(1310-05-11) A Morning in the Market
Summary: Its a beautiful spring morning so why not head out to the market! However Aziza runs into Luka, the man that helped her in her time of need as well as Leonide, a helpful Baroness.
RL Date: Fri May 11, 1310
Related: None
luka henri aziza leonide 

Market Promenade

Two massive promenades, separated by a narrow row of alternating planters and plinths supporting marble statues from all over the known world, make up a marketplace that extends in a narrow space far to the north of the grand plaza to the south. Each walkway is two two-meter marble slabs wide, one gleaming white, the other greyish-blue, and they alternate to and fro in coloration all the way down each promenade, their intersections marked with a series of equal-armed crosses in shimmering black stone. While there is plenty of space for vendors to set up ad-hoc establishments to hawk their wares, to each side of the double promenade are stoa of fluted marble, holding up a terra-cotta tiled roof over a shady, cool walkway, punctuated here and there with doorways and windows open to a long series of indoor shops, each marked with a hanging sign outside the door.%r%rEvery twenty meters or so, five stairs lift the level of the promenade as the marketplace works its way uphill, to a smaller plaza at the northern end where all the most exclusive and expensive shops are established. This smaller plaza also has an obelisk of red granite in the middle; it's shorter, and more slender, but when the change in elevation is taken into account, its tip is at the exact same height as the massive obelisk in the town square to the south.


Aziza was actually out and about again, feeling much better than when she first arrived. Exhaling softly, the tall young Menekhet woman stands by a stall eying some fabrics. It seems some of her items were retrieved as she was actually wearing some of her own garb and not that borrowed rob. Dressed in all white silks, it was was daringly sheer but just a touch. Wrapping about her it was fitting but gave room for that wound on her side to breathe through the bandages. A wide collar necklace of gold was seemingly the only thing holding the fabric upon her body but matched the gold cuffs upon her wrists and the gold ornaments in her long dark hair. Speaking softly in her native tongue, she looks to the two Menekhet guards with her as she motions to something at the table.

*

Wandering through the market Henri walks along with an easy going grace and confidence. Behind him trails a servant carrying a heavy looking artists satchel. However the older man is not the only being that trails the blue and black clad Lord. A small army or at least a large litter of kittens and their mother are prancing along behind him in an amusing procession. A few people shoot the Lord amused looks which gives him breif pause near where Aziza is standing. A curious look and a gentle smile is offered to the woman before the whispers and looks have him once more assising the crowds. Blinking he puts his hands on his hips and glances around, noting a group of ladies and their most puzzling expression being directed at him. "What did I do?" One lady breaks into giggles and points behind him just in time for his breeches to be assulted by an identical pair of snow white kittens. He sighs in exhasperation even as his eyes shine with amusement. "This again? I'm begining to suspect there is a conspiracy here to convince me to fill my home with cats." His only response at this point are mews as his ankles are dogpiled by cats.

*

Luka has no entourage, just there all by his lonesome self. He wanders through the market with a crust my loaf of bread stuffed with roasted fish and greens in his hand that he munches in as he moves. His fists sport clean bandages wrapped about the knuckles and one of his eyes has the yellowed and blue tinge of fading bruise.

*

A laugh slips from her lips as she listens to something her guards were responding to her with. Chuckling still she responds in kind in Menkhetan before she sees that trailing of cats. A dark brow raises as Aziz slowly lets her gaze travel to the man they follow. A couple of words are uttered but she just watches. Seeing that smile, she bows her head before turning her gaze to that fabric once more. Just as she was about to say something else, she spots Luka. Those eyes widen ever so slightly but for now, she says nothing. A simple raise of her hand in his direction as she seems to look back to the cats.

*

Luka spots Aziza as well with that raise of her hand and smiles towards her around a mouthful of fish bread while returning the gesture with his free hand. His eyes move to the crowd then to plot a course and then starts to make his way through the mill towards her and her guards. "Lady Aziza, Good morning."

*

Her attentions shift from the cats and turns to fully face Luka. A smile tugs at her lips then as she bows her head. "Good morning….." Aziza looks him over for a moment then chuckles. "Nice to see you again. I did not get to properly thank you that day. As you can understand I was….out of it. " A beat. "How can I repay you for helping us out and getting us here?"

