the muck I've forced my way through, it is relaxing. Very much so. So many high-quality items are on display. Items of exceptional craftsmanship, even with the limited scale of this town. I can only imagine how much better things will get once I finally arrive at the Suhurlodst Academy of Arcane Learning and Understanding!
My knowledge is limited about the land of Jherikra and its people, the Jhermonikra. But, I've heard a lot about the city as far away as home. Many of the families I had friends in talked openly about sending their children there. If this grand city, one of the supposed Great Seven Peaks, can reach that far with its reputation, then... It will surely be an experience to remember!
However, with my mind moving onto such grandeur, I can't help but feel I am forgetting to appreciate what matters now. The simple, small joys of walking through a busy and thriving market street like this. All that I am exposed to right now is the work of one man: Founding-Lord Brewbrt. If I needed more proof of why Mother trusts him, I can find it with an attentive mind, walking into a place like this.
Rianta-chira suddenly veers off!
Following after her, I eye her head things as they flicker, "I've never been into a human settlement before now. Only ever near them, most certainly nothing like this."
She moves on with her thoughts and we stop in front of a sweet little plant shop. All across its front is an array of enticing colours and almost perfume-smelling flowers, far-scented even over here. Moving a little closer to one, I nearly giggle at what else they have on display. Now, if my Emerald Tongue... Stone Tongue, whatever... If any of these are right, this sign here is telling me...
'Feel free to delight yourself with our produce!'
Taking it up on the offer, I pluck a small, red fruit covered in seeds from its heavy-dangling home. Popping it into my mouth, the solid thing melts in an instant. My eyes widen at how quickly I feel bubbles distort the pool within my mouth. I barely have anything to swallow and let out a breath of freshened, tart air.
"Rianta-chira, you have to try..." I start to exclaim, stopping when I notice how enthralled she is with an item on display. A pot of all things. Specifically, a highly decorated piece made of white porcelain and painted with dark naval blue patterns. I'm a little confused as to why it has her attention so much.
Even more so when I notice how she's cradling her stomach, as if she is pregnant.
Did I hurt-!?
"Uh, excuse me! Miss! Miss Aelenvar? I'm sorry, but that's not a birthing pot!" a shop worker insists, her behaviour erratic and hurried. Nothing else occurs, though. For all of Rianta-chira's entrancement, there has been no touching. Rianta-chira smirks, her interests driving her to test this woman's patience with a quick positioning.
"Birthing pot?" I ask, confused as to what this is meant to imply. I... I don't get it. The shop worker latches onto my question, her face lighting up.
"Yes, pots that are made specially for pregnant aelenvari! We get many who come through here, not attached to any greater group. Is your friend here interested in buying one? She certainly looks like she's still at the age where she can do her part!" the shop worker exposits, her arm enthusiastically doing a curled-up swing. Rianta-chira blushes deeply at the thought, her tail becoming a whip as her back straightens.
"So this is how those who have left flowers handle their children..." I barely hear her whisper as she tries to crush her hands with the other.
"We have plenty of pre-made ones, or we can put you down for a custom order. So we can truly mark out your beautiful red rose hair on the clay. Blessings of Motrtha, Aahtha and Pluuit all naturally coming along with it on top of any other god or goddess of your choosing." she explains, her smile growing as Rianta-chira puts one hand along her petal-like hair. Her lips part and she wants to let something out. She suddenly turns my way and shakes her head.
Whatever hook the employee of this place thought she had, it's not strong enough. For a reason beyond us both, Rianta-chira turns the idea down and walks away. The worker's smile vanishes, and she becomes visually disappointed. I frown and try to bow in apology.
"Maybe another time? We have some more important purchases to make right now. We're not using our own money, see?" I softly explain to her and a small smile comes back.
"Of course, that is perfectly fine. I will be sure we are ready to handle such a customer as her. I can already tell she is quite the special lady!" the woman answers, her voice picking up at the end and a sharp tap marks Rianta-chira's halt. Nodding further in thanks and apology, I start to leave after Rianta-chira.
While I am interested in learning more about her kind right now, we have a focus to stay committed to. Though, Rianta-chira can't seem to keep her focus on anything but the pots right now. I... I guess we can come by later, if we have money left over?
This should, without a doubt, ward off any paranoia she has about me regarding Nin-kischu! I'll have helped her secure a home for her baby-to-be...! If I am understanding this all correctly. Is it meant to be a plant given to the baby when they're born?
"A seed for all to envy in that pot... I can parade my son across all of the world in my precious love's strong arms." Rianta-chira struggles to say as her face burns hotter than even the warmest of days. But, her initial details only confuse me more. Seed? What seed?
Rianta-chira stops and turns. Her hand grips my front and pulls me in, a snarl taking her features over, "No buying anything expensive!"
I flinch back and nervously giggle. She lets go, and we get moving again, leaving me with my thoughts. Yes, yes, I think I will try to do something to make her happy. I'm not fully understanding of her issues with me, but Mother always told me to keep myself under control when dealing with problems. This is good training for when I return home and take up my position as The Lady Bosphama in due time. Long away as it is...
Shaking my head a little, I focus on the money again, "This is all intended for me to get new clothes..."
She catches onto my mutter with the twitch on an ear. She leans in, hissing. I watch her back away, her head things flashing to life as her nose snorts. Blinking alongside my heart's steadying pace, I get back to why we're out here.
I still cannot see anything that looks like a shoe-centric shop, or even one for clothes, for that matter!