OOM All Skate Skellig Dream Magic Weirdness -Part Five

[brave_kreyu]

In the morning, after they've both bathed, eaten, and they are finally dressed, she's explaining her plans for the morning to Skellig.

"I'm going to be doing two things at once," she explains. "A very overbooked artist has graciously squeezed me in for some henna work, so I'll be gone for a few hours. I'd bring you along, but she's not comfortable around men." Kreyu has her SUSPICIONS as to why, but she doesn't know.

"And since chatting is very much a part of the process, I'll be seeing what I can find out about any recent pirate attacks."

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[27_53]

Skellig also takes his leave - and true to his word, he does not pry into her conversations or her comings and goings as she heads off into the city. He trusts her ability to carry herself safely, and after all, she knows this city better than he does.

But he will work to change that.

And despite not being dressed in the finest of the things they have at their disposal, he is still dressed 'well' enough and it garners him a healthy amount of respect as he walks through the streets.

Ducking in and out of various stalls, conversing with merchants about their wares and offerings, he wanders. The variety is vast - goods and services, anything he could seek to find either available right there 'in person' or easily gathered, as someone knows someone who may know someone else...

It is after some wanderings deeper into the market itself that he finds himself outside of a stall that is full of various pieces of finely crafted beadwork, intricately worked and interwoven with gold accents. The variety of colors and the detail is what catches his eye initially.

It does not take long for his mind to overlay the image of what he is browsing to where it might be worn upon her body - lightly draped around her wrist, wrapped around her ankle, or delicately hanging around her neck...

[brave_kreyu]

"Has something in particular caught Sir's eye?" the middle aged woman who is running the stall asks.

"I even have works with silver and glass, though they demand a higher price than many can afford." The irony, that silver and glass should be more precious in his new world than gold and semi-precious stones.

[27_53]

Skellig smiles when she speaks to him, and he nods. "I was looking first at these beaded pieces that have the smaller stones - the delicate nature is quite fine, it is rare to find such a steady hand to do the work."

He allows it to be known that his interest is piqued by her suggestion.

"And I would gladly see what you have with glass and silver," he adds. "It is also rare to find a seller that carries such works."

He does not tell her that money is no object, even if it is not in this instance.

[brave_kreyu]

"Rare indeed," the merchant agrees, reaching for a case near her feet. "My own hands are not steady enough for the work anymore, but I passed the knowing on to my children before it left me." Her tone is ever so slightly wistful.

The beads she brings out are glass in a rainbow of shades with geometric patterns, patterns of lotuses, animals, patterns that echo the knot tatttoo on his arm. Some of the glass even has fine threads of silver running through it.

[27_53]

The wistful tone in her voice is noted (quite easily for him in this instance, with his senses running higher than usual) and he ponders a thought as he peers closer into the case, eyes falling to the brilliant and delicate patterns that have been worked into the glass.

"These are stunning," he says honestly, glancing up at the woman. "Your talent is quite evident."

There are single beads as well as other beads that have already been strung together onto cord and crafted into bracelets, anklets, necklaces and the like.

"Would you be able to take some of these and perhaps create a set, without too much trouble?" He motions at the ones that have patterns which echo their tattoos, and also the lotuses. Carefully, he picks one of each up and studies them closely. "I would like a necklace for my wife - perhaps with some of these other beads of silver between, and then for myself just one of each on a cord - a bracelet of sorts, to match?"

[brave_kreyu]

She nods. "I can do that readily," she tells him. She reaches for the beads and her hands shake, just a little. Not enough to be a problem for most things, for day to day life, but for delicate work with glass....

"Is there a particular arrangement you were thinking of with the beads?"

[27_53]

"Perhaps one of the larger ones in the center - as a focal point. This one, with the lotus," he selects another from the case, a delicately worked lotus pattern in glass with silver woven throughout. "Then the others can alternate out from it, with the silver between."

Skellig reaches over to hand her the beads, palms up - and when the woman's fingertips graze his, he cocks his head slightly, smiling faintly. "It will be a great surprise to her when I see her this evening to have such fine treasures," he squeezes her hands briefly, holding the contact for just a brief moment. While doing so, he sends a soft surge of Light from his energy to hers - not strong enough to knock anyone off their feet, but the purpose is evident. When he releases her hands, they will no longer tremble, and any aches or pains brought on by decades of detailed crafting will be erased. (And should stay gone until she chooses to retire of her own volition.)

"You have my gratitude."

[brave_kreyu]

"Yes, you have a good eye," she agrees.