*

"it is good to see that you are up and about then," Luka says with a nod towards her and then flashes a grin towards her guards before looking back to her, "but repayment is easy, my lady. I'm a simple man. Coin, I think, will do just nicely. A man has to eat, after all" A waggle of his bread about before taking another bite.

*

Aziza chuckles softly then nods as she looks to her guards. There's a moment of contemplation before she slowly looks back to the man with a smile. "I do not think I have coin of this land however….." A hand moves to slip off one of those gold cuffs, holding it out to him. "This is solid gold from Menekhet. Perhaps you can turn it in for such a thing here. I have many of these back home…..so missing one for a good deed is nothing."

*

Luka purses his lips as though thinking, and swallowing that last bite, before going a nod of his head and reaching out to take the bracelet. "This will do nicely, I think." he says and tosses the bracelet in his hand to get a feel of its weight. "nicely indeed. I notice you've got two wrists, so if you've ever need of assistance again.. just let me know"

*

Aziza lets out a soft laugh then as she nods her head. "Well then….Luka….." Stepping closer to the man, she sashays slightly as she stares at him through kohl lined eyes. "….I try not to make it a habit of getting attacked or stabbed. But if I think….I might…..I will send word for you. And hopefully I will have more than just a bracelet for you, hm?" Her words touched by her accent she smiles before taking the other bracelet off, holding it out to him. "Call it an advance…..for if I should have to call up on. For I hope you answer if I must…."

*

Luka looks like a man weighing the odds as he looks towards that second offered bracelet and does no answer for a long moment.. but the reaches out to take it too. He grins then with a look towards the gold in his hands. "If you call, I'll answer then. you've paid for that much at least.. should I stay in the city for a few weeks then, just in case?"

*

Aziza shrugs. "I suppose so….." Stepping back she slowly folds her arms under her bosom before chuckles. "How else will I find you?" At that she looks him over a bit. "Why were you out there anyway? I know why I was….but you?"

*

"When I find a place to bed down for a couple of weeks I'll let you know. I'll flag down one of your guards or something to pass the word up" He flashes a smile to one of the guards and then back to Aziza where the two stand in the marketplace. Luka holds two gold bracelets in his hands that look far out of his filthy commoner sense of style. "I was just traveling from one place to the next. Go where the work is and the dice tables are favorable"

*

Aziza chuckles a bit. "Good luck with that. They only speak my native tongue. Trust me….I'll find you." It might have sounded worse than it was but she just smirks. "So….a traveler. Interesting…."

*

Luka glances down towards the gold in his hands and then pats the sword at his side. "Traveller.. I think mercenary is the more apt term for it, but between companies and contracts at the moment… save this one here, to sit and wait a few weeks to see if you have need of my blade again"

*

Aziza raises her brow then. Licking her lips slowly she looks him over then. "Oh I see…." Those brown eyes seem to start to shine before she continues. "From where do you hail? You are not from these lands…..am I correct?"

*

"Hellas" Luka answers with a smile, "I seaside city about.. a quarter of the size of this one. Maybe a little bigger" he explains, "but I have not been there for the better part of a decade. I roam, I travel, I fight as needed to keep myself fed and entertained. These lands.." he waves about to mean the D'Ange "are not so bad a place to travel through."

*

Aziza closes her eyes. "Hellas…." It's almost a whisper on her lips as a look of contemplation crosses her features. "Noted." Those kohl lined eyes open as she looks him over. "I have seen your blade work once….thought I might see just how good you are. Perhaps a spar…to see if I am truly getting my worth…."

*

"A spar? with you?" He asks with a raised brow and another look over her, "I suppose it can be arranged. I make no claim to bring anything special with a blade, but I'm good enough to have who is ever on the other end bleeding more than me by the end of it." the bracelets get jostled in his hand again. "you've paid for a single bout at least"

*

Aziza raises a brow as she tilts her head. "If you wish…..you can fight my guards then. Might be easier on you actually…." Licking her lips she lets her brown eyes look him over. "But I am currently bored in this town and it would be fun…." Sighing softly she tucks some hair out of her face. "But perhaps it is inappropriate…."

