It had almost been a week since she stayed in the cabin to get well and so far, nothing evil happened since she arrived. In fact, it had been her most peaceful yet in the past two months.
Silas was welcoming as always. Though the cabin was far from their ways inside the castle, it was enough for them to get through the week considering Kaius also had enough money in his pockets to buy their daily necessities such as food and house supplies.
Since Allyria was already up and running, they decided to go to the Mitskapalazah to buy clothes for her. Allyria was enthusiastic at the thought. Seeing the outdoors and people other than her family always thrilled her, especially now that she could barely leave the cabin for security issues. Needless to say, they also wouldn't take the risk of being seen by unwanted men.
But now, she finally had the opportunity to leave the barren woodlands.
The Mitskapalazah was bustling with merchants and buyers flocking from different towns. Wagons and carts were being pushed to and fro uncemented roads carrying exotic goods—spices, food, furs, fine cloth, glass, jewelry and many other luxury goods—making the roads narrower than it already is.
Shops stood on either side of the street obediently. None of them had doors for the shopkeepers knew very well that the doors would not last long against the might, impatience, and violence of the customers.
Herds of people climbed on top of each other at the counter of each shop yelling wildly like mindless monkeys brawling for a banana.
It was complete disarray. The noisy crowd became louder and louder as they marched up the street.
The distinct clinks of coin, being passed from one hand to another and the roar of anticipating customers echoed from one corner to the next as merchants advertised their goods in lower offers than that of their competitors from the next block.
As the market fills, the air hung thick and greasy and the smoke coming from different shops covered the clouds.
Beads of sweat trickled from her forehead as the hot weather made the crowded market worse. But the smell of freshly-cooked meal and bread took her attention as small carinderias emerged from the expanse.
Children and shoppers shove her aside as they rushed to get to shops with larger discounts and she could only stumble back, startled as she was still adjusting and observing to the surroundings.
"Are you okay?" Kaius placed a hand on her shoulder.
She smiled and nodded.
It wasn't Allyria's first time to see a market. She had seen it from a distance every time they visited the People's Park but it's her first time to actually go in one.
"The clothing stall is in here. Let's go." Without a warning, he took her hand and pulled her across the sea of people.
Everyone was busy as they passed, not even minding to take a look at the two walking by. For once she felt normal—no pressures of being perfect, no unsolicited attention, nothing. Allyria was one with the crowd and she felt good for it.
"All seafood for 30 qintars! 30 qintars! Grab now!"
"Fine jewelrys mark down at 20 percent!"
"Imported spices here!"
Although the shoppers didn't care, the merchants refused to make a difference as they were calling them from left to right, introducing their fine products and enticing some in the process.
It was very different from the castle. Everyone felt free, running off, conversing with actual people. She's not saying the castle staffs aren't people but it wasn't just the same - the people here aren't fashioned to treat each other like fragile glass, they weren't forced to bow whenever they passed by. Everyone was equals.
Allyria was busy observing the different kinds of shops when an old merchant suddenly pulled the side of her cloak.
Taken aback, Allyria pulled the cloak from his hands and adjusted the hood over her head to prevent it from falling. It was too close. Of all the people here, anyone could easily recognize who they were.
Once it was in place, she turned to face the man behind it.
"Lady, try our new slippers," the old man said, showing her a pair of pantofles made in leather, "This would look good on you."
The man was grimy and clearly hadn't been eating sensibly or eating at all. The look on him told her he wanted to move on and leave this miserable waif behind but his hungry eyes told her it was impossible. He knew his life was fixed as soon as he was born. He grew up in the dirt and so he'll die in the dirt.
Sadness washed over her. Without a second thought, she pulled a blue sapphire from her pocket and placed it on his hand, "Take this."
The sapphire could already feed him for a lifetime. It could alleviate the living status of him and his family if he had any. It was more than enough for any person living in the slums.
"But I..."
"It's yours," Allyria fastened her hands into his, her mouth curved into a smile.
Just this morning, she saw it under the leather sofa. She remembered the gown she used on the night of Vysela's party had gems festooned on it. Most of it fell when they were on the run but she guessed there was still some remaining when she arrived in the cabin.
"Thank you, lady," the old man's nose crinkled and tears shone in his eyes, "May the Eternal Gods bless you seven fold."
Allyria nodded, smiling.
She never felt this better but there was still something uncomfortable that remained.
Those eyes would stay with her for a long time.