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It was a lovely afternoon, the sort that made a guy want to go for a nice walk, do a little shopping, and otherwise treat himself. A shame that his dear Alhana couldn't come along with him but it seemed as though she and her husband were going to have a nice lunch with some of their friends. They would put on their masks, play the part of a happy couple, and do what the nobles did best, which was lying. He was given some money, as well as an armed guard, and left to his own devices which was quite dull to him. He wouldn't be making any friends if he was stuck at home he thought to himself, lifting a hand to brush back his hair from his face. The only thing to do at the moment was to go shopping, find more things to help him to look that much more attractive, and continue to keep Alhana's eyes on him.

Giving the man at his side a glance Shesha's painted lips turned up into a smile, "I do appreciate you coming along to keep me safe, my sweet guardian. I do so hate the idea of traveling along, it's far too dangerous for my tastes." The way that Shesha dressed, the jewels weaved into his hair, he was the sort that people would target and he couldn't have that. No, he had to keep himself safe which meant relying on hulking brutes like the swordsman at his side. He would leave it up to the guard to get his hands dirty were a fight to arrive. As for Shesha would be saunter about, preen, look beautiful, and gather admirers much like the fancy creature he made himself appear as.

Adjusting the glittering cloth that helped to protect his skin from the sun and wind he started forward once more. He knew exactly where he was going, heading for the stall that sold all manner of beautiful jewelry. He'd find something special, something that would draw the eye, something Alhana would enjoy he thought to himself. Much to his delight, as he moved forward, the lesser people parted ways, knowing what was good for them. They didn't want to annoy his guardian after all.

Shesha smiled when he spotted the booth he was looking for, eager to see what sorts of new pieces that they might have gotten in since the last time he'd had a chance to go shopping. It had been some time, hadn't it? Alhana was a busy sort, fluttering from one party to another, and Shesha was so often on her arm at said events. It had been a while, though truth be told he would much rather be making 'friends' at the parties then walking about the marketplace. Still, he needed to change things up or else there would be those who thought that he was getting stale. Not something that he could allow, not when keeping current and making sure to be seen was so very important to him.

Coming to stand before the stall he gave the merchant a smile, "It's been far too long, please, tell me you have something special in that would only look good adorning my person." He said as he perused what was laid out for the general public. It was all lovely, but he knew full well that the man always had a few things tucked away for his favorite customers. It was those special pieces that he wanted to get his hands on, things that were unlike everything else that others were able to procure. If just anyone was able to get a piece then it wasn't something he wanted.

The man nodded, squatting down to go through what was tucked behind the counter. As he did so Shesha looked around at the others at the booth, finding his pink eyes falling upon... a Matori. He gave the one before him a long, appraising look, taking in the look of him, his build, his face, dark clothing, and every other detail one could with a glance. He was interesting enough to look at, the Matori always were, it was likely by the Obans had been so eager to capture them like one would a rare pet until a few years back. Nowadays they wandered about, free as birds, rubbing in the faces of their former masters. It had him instantly curious about this one, where he came from, what his story was, and who his former master was. So many questions, though he supposed he shouldn't waste his time, the Matori, while interesting, wasn't in his league, nor was his prospective competition that needed to be stamped down.

Looking away his attention turned back to the merchant, waiting as the man looked through his special stock for something that would be perfect for Shesha.

Shesha gave a glance to one side, taking in more of the Matori now that he'd taken his hood down. Not too bad, pretty in fact, the sort that any Oban would have been happy to call his or her own back in the day. Interesting, the sort that Shesha would only be too happy to claim... were he in the position to do so. Not as though it was exactly right for a boy toy to have a boy toy he thought to himself, perhaps when he was walking among the upper crust on his own two feet instead of alongside Alhana. As the merchant stood up, a rather fancy box in hand, he heard the one next to him talking about a piece that 'look divine' on his 'Auntie' making him wondering if the little fish was in the same sort of position that Shesha was in.

His eyes went back to the box, waiting for it to be opened for him, then gave a soft gasp at what he saw within, "Oh my, I must say that you're pieces only get better and better every time I visit." Shesha leaned in, looking the piece over. All beautiful, twisting silver, designed to look like vines, that bloomed with flowers made of different colored jewels. It was like nothing he had at the moment, meaning it was something that he had just had to have, "It's a must have, before anyone unworthy tarnishes its beauty by wearing it." The necklace was paid for, the boxed closed, wrapped, and handed off to the burly man with the sword that was standing near to Shesha.