*

Luka lets out a small snort of amusement at that and shakes his head. "I'm a foreign mercenary in the land of folks that claim divine heritage. Can't say they have much of a high opinion of me already so what do I care what they find inappropriate. Your gold is as good as there's as far as I'm concerned. You want a spar, we can spar."

*

Aziza slowly she smirks as she then rolls her eyes playfully. "Good." Licking her lips she then nods. "You know those gold bangles….are quite heavy. I hope they do not cheat you…."

*

Luka looks down to the bangles and nods as he moves his hand up and down to feel the weight of them better again. "I won't let them. I'll be sure to get a good price out of them. I am not the sort most folks like to cheat, especially not if I'm to be staying around long enough to find out about it."

*

Aziza nods then as she steps close to him. "Well then. I am glad we are at an agreement." Holding out her hand, she smiles but her guards seem to move. That free hand goes up as she speaks sternly in Menkhetan. Glancing to them, she frowns then looks back to Luka with a smile. "Forgive them. But….I do like to shake on agreements….."

*

Luka gives a glance to the guards and smiles to them before looking back to her, her hands, and down to his which are currently full. He fixes that by tucking his breaded fish under his arm and then grasping her hand for a firm, quick shake. "deal then. Seems your guards are a bit jumpy after last time"

*

Aziza returns that grip with her own calloused hands, returning the shake before pulling her hand back. Licking her lips she exhales as she smiles. "Do you blame them? And since I dove in myself with my bow….and they hate when I do that. However I am not one to run away…or back down. But that speak to my side was not expected….."

*

"They usually aren't" Luka says of Spears to the side. "But better to be involved and on the winning side than sit out cowering in a carriage while everyone else is cut down. May have been your arrows that set the balance in our favor" His bread is pulled out from where it's pinned between his other arm and body for a bite to be taken, chewed and swallowed. "guess you'll come find me when you want that spar then?"

*

Aziza smiles a bit as she nods. "Very true….that is not my style either…." A wink is given as she then turns slowly towards her guards. "Perhaps. I do not think they expected such from me…." Raising a hand to her men, she speaks in her native tongue then nods before looking over her shoulder to him. "Yes….we'll be in touch. But for now….I take my leave…." With that the ambassador sashays away, her guards falling in step behind her.

*

Aziza had left that spot with Luka who had gone on his way and decided to continue to wander around this market area. Licking her lips she looks around a bit and stops at a new stall wth her guards. It seems some of her items were retrieved as she was actually wearing some of her own garb and not that borrowed rob. Dressed in all white silks, it was was daringly sheer but just a touch. Wrapping about her it was fitting but gave room for that wound on her side to breathe through the bandages. A wide collar necklace of gold was seemingly the only thing holding the fabric upon her body but matched the gold cuffs upon her wrists that are now gone and the gold ornaments in her long dark hair.

*

Leonide is flanked by a servant in Roussa livery as she enters the promenade from the south, moving rather slowly both due to browsing and her far from easy steps. The sight of Aziza does distract her from the shops though. She approaches the woman and her entourage before delivering a deft curtsey, straightening before she addresses her with. "It is good to see that you are recovering ambassador, I hope that your visit to the city has been pleasant so far? It does seem that the duchess will be introducing you in formal court shortly."

*

Aziza touches a bolt of fabric in thought, furrowing her brows before she senses someone approaching. That gaze moves to to see Leonide and a small smile tugs at her lips then. Bowing to the woman slightly, her hand moving to her side for a moment then nods. "A pleasure. I have been tired of being in my quarters so I have been walking about the city to explore…" Licking her lips she then nods once more. "It has been calm thus far and it is welcome. And…it does seem that way. I am glad I have been able to at least retrieve some of my things…."

*

Leonide nods to that, a slight wince as the other woman moves a hand to her side. "At least you are able to walk around now, I know what a relief that can be. I was bed bound for three months following my own injuries then needed assistance to walk for months afterwards. It was… Galling, I have never been used to being so limited and hated it. I admit I am unsure why you would have any difficulty retrieving your things though? The duchess is my aunt if you wish for assistance there."

*

Aziza frowns slightly as she looks to the woman's leg then back up. "The pain is nowhere near as bad as it was when I was hit with the spear….so I figure walking is best. The duchess has been making sure that I am being seen to…." She looks to her guards, giving them a nod and the step back from her a few steps. Looking back to the woman she smiles. "Oh we dropped a lot of things where we were attacked. A couple of my guards went back to retrieve at least what they could find….seems clothing is not what they were after." A slight shrug as she continues. "I do not wish to bother her with such trivial matters. I was provided clothing but….I longed for my own."

*

"It most likely is, at least as long as you do not push too quickly. I can assure you that I did only to then later regret it." Leonide pulls a sour face for a moment at that, shifting her weight more fully to her right leg, then nods at the explaination, an ahh. "I am surprised whomever it was left cloth of such quality alone. Whomever they were they must not have been motivated by money and trying to rob you. Troubling in itself."

*

Aziza nods at the woman's words then nods. "Well…perhaps they were looking for something in particular….." Chuckling she motions a bit. "Most of my jewels were on my own horse….and that's what I rode here." Looking around, she looks back to the fabric that had caught her eye. "But speaking of quality…this has impressed me….."

*

"Still. I would hardly expect common brigands to abandon quality silks. Just the cloth would be worth enough to sustain them for weeks." Leonide answers before then stepping forward, not entirely smoothly, to consider the fabric in question. She runs her fingers across the bolt. "Were you thinking of it for something in your current style? Something more local? Or perhaps a fusion of both fashions?"

*

Letting her gaze linger just a little bit on the fabric Aziza then looks to the woman with a smile "True….or they are just foolish." A shrug then as she looks down to her current attire then to the woman's. "That I am not sure about. If I am to be presented at the court here….perhaps my own style might be best….or I could show gratitude and wear something that is of your style by a local tailor…."

*

Leonide hmms and looks back to consider Aziza. "As an ambassador you make more of a statement wearing your own formal clothing I think. Certainly for a first appearance at court. If you wish to show gratitude then perhaps incorporate something local though? That might be a prominent piece of jewellery, an article made of obviously local fabric, or attend accompanied by a suitable member of the Night Court as your companion?"

*

Aziza smiles at her warmly. "I was thinking of having something made in my style in these fabrics…" Letting the fabric slip from her fingers, she keeps her gaze locked on the woman. "Jewelry…I do love. I just gave away some so I could replace it…." At that she tilts her head. "Oh….do I need an escort for the courts here?" Looking to her guards, as if sizing them up she then looks back to the Baroness. "I still do not understand this…Night Court. I understand their occupation but…I have not ventured there."

*

Leonide smiles now. "You do not require one but having such a courtesan in your attendance and train would probably be the best possible way to communicate that you understand our ways and values. I do not exaggerate there, as an example? My mother is the duchess' younger sister while her husband, my father, was raised in the Night Court. Three of my sisters serve as courtesans in this city. Also those trained by the houses are experts in etiquette and could better assist you in fashion choices than I."

*

Aziza nods slowly. "I see…." Folding her arms over her chest she seems to be in thought. A hand lifts to push some of her long hair out of her face as she continues. "Perhaps I will. I may have to visit that section of your city. I think sooner than later then. That Baron de….." There's a frown of thought as she seems to be going through a rolodex in her head. "Baron de Beaucare….forgive me…I wanted to make sure I said it correctly. But I digress….he offered to show me the area at some point."

*

"The man who is fetchingly resistant to the idea of wearing a shirt? I suspect he has ulterior motives in that invitation but if so perhaps envy you." Leonide answers. "He did seem rather taken with you in our brief previous meeting. Naturally I am quite biased and would direct you to one of my sisters, perhaps Merielle depending upon your particular tastes."

*

Aziza chuckles softly as she waves a hand. "Yes that one. And…ulterior motives?" A tilt tilt of her head as she regards the woman. "He did? He seemed shocked I can handle a blade….." A light shrug s she nods. "And….tastes? What do you mean? This individual is to simply escort me correct?"

*

"Shocked and obviously impressed. As a rule D'Angeline women do not learn skill at arms. We let men fight for us." Leonide explains, then a soft laugh, a shake of her head. "It can be that if you like but does not have to be limited there. Those of the Night Court are courtesans and spend years learning about the pleasures of the flesh. To suit a variety of tastes, depending upon canon."

*

Aziza raises her brow then. "So the women here simply….sit back and hope for the best?" A laugh leaves her lips then. "No wonder I received the looks I did from a man earlier….." Tapping her chin she laughs. "Perhaps I am more of an oddity than I thought…" Listening she to her speak on the Night Court she then blinks. "Oh….I see…." A wry smile tugs at her lips. "I fear my mind may not be….worried about pleasures of the flesh currently. If I meet someone that perhaps intrigues me…..then maybe."

*

"Hardly! We just as a rule do not fight in person." Leonide explains. "For my part I have taken part in at least half a dozen naval battles but I was in command, I was giving orders to my ships and sailors not to mention paying for them. Rather more impactful than whatever I might have hoped to accomplish by being a mediocre hand with a sword. Even if I was trained or capable in that field." Then a nod of her own. "I can most certainly understand that and the courtesans are not simply there for sex, as foreigners sometimes assume. They are there to compliment their client, assist them, lighten their lives and demonstrate their taste in having such a companion."

*

"Oh now I understand….." Aziza shifts her weight as she listens to her explanation, bowing her head then. "So I bet you must be most formidable if it came to it. Commanding ships and soldiers…..that takes respect…." A firm nod as she continues. "And…I was wondering if it was more to it. There are…..so many. I have run into quite a few. But perhaps I will look into it…." Looking over to the fabric she seems to be thinking as she speaks. "So jewelry….is there a jeweler that you prefer?"

*

"It mostly takes money to hire them and I do rule a town, on a large island to the south east of here." Leonide explains. "But thank you, I do also like to think that I am good at it, even if it did get me into my current situation." A motion to her favoured left leg, continuing. "There is more to it than just that, a religious element. As you know this is the land where blessed Elua settled and many of the nobility such as myself are directly decended from His companions. Each of the canons of the Night Court also seek to emulate a different aspect."

*

Aziza listens to that information and nods. "That I have learned of yes. A religious experience? Well…." At that she seems to trail off before turning to the vendor. "Let me have six yards of that fabric…I will say in….white, cream, and black…." Turning her attention to Leonide, there's a motion to the guards then to the vendor as she says something in Menkhetan. That guard to her left moves to the table, retrieving a pouch it seems. "Well perhaps over time I will learn more of this Court. For now…I need to see about finding perhaps a companion as you suggested….though jewelry is tempting me…."

*

Leonide hmms and looks up and down the promenade, considering a moment as she pivots upon her good foot. "I am not enormously familiar with the best merchants to deal with here in the city, there is a jeweller I have commissioned work from before but I do not actually know where their shop is based. As I mentioned though three of my sisters live here so I tend to resort to them for such shopping expeditions."

*

Aziza chuckles a bit as she nods firmly. "That is fair. I can always go out and get lost again. That is how I ended up where I met you….." Those guys passing payment and taking her parcels, those eyes watch them carefully before looking back to Leonide. "You do not go out to explore? I feel that would be fun….that is how I got here today."

*

"My home is two hundred and fifty miles away. Nothing compared to your own journey but I normally only visit once or twice a year." Leonide explains. "Whilst I am resident in the city for now I only arrived a few days ago and am still very much getting to learn the place. Exploration is an ongoing prospect."

*

"Oh so you have been here before…." Smiling softly then Aziza continues. "Well if you ever need someone to explore with….feel free to let me know. I spend most of my time exploring and would not mind the company…" Nodding she looks off to the side. "Perhaps later I will venture to this Night Court district after dropping off my purchases…"

*

"I have! But cannot claim to properly know the city. I would welcome the opportunity to explore it in such company though." Leonide smiles at that, a bow of her head. "I imagine that you will have a rather different insight into things that might be informative, sadly for now I must carry on my way but it was a pleasure to speak with you properly."

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