|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2011 5:09 pm
Mersa'ashir A buzzing hub of wealthy and poor, merchants and beggars, and everyone in between. The capital city is the grand meeting place of traders, merchants, and nobles. While the poor and shady hiding in the shadows of the blazing city. Here many of the city's streets are crowded and noisy with vendors shouting and pickpockets learning their craft. Es'shahr or the wealthy man district, lines the south western edge of the city where a river that feeds the Fortress Castle moat runs into the city. Here lays the manors and mansions of the lofty and powerful of Merseyr. The streets are wide, clean and orderly they are watched over by house guards and soldiers. There are a few shops, most those for teas and conversing along with a couple of 'public' parks and gardens. On the north eastern end of the city is the Ayyu'sha or slum districts just north of the city gates. A cobbling of shanty towns made of rusted discarded metals, pieces of broken and rotten wood, and kept together with slabs of construction mud. All of it held together with prays and some luck. There is very little space, with only small ponds of dirty water and barely a clean place in the whole lot, but its better than the streets. In between is a vast network of maze of streets, small lakes, ponds, is the network of markets called Barz'sarqn. Here is where classes meet and Bloodline brush shoulders. The weaving maze of markets is the center of commerce for not just the city, but probably the whole of Merseyr. Here is where most merchants prepare to play the game of great gain or terrible lost. There are goods from all over Sargareth sold on these streets and one can find almost anything here. Each market is different marking the difference between the districts of the lavish capital city. Marketplaces
Zɪʀᴀᴍ Mᴀʀᴋᴇᴛ Fᴀʀɴ'ᴅᴀsʜʀɪ Mɪᴢ'sʜᴀᴘᴜʀ Mᴀʀᴋᴇᴛ Cᴜʀ
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2011 9:53 pm
 Aja'usra had certain expectations for a morning market should sound. She expected to hear the clatter and bangs of shops being opened. She expected to hear the creak and rumble of wagons brings new items and people in. She expected her the chatter of deals, goods, and trade being made as slaves and servants scurried to find the best prices for their masters and mistresses needs. All of these expectations were met, however it the additions that spurred Aja's anger.
It was the whispers on the corner. It was the gasps of 'oh's' and the sighs of 'ah's'. Slaves, servants, beggars, peddlers, even merchants and traders stood together in small groups as the sun began to peak through the winding streets as it climbed the earlier morning sky. There was no doubt in Aja's mind what had cause it. Heck, she knew because the same fever had taken over her household. Every stair was filled with it. It echoed down the halls, filled up whole rooms, and was beginning to drive Aja mad. It was disbelief. At first, Aja had handled it well. The first few days were almost amusing to watch. Yet as the week wore on and the rumors not only flew, but took on disgusting new forms of exaggeration. Now Aja wasn't finding it so amusing.
It, the rumors, whispers, and lies had turned into an unwelcome annoyance. Now that disbelief, had gave way to rage or awe, which in turned fueled the speculations and rumors. Which is one reason why, while it annoyed, Aja didn't find herself too surprised by the words that her normal cloth merchant greeted her with.
"Milady have ye heard the news goin' about?"
Aja tried to keep herself from snorting in a very unladylike manner. Instead she merely said, "I find it hard to escape the news these days. It seems to follow me, or perhaps I'm following it. I can't quite tell anymore."
Aja heard the older lady's son chuckle as he past with a roll of blue cloth, as he set it down near the door she had just entered he said, "Oh, give her a break, ma'am. She hasn't be able to natter about it all morning."
Aja raised her eyebrow at that and turned toward the merchant lady as she blushed stammering, "Well, I...never, I mean...yes I was a bit pushy wit' my nattering as my boy calls it, but really milady. Its just so hard to believe sommat the stuff being said round about here."