That done he turned to look at Aqio who seemed to be a bit dumbfounded by a hair ornament he'd been given by the merchant. Perhaps he'd been wrong in assuming that he was the same as Shesha, he obviously didn't know nearly enough. If he was then he was very, very new to the game he thought to himself. He was cute, though a touch pathetic in his lack of such simple knowledge. Stepping forward he reached out to pluck the ornament from his hand, "You really aren't too knowledgeable, are you, Guppy? It's not you're fault though." He said, stepping in closer, brushing back his hair, from his face, gathered it up, and pinned it in a purposefully messy bun on top of his head, "There you go, something like that, little fish. You will want to practice in the mirror though if you want to figure out various styles that suit you."

Giving a soft laugh Shesha murmured, "Ward to an Oban rider, huh? Interesting, to think that there are those out there who will take on the Matori as their wards, that our people are starting to walk on more even footing." He couldn't say that he liked it or not, or even if he cared or not. The Matori were a lovely tribe, one that had their place, it just seemed as though their place in the world was shifting a little. Such was life he supposed, where a person was born wasn't going to be where they ended up at the end of their life, Shesha was a shining example of that. Lifting a hand to run his fingers through his own wavy hair Shesha purred, "Oh? Perhaps we do have a bit in common, my adorable little fish, but for the time being, ward or no, I think that you aren't exactly at my level yet. I am sure if you put the effort in that you will have your chance."

As the Matori turned away from him, looking as though he meant to live, things seemed so suddenly change. Just the manner in which the other man seemed to freeze up made Shesha feel as though the temperature around him dropped by ten degrees. Turning slowly he found himself starring at someone that he knew well. A few of the parties that he'd gone to in the past were ones that had also been graced by the presence of Parthlio. Taking a couple steps forward he crossed his arms over his chest, then glanced over at the Matori, "I had been wondering who it was, your Oban master I mean, I had a feeling that you had one but to think you were kept by the 'Beast Lord' himself." An interesting thought, to think that one of Parthlio's little pets had actually survived him. He was impressed, what strength he must have.

Offering his arm he said, "Come here, little fish. You take my arm and we can continue with our shopping. The 'Beast Lord' might be a dangerous but he won't interfere with me since that means upsetting my dear Lady Alhana."

"Is that so? I must say that now I am rather curious about who your rider friend might be." If he was tied, even through an aquaintence of Lady Alhana, then he must be something special. It made him want nothing more then to see who the man was, learn his name, his title, where he stood in the food chain, and the various other things that mattered most to Shesha. There was a part of him that wondered, for a split second, if he might be a better patron then Lady Alhana... but brushed the thought aside. Even if he was he knew that as a rider the man would smell like leather and the beasts he rode, he'd have rough hands, and all of that together wasn't enough to really win over Shesha who preferred a different sort.

As the man passed them, a rather displeased glare on his face, likely due to the Matori being on the arm of a new Oban, Shesha couldn't help but to smile. Playing the part of an innocent he greeted the man as he went by, "Good afternoon, Lord Pathalio, lovely weather we're having. I do hope to see you at Lord Fiath's party this weekend." He said to the man as he went by.

Turning his attention back to Aqio he said, "Come on, my little fish, we should get back to our shopping. We don't want to get back late or else Lady Alhana might scold us." He pulled Aqio closer to himself, press a kiss to the top of his head, then continued to walk forward as though they were on their way.

Shesha's lips twisted into a feline smile as the 'Beast Lord' left his presence, looking to be in quite the mood now. He might almost feel bad for whoever had to deal with him after this meeting of theirs if he weren't so self serving. Why should he care after all, not as though the man was going to raise a hand to him, nor would he try to call Shesha out. If that were his plan then he'd of done so instead of leaving. Shesha would leave the man to sulk like the emotionally stunted man-child that he was, instead turning his full attention back to the one that was now leaning against him in a manner that showed relief.