She doesn't startle when Skellig works his magic, doesn't even notice it right away. A puzzled expression briefly crosses her face as she's assembling the necklace, the absence of pain strange. But, perhaps this is a bit of luck, a very GOOD day?

It only takes her a few minutes to assemble the items, the ease of decades of practice. "Should your wife wear the piece when you are passing this way, I should like to see it worn." She's smiling more brightly, the absence of pain lifting her mood.

The price is, well, she wasn't kidding about most people not being able to afford it. She expects him to haggle her down, of course, she planned for that.

[27_53]

"I believe we will be in the city for some time yet," he replies. "And she strongly believes in meeting the hands which work to craft whatever it is she would wear. Be it linen, silk, or this fine glass and silver. I am certain we will make our way by at some point."

Skellig rummages in his bag a moment as to come up with the requested amount - he knows it is a bit 'high' (Kreyu had spoken to him of the practice of haggling, and he has done so where appropriate) but has no intention of haggling for anything here. Not with the sheer amount of wealth they took from Heka's hoard - there is simply no need. And he is quite pleased with this special find, knowing how much Kreyu will enjoy it (he hopes!) when he gives it to her later.

The coins are easily produced - he does double-check to ensure the count is accurate - and he passes it over. There might even be a bit extra, for working so quickly to assemble the beads...

"Here you are," he says. "Again, with my thanks."

[brave_kreyu]

"You are most welcome. I look forward to seeing you again." She might put the pieces together later, as strange as they are.

His purchases are carefully wrapped in linen and stowed in a small wooden box before the merchant hands them over.

More colors catch his eye from further along the street. This stall is set back further from the street, as its wares are delicate silks. Reds, oranges, yellows, greens, blues, whites and blacks. Nothing in purple is openly on display, but since purple dye is worth more than its weight in gold that's not TOO surprising.

[27_53]

With the wooden box tucked safely away in his bag, he nods his goodbye to the merchant and takes his leave - it is not long before he spots the colors, his eyes sensitive to the bright display of the silks.

Skellig ducks into this stall quickly, and begins to browse the offerings carefully.

"These are some of the best examples of color I've seen so far today," he comments idly to the person running the stall, as he looks closer at some of the pieces. In his mind, he is pondering what color he would best like to see Kreyu draped in...or sprawled upon.

(But that thought he must refrain from entertaining for more than a very brief moment, lest he cause a 'ruckus' in the market.)

"Are these to be worn, or...?"

[brave_kreyu]

"They are sturdy enough to be worn," the merchant replies. "Though most of my customers find them too dear to wear."

[27_53]

"They are so fine in weave," Skellig is only using his eyesight to cheat a little. "The risk of a snag would be great if worn," he agrees. "But many other uses for them."

Sprawling upon them it is, then.

The reds are lovely, as are the yellows - one is so dark it is nearly a golden color, vibrant and glowing. And he already knows how well Kreyu has enjoyed him sprawled atop greens and blues. He glances up. "My wife prefers purple most of all...it seems to...bring out her eyes. Do you know where I might find a merchant who carries it?"

[brave_kreyu]

"We do have some purple, for our most...discerning customers." the merchant allows. "We do not carry much, too difficult to sell for how expensive it is to procure."

The merchant glances around as if expecting to be ambushed by silk thieves. Satisfied that no one is about to spring on him, he removes a piece of violet silk from its hiding place. Even completely unfolded, it would only BARELY be large enough for Kreyu to lounge upon. But that COLOR, and it is so very soft....

[27_53]

The color is radiant, and Skellig instantly has an image of Kreyu lounging upon it flash into his mind - her violet eyes peering up at him with a come hither gaze, her slightly-wicked grin flashing across her features as she teases him with all the things she'll do to him...

"That is quite splendid," he mutters, after a pause to collect (and re-direct) his train of thought. He will not move to touch it, not without showing he is serious about the purchase. But from looks alone, he can tell how smooth and soft it is.

"I will take it," he says. There is no hesitation. "And while I was considering some of that golden yellow, I have just noticed this grey..." There is a piece folded beside some black, not quite as dark as the others - either by accident or design. it reminds him of her scales, which if he thinks of he can 'feel' beneath his fingers as he touches the silk carefully. "I think I would have it instead."

It may seem an odd choice, but Skellig is a bit of an odd customer.

[brave_kreyu]

If the merchant finds it an odd choice, Skellig can't tell. "Of course, Sir."

The price is high, really high.

