From the moment they entered the market, it was evident to her that Ero was at home here. He was the son of one of Ylora's most prominent families. People whispered to each other, lowering their heads.
Some remarks drifted towards them. Some sounded derogatory just because of his appearance. "There goes the son of the great judge. Look at the rags he's wearing. I wonder if the executions aren't bringing in as much anymore?"
Ero brushed past such comments without inclining his head or showing any sign of interest. His father's reputation led many to speak ill, not only in Ura. Even many of their classmates approached the boy with prejudices, which slowly began to dissipate.
Amidst all this, there were also people who greeted the boy kindly. "Hello!" they were cheerfully greeted by a flower vendor. The somewhat older woman hurried over to them, cradling one of the flowers to her chest. "When will the grand engagement celebration be prepared, of which so many speak?"
In a brief gesture, the flower with its golden petals was offered to Alina. Perhaps the woman hoped such an event could also bring her a major order.
That's why the judge enjoyed respect among the merchants of Ylora. He gladly accepted goods from the surrounding area, whether from a farmer or the market. In doing so, he often allowed himself to be tempted to pay more than demanded.
"I still remember the wedding of your brothers Jos and Per," she clasped her hands together and sighed delightedly. "Even here, the celebration was talked about. And how lovely both couples looked. I caught a brief glimpse of them during the journey to the estate. Ah."
"I would also be interested in that," a strong voice reached them. "Your mother always expresses her sorrow that her grandson is marrying sooner than the youngest son."
"My mother overlooks the fact that the grandson is older than I am," Ero turned to the girl and embraced her warmly.
On the side of the square, Alina spotted the carriage and its load of feed for the horses. Far too elegant for such cargo, with a familiar emblem on the side.
The coachwoman looked kindly at the boy and then at Alina. Her brown hair fell messily over her shoulder, her equally brown eyes harbored only malice towards rogues.
She mostly wore boy's clothing and possessed an exceedingly strong physique, towering even over Ero in size. Although Arela actually surpassed any man by at least half a head.
Some were intimidated by the formidable woman, whom Beldor had offered support and later employment in his stables since her childhood. She showed her gratitude through good work within the stables.
Ero once said to her, Arela was like her mother Marli, the best example of an Amazon for him. Tall, strong, and of good character.
At the end of the Amazon War, Marli sacrificed herself for her little Amazon princess. She was always aware that fighting for her comrades also meant never seeing her daughter grow up. Another victim of that senseless war.
Arela never admitted how much she missed her mother, but she did express the pride she felt in that woman. She never made a secret of being the daughter of an Amazon.
Sometimes Alina envied her for that, without admitting it to anyone.
"What brings you here?" Arela inquired. "Homesickness?" Like the flower vendor before, she clasped her hands together. "Ah. Finally wedding or engagement preparations?"
If there was one thing about the girl that Alina disliked, it was her joy in teasing them both with their fathers' wishes.
Ero crossed his arms in front of him. "Sweet Alina has had quite an eventful day," he grinned mischievously at his friend, bringing the image of the previous days back to life in his imagination. "I've agreed to buy her new clothes. You know her stingy father."
Instead of getting annoyed, Alina jumped to one of the stalls. If Ero offered it to her, she would make sure that the purse on his belt would be empty when leaving the market.
Ylora had many tailors and boutiques, but here in the market, she found pieces from distant lands. Veils, scarves, and enchanting jewelry, perfect for her dance.
For her, the true definition of treasure.
She was rewarded at the second stall. Among many dresses that looked rather gray, she found one in the most beautiful blue of a summer sky.
Alina held it up and then spun around in a wide arc. "What do you think?" she addressed her friend. "It might be too long for my dances."
The shoulders were bare. Only a thin strap held it up. Golden chains ran along the arms, as well as the fabric adorned with gold effects. It clinked with her movements whenever the gold chains and plates collided.
Ero didn't immediately reply; he went to another of the stalls. Alina watched him with every move, but what he was doing remained hidden from her.
With two steps, the boy was back with her.
A cloth was draped over Alina. Transparent and a shade lighter than the fabric of the dress.
"It will look wonderful on you," he said. "Promise me to wear it only at performances where no one gets too intrusive, or designate me as your guardian. If you do that, I'll buy it for you."
"As long as you can overcome your reluctance, I will too." Alina leaned forward, rising on tiptoe to reach his cheek. Her lips brushed against it in a fleeting touch, barely stronger than a gentle breeze.
For her, a small gesture of thanks. In her work, she had to do much more humiliating things. Not that she was disgusted by Ero, quite the opposite. He was a handsome boy. But it meant nothing to her; he meant nothing to her, or rather so much that she liked having him around. A friend, nothing more.
As she pulled away, Ero stared at her with wide eyes.
It took him a while to find his voice again.
"Sure," he said hesitantly. His fingers touched the spot on his cheek where her lips had touched. "Choose whatever you like. I can also send one of the servants to the city later to pay for it."
He turned away so she couldn't see his face anymore. For a moment, she thought he might be blushing, or was Alina mistaken?
Had it really been so long since they had fought on the schoolyard or bathed together without shame?
Arela took the clothes from her so Alina could search for more pieces in peace. Even though Ero thought she didn't notice, she realized how often he watched her.
That day, she felt that Ero no longer saw her merely as a comrade. He saw her for what she was. A woman with all her charms.
She must have been blind all these years not to recognize that.
Perhaps it was a mistake to take him on this dangerous path.