"Oh, I'm sure that some of it isn't too hard to believe. I mean, it seems pretty truthful that the Desert King stands for more than just a simple folk title for a hero. And while I can't deny the venom of some noble families, I can't not vouch that others have tried to do something foolish. Still the latest tale of our new king is taking 17 concubines after nearly being assassinate by one sounds a bit too much like a fantasy to be truth," she said as she looked over the blue cloth roll. Tapping it, she back to allow the slave picked it up. She moved on, as the lady merchant followed her.
"Oh, that ain't the tales I've been hearing. Supposedly his own bloodline sought to see him, sending 5 lady killers for him. According to the tale he was such a good lover none of them succeeded. Not only that, but supposedly when he was done with 'hem he killed them all for treason," the lady merchant shock her head as Aja pointed to an orange roll in the corner of the shop. Sighing, Aja continued around the shop and so to did the merchant, "However the most startling is that he is asking for all the nobles to come and gather for him a whole mess of concubine from the noble and merchant families. That got me worried, Milady."
That took Aja's attention away from the ivory white hemmed with red and gold. Turning she raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Why is that? Surly you aren't afraid for these girls? I can assure you no noble lady is fit to be an assassin."
"Well...its just, well, Milady. While I might be of common roots and now him from tales of his deeds alone, the older lady paused licking her lips and then sighed, "Its just that even the greatest of men don't live up to their tales and there be some pretty rough tales he has tied to him. I do feel myself worrying...I mean, Milady, you are a noble what if he finds ye fetching enough to want ya. Oh, I'd worry for ya."
For the first time out of the whole week, Aja smiled. It wash away the dry tired look and softened the plains of her face, "I am pleased to know you care enough for me to worry about my safety, if such a tale was true. Fortunately for us, it is false, somewhat. I know that he might call on the nobles to meet with him, but that has yet to happen and their have been no talk of concubines or wives. So don't worry. I am perfectly safe."
A little while later, Aja waved good bye to her favorite merchant head off, slave weighed down with rolls and guard in toe, towards home. Around her the market center came a live with noisy sellers and arguing buyers. Yet for once, her mind wasn't taking in all the scenery of greedy sellers competing with cheap-minded buyers. No, she was taking in a new set of ideas and for the first time in this whole week, she felt like there might be something good from having an unpredictable gun slapping fool on the throne.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 9:49 am
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2011 3:04 pm
"Well I do enjoy a fine present, she murmured as she took the apple with a delicate fingers. She jingle of her bangles mingling with the earlier morning market sounds. It had been a long time, she thought as her other hand floated out to halt the advance of her guard. "No leash, not yet anyway. I've just been held up on my family's lands, she replied holding the apple up to the early sunlight light streaming through the builds. Twisting it ever so slowly, she concentrated the light enough to peel the skin and then slice it into quarters. Smirking, she continued, "Sadly they couldn't keep me there. Especially with all these changes..." "Though, I'm sure you know all about the changes, she said glancing up at her good friend before taking a small bit of of one of her quarters. A lady's bits to be sure, but Aja had to keep appearances even if she wasn't out where her family eyes could reach her. She paused mid-way through her second quarter to say, "Still despite me being away, I've heard that the city has been very active. Not only in chatter, but action. Mind filling me in or should I inquire elsewhere?"She asked in a rather blithe tone, that she hoped didn't hint at her eagerness. Part of her felt like a overly wealthy busybody who used others to collect things for her. But I'm not, she reminded herself, I act to find truth, not merely spread gossip. I yearn to be more than a simple puppet to no one, but the Bright Goddess."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 5:02 pm
  Zephyr glared lightly when Aja showed off by peeling her apple with her power. He muttered something about it before biting into the apple again. Listening quietly to the woman as she explained what she'd been up too. "Sounds as though you've been busy." He said not bothering to hide the sarcasm in his voice. A smile broke out on his face though when she mentioned the changes in the city. The city had become a hornet's nest since the Gunslinger had taken over. "Oh I've heard about lots of changes. Like how some of the guards apparently burned some of our food. Other guards have already sworn loyalty to him." Zephyr began with a pleased tone in his voice. "Mmm I almost forgot. There's a rumor flying around about the disgruntled guards plotting to kill and over throw the Prince. I would LOVE to see that happen. Silly fools. Don't they know assassinations are better left to my kind?" A laugh left the green haired man as he moved around a child darting through the streets. Zephyr loved it when the place was in chaos. A man like him thrived on it. If it meant work and fun then he was all for it. Of course the more the city turned over the better of an eye he had to keep on Aja.     