Lifting a hand to patted Aqio on the head like one might do to a prize pet, "There, there, little fish. He's gone now, you needn't worry any longer." At least until he was no longer with Shesha at least. After that he would need to fend of himself again, a small fish trying to avoid a hungry predator once more. Once the Matori had left his side though he was no longer Shesha's problem. No after that he would return to being the problem of the Oban rider that he said he was the ward of. Shesha tapped a painted fingernail against his painted lips, thoughtfully, before he said, "I'd say you aught to avoid him for now, maybe scurry home once our shopping is done, and back into the arms of your Oban rider."

"Hmm, Laofay." He murmured, trying the name out on his tongue, trying to recall if it was one that he knew or not. It sounded familiar, as did the description, but he felt that the man wasn't one he'd met personally. If anything he must have heard the name while Alhana was talking to him, often sharing gossip with Shesha that she'd heard. Only the most scandalous sort really stuck with him in detail though. Laofay must not be one who was off getting himself into trouble with drink or 'ladies of the night' or else Shesha would know more about him.

Once he'd made sure that his guard was still following along after them Shesha continued, making his way to another booth where fancy clothing was sold. Once there he set to perusing what they had laid, humming as he inspected each piece carefully. Lord Fiath was having a party soon and he wanted to look his best for the man, he was the one that Lady Alhana was married to after all. Given that Shesha's presence was something the woman was constantly and happily rubbing into the man's face he felt that he had to look top notch, to make sure to continue irking the Oban Lord.

Shesha gave a bit of a smile as he lifted up a shall made of a sheer, glittering, golden cloth. He lifted it up, shaking it out to open it up completely, and set to inspecting it closely. After a close inspection, and after deciding that the quality was to his liking, he gave the merchant a smile, "I think I will take this one. It will look quite lovely if used just right." He murmured, handing some coin off to merchant. Once that was done he took hold of the ends of shall, swishing it forward, and allowing it to fall around Aqio. Once he'd netted the little guppy he pulled him over, leaning in to whisper against his ear, "Since we are becoming such good friends, I feel that you should introduce me to your rider." The way he purred out the last word made it seem as though Laofay was far more to Aqio then what he actually was.

Brushing a kiss to Aqio's cheek, playing up the part of his close friend, then gave a smile as he drew back, "Come, we will continue with our shopping trip. Even if we have picked up an extra along the way I see no reason why we should cut our trip short." He said, tugging Aqio along with the shall, using it as a leash. He was eager to get his shopping done as quickly as possibly because he was curious about Aqio's rider. While he had no interest in getting close to the man he still wanted to meet him. One never knew how a person could become useful until the need for that person arose. A rider might very well be a useful contact, especially if one needed to get somewhere quickly.

Shesha gave a lazy, half shrug of one shoulder, "One needs to lose their want of personal space when it comes to what I do. Can't really get ahead in life without shaking hands with those you're wanting to get in good with." He said it simply, as though it were nothing to him. At this point in his life it really wasn't, he'd been at this for a while after all after all. That the little fish next to him was still shy about such things was what amused Shesha to a degree. Giving the Matori man a little smile he said, "You will either get used to such things, or you will make a name for yourself as being a stand offish sort... though perhaps that would attract a certain crowd and gain you popularity in your own right." There were those out there that seemed to be even more attracted to people who ignored them... perhaps that was sort of thing the 'Beast Lord' was into? Interesting.

"Hmm? First?" He asked, glancing toward the boy who wasn't even looking at him now. It was something that caused Shesha to arch one perfect eyebrow. Oh, well now... that was unexpected. To think that he'd somehow scurried away before Lord Pathalio had done anything? That must be why the man was following after them like some sort of love sick puppy, it was because Shesha had what the man wanted, what the man had never had. This was just too rich he thought to himself, wanting nothing more then to burst into laughter. It was something he refrained from though, wanting to remain as refined as possible. Laughing like a drunken janarim wouldn't net him any style points.

There was a moment when Aqio's eyes set to scanning around the area before he said, "So, you went out without permission then? What a naughty little fish you are. Trying to get your rider's attention, hm? That is one way to go about it." He gave a sage nod before chuckling, "Aqio, is it?My name is Shesha, a name that I ask you commit to memory as one day I am going to be well known in the highest of circles." At least that was what he wanted more then anything else in the world... as well as all the luxury that went with it.