Tales of the Jewel

The tournament should have been an opportunity but the quantity of food given in the events was quite deflating.

Still the show must go on...We have losses but it is not too bad.

At least the Cat's Tail could always count on the regulars and Bazir would make sure they were well treated.

And sometimes, he could count on irregulars.

Raya had mentioned the place favorably, so Kezia had decided to swing by.

Not that she'd won a blessed thing at the tournament thus far, but nor was she feeling the pinch.

Besides, business that didn't discriminate against Ra'Shari deserved a bit of support in return.

So she ducked in to have a look around.

As the Ra'shari entered the proprietor was busy helping grind the freshly roasted coffee beans. The Cat's Tail always always smelled like fresh coffee but the grinding always made it more so.

It did not take long, however, for him to notice the newcomer: The Ra'shari are always remarkable, unless they chose not to.

''Welcome to the Cat's Tail sayyeda! What can we do for you today?''

"My sister spoke well of this establishment, and I have learned to trust her judgment in such things."

She inclined her head to the proprietor.

"I am Kezia, and I am here for lunch. And perhaps a bit of that fine-smelling coffee."

Her glance moved to the vacant performance space.

"And who knows, after I have paid, perhaps we could discuss some short-term employment."

He inclined his head as well

''And I am Bazir Idn Abdullah, it is a pleasure to meet you'' he stroked his beard for a second thinking ''Your sister you say? Would that be mistress Raya?''

That got a grin in response.

"The one and only. If had half her charm and one-tenth her optimism, I think I'd be quite insufferable, but she manages to avoid that pitfall somehow."

''A ray of sunshine is never truly refused by those who toil in the dark, sayyeda.'' He replies with a nod ''Where would you like to sit? Alcove or terrace?''

"Which do you recommend? I've no particular preference..."

''Do you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more private one?'' he inquired

"Lively, and my virtue will be slandered. Private, and I will be thought to be skulking and scheming. So let's go with lively- it's less likely to cause you trouble. And besides, the view is probably better."