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2011 7:16 pm
"Yes, very busy," she muttered dryly before she bit down on another quarter. Despite the humdrum of her earlier statement, what had seemed like a mere noble's passing comment carried a bit more to it. There was considerable truth in just how busy she had been. Considering she had detect and seen off two spies among her servants, both of whom just happening to be in the service of the beloved former king and had spent most of her time following time after her little stunt decoding all their messages. It had been one rather large headache. And far more work than I wanted on my supposed rest from court, she thought as she finished off her third quarter.
Still she wasn't going to tell Zephyr of her latest lessons. One their surrounding, two because he was sure to reprimand her. Which was the last thing she need considering she was going home to one. No I think I'll leave that little tidbit for when I'm sure he isn't listening, she thought as she said a loud, "Merely rumors, really? I've heard a thousand rumors between here and my family's land about what has happened to our proud new king."
"Well, I can assure you that all those young king hopefuls now wish they had hired the likes of you...Seeing as news came to me this morning from a boy runner, so I'm sure that the King's own loyal mutts have seen to them," she finished with a sarcastically sad sigh before taking a bite of her last quarter. It was stupid, she had knew it when she had heard of it. Yet the boy had claimed it to be true, when he had come to her earlier that morning. It was only when she saw two silver coins in his hands that she had believed a speck of her faith in his words. After her merchant chats his words seemed more plausible.
Sadly, Aja thought as she wiped her hands on a handkerchief, she gotten from her guard.All this does is put me and other nobles at a harsher lighter...
She bit her bottom lip as she consider the effects of it. Then took a deep breath, leaving that one action showed her concern over mere rumors more than she might have wanted. Forcing a bit of a smile, she glanced up at Zephyr as she said, "I suppose that now that all the rumors are out, I should ask how you've been while I was...busy in the country side. So, how have you been?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2011 3:12 pm
"It's too bad really. I would have loved to try. I've never tried a job that big and the challenge will be sorely missed." Zephyr said with a regretful sigh. Some people just need to think more. Of course a lot of the nobility were under the assumption that they knew everything. Thankfully Aja was a rare gem among them and actually used her brain far more then planning a party. Finishing off his apple Zephyr chuckled lightly. The assassin was aware of the damage those idiots could and probably did cause. The new prince, if he was smart, would be watching the nobles with a sharper eye then before. They would have to be careful otherwise they'd be looking down the barrel of living steel. "Me? Oh I've been fine. Had a couple of jobs to do. That was fun. Got a nasty surprise by a Vardeblanc. Thankfully I'm still walking." Zephyr started with a slight smirk. That job had been less the pleasant. His client had failed to tell him he was dealing with the sly creatures. The intended victim had awoke and instantly used their skin to spear the Assassin's leg. He was just now able to hid the limp. "Besides the crazy affair of our new ruler the city has been pretty peaceful. It hasn't been ungodly hot lately so that's probably the reason the everyone's in such a good mood." Looking over at the dark haired woman beside him, Zephyr quietly looked her over. She looked well despite the worry that slipped into her guarded expression every once in a while. "What about yourself? Besides you fun endeavors to your lands, how has life treated you?" He asked watching her still from the corner of his eye.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 8:45 am
Aja'usra allowed her mask to slip for a moment as she shot a devilish smirk toward Zephyr before she securing it again.
"Life has treated me rather well," she began with a shrug and then allowed a small, simