Tales of the Jewel

The light shines off the water as the working class prepares to retire, the bustle of the markets and eateries along the river is inhabited by a smiling merchant and his large blue shadow as he moves from one outdoor pub to another, smiling affably and chatting with those he comes across.

Kezia had wandered out of the Bazaar and into the River Quarter with a clear sense of enjoyment.

The Jewel was hostile territory in so, so many ways, but it was also so alive.

She kept the hood of her travel cloak up and did her best to look inconspicuous as she continued her self-guided tour.

Asher steps backward as he waves to another acquaintance finishing a conversation. Not watching where he is going he stumbles toward and possibly into one of the near by bystanders.


"Excuse me miss.."


He mumbles in Kezia's direction as he recovers.

She tensed up for just the slightest second... but then again, it's not as if the language is any particular secret.

"Quite all right, no harm done."

But was that an accident or an "accident"?

The near collision brings the attention of his large bodyguard but one hand sign from the merchant calms her down.


All my fault I assure you He cocks his head and smiles, I don't think I've seen you around here before?

Yep, that's a gorilla. Which means this guy isn't some nobody.

"Indeed not... just came into town."

She gestured in the general direction of the gates.

"Just having a look around, really. My name is Kezia."

Asher

He stands in the street not worried about blocking peoples path, Jadzia moves upstream creating a natural ripple in traffic.

Yes, a new caravan arrived a week or so ago if I recall, you came with them?

"Correct. We've brought our usual color and excitement with us."

Although admittedly we're playing second fiddle to this archery festival.

"We can look after ourselves, if that's what you mean..."