(And how strange is it that he can casually purchase such a thing when not all THAT long ago, in another world, he was in truly dire financial straights?)

At the edge of his senses he feels it again, wind and storm. But the sky is clear, still. So very peculiar.

[27_53]

His focus shifts briefly to the sky above them, but he cannot hear anything, so he does not worry much.

"Perhaps for that amount," Skellig says casually as he begins to rummage in his bag - the clink of the coins is evident as he counts them in his fingers, out of view of the merchant. "Some of the golden yellow, as well?"

The glancing look upwards that he gives is not one of being shrewd - it is just simple, honest asking. He knows the violet is very rare and very expensive. But it is worth an attempt, at the least.

[brave_kreyu]

The merchant gives a thoughtful grunt. "Only because I need to travel back to my homeland soon, before my wife gives birth," he tells Skellig.

It's not a LOT of the golden yellow, perhaps a yard. Still, a successful haggle. These purchases too will be carefully wrapped up.

[27_53]

Skellig adds an few extra gemstones (what exactly they are, he isn't certain, but they were from Heka's hoard and they've worked for trade so far) along with the hefty handful of coin he passes over.

"My best wishes to you and your wife, and your child." He nods. "May your journey be safe, and the birth uneventful."

With the package secured, he takes his leave. He is getting somewhat hungry, but moreso thirsty as he wanders...glancing up again at the sky, which seems to hold no hint of trouble or foul weather. It is a few blocks of wandering before he catches the strong hint of spices coming from a stall, enough to fully pull him from his thoughts.

Is that tea?

Also, there is a cart nearby with breads, stuffed both sweet and savory...

[brave_kreyu]

The merchant is surprised at Skellig's addition of wealth and well wishes. "May you and your wife have many fine children, good Sir." It's a traditional well wish in his culture, but one that Skellig might find a bit odd.

It is indeed tea, and the woman operating the bread cart is arguing with the woman who operates the tea stall over the merits of various spices and proportions. (There's no heat, no anger to the argument. This is, apparently, just how they are.)

[27_53]

The odd wish from the merchant is also one reason why Skellig is a bit distracted until he reaches the tea stall and bread cart.

He does not outright interrupt their 'argument' - it would be rude after all - but takes his time by starting with browsing the various blends of teas that are set out as display for what is available for purchase in greater quantity.

The smells are all foreign and strange to him, as he is not at all a tea drinker, and would not know where to start. They are spicy and herbal and some have more of a citrus hint to them...

[brave_kreyu]

The argument breaks off in favor of business.

The woman running the tea stall catches on to how 'lost' Skellig is and takes pity on him. "You look thirsty, please try some of my house blend, on me." It's what his old world would call 'chai', black tea with some spices added. A hint of black pepper, cinnamon, and dried ginger."

She proffers a cup to him carefully.

[27_53]

Skellig is grateful for the offered cup - even with the heat of the day still looming, it is not outright oppressive quite yet. And the tea is a welcome drink to quench his thirst.

With a polite nod (not a bow) of his head, he takes the cup and sips.

Even with the scent easily noticed, the flavor profile is...quite unexpected, in a good way. But the woman will notice his reaction; this is simply something he has not experienced, ever. Which may seem odd, a man like him, of his status? Never having had 'chai' before?

"That is quite good," he says, sipping once more. "I was not prepared for the...pepper? But it blends well with the others."

[brave_kreyu]

"Helpful in a warm climate too, the pepper, helps you stay cooler."

She's not TOO surprised he hasn't had this before. This is still, by and large, beer country. THIS kind of tea is still a novelty. "If you would care to purchase some, I would be glad to prepare some for you. Or I have other teas, some of a more medicinal nature."

The bread seller snorts, loudly. "Medicinal, are they? You're no healer."

"Old home remedies," the seller replies. "I have customers who swear by them."

They might be medicinal, it might just be the placebo effect, it's hard to say.

[27_53]

"There is much to be said for word of mouth," Skellig offers with a shrug. "I would take some of this to enjoy now, and if possible some dried to purchase as well, so that I could prepare it later at home?"

Home is still a strange word for him to say out loud, but he doesn't show much of his awkwardness around the idea. (At least not in public.) "What sort of ailments would you claim could be treated, by your teas?"

There is something to be said for the placebo effect actually working - the act of preparing and drinking tea in and of itself can be soothing and calming to the central nervous system, and that alone could work to 'heal' a variety of ailments.

As she prepares him a cup, he watches closely - he'll have to replicate this later!