Eva made her way into the town, which was filled with the natives. There were some shops, where couples were trying to attract customers.
On the other hand, some children were playing in the streets, with wrinkled shirts. 'Nothing has changed much…'
Eva's eyes swept across the passage to see some ladies, probably to shop for the household, and started having a gossip.
A giant smirk passed by her eyes when she realized that she is once again, back in the same place where she left. The Slight difference was, that time has changed and many new people have taken over.
She was wearing her dark-colored frock of knew length which seemed clean yet old. The design was already too outdated till this time.
Walking barefoot, she looked similar to any lost girl in their town. There was no glow in her eyes either.
At last, she stopped at one of the shops, to find the shopkeeper selling some wigs. Wearing a large hat, and dark-colored cloth, she noted him serving some of them lined up customers.
Many of the ladies, some children, and theatre people stopped there but she was looking forward to something else. Gazing at one of the hair wig, which was of blonde color, she couldn't help but have her temptation to buy out.
'Without money… it is impossible..' Her thought was correct but she needed it. 'I will have to cover up myself. Who knows... if any old acquaintance recognizes me, it will create a blunder.'
Keeping the same in her mind, Eva closed her eyes and brings the image of the wig in her mind. Asking for the same thing, when she found her eyes, the Blinde wig was there in her hand. Unknown to anyone, she has stolen it without anyone's knowledge.
"Tsktsks... I'm devil, and Devils do not follow rules." Mumbling this in her breath, she walked to one of the narrow streets which had fewer people and fitted the wig on her head, hiding her black hair under it.
No one can differentiate between her hair and complexion since she is white, and her eyes are blue. "Perfect.."
When she was ready, Eva decided to take another stroll in the adjoint market, where there were woodcutters. They were making wooden materials, some old furniture, and beds.
Yet, she had no money and wasn't in any mood to buy too. All she did was simply observe the newly appeared changes.
With the Passage of time, she arrived in the area where there was less crowd. Two elders were trying to attract the customers hence failed.
Her gaze was averted to see different kinds of shawls, hand workpieces of each cloth done in embroidery. It was simply beautiful and the same attracted her towards it when she felt her legs making a way out of nowhere.
"Excuse me…. this.." It was a shawl, on which embroidery was done on the corners while a big circle signs in the middle of Brown color.
"Ms. would you like to buy it?" The Elderly lady asked with a glow under her eyes, but Eva had to disappoint her.
"I..i..' am sorry... I don't have money with myself..'' What made her think she can afford it? there was no way!
Moreover, the only reason for her to feel attracted towards the shawl was merely because, in the past, Chris gifted her something similar to this...
Staring at Eva from top to bottom, the shopkeeper lady looked as if she was trying to know her soul, "You look... somewhat different. Are you not from here?"
"N..no.." subconsciously, Eva replied in a timid voice and lowered her face.
"Then what are you doing here? and that too barefoot? Also, see your leg is bleeding, are you okay my dear?" The suspicious glint was replaced with worry.
Giving her a nod, Eva didn't try to initiate her conversation anymore. Her gaze was fixed at the shawl itself. "If you aren't from here then what are you doing?"
"I..I.." Eva knew she can't speak the truth at any cost. Yet, not replying, will also read many unknown doubts. So, in the end, she knew to make up a story.
"I..I.. actually.. ran from trading... Some people were trying to sell me as a slave but... I run from there and entered this town."
"Oh, my dear... I had no idea about this! Slave trade.. this problem seriously needs to be looked in." Hearing The elder lady's words, she slightly nodded her head. "You are correct…"
Hoping That the lady will stop staring at her, but her wish didn't come true as the older woman didn't stop eyeing her from top to bottom.. although, there was an anxious look, she wasn't used to such friendly gazes.
After taking a look at the shawl, Eva was ready to move ahead but stopped in the middle when the sound of a horse was heard.
'Don't tell me… Soldiers are coming this way..' her eye widened with fear consuming her. There was another kind of hassle in the market which turned quiet.
There was no more noise, instead, all of the shopkeepers and the customers, lined up on the sides of the streets and started bowing down.
The tradition confused her. Staring at people around her she wasn't able to get much but the Elder Lady came to her rescue.
"Girl, I guess, you are new so you don't know. Come with me." The lady held her hand and asked her to lower their head alongside her.
"Why… are we doing this?" Eva asked with a clear frown.
"This is what the King demands. Even if it is his subordinate or his soldiers, all of them need to be paid respect and.. they have full authority over us."
"That is… new. Even Soldiers can order us now?" Eva's one took her by surprise. The woman looked at Eva and nodded her head. "You won't like to anger His Highness.. so do as I'm guiding you."
At the same moment Ever noticed the woman's husband too coming beside them and standing in the lane. Lowering their heads, to show their respect.
'Such a ridiculous method to gain respect!' Learning new rules made her feel her freedom was being restricted here. Yet, do these people actually follow these orders?
When she was in a daze, the loud voice of the footsteps of the horse and the Soldiers, coming in their direction, entered her ears where she immediately lowered her head.
'Hopefully...no one will recognize me. Please! Please!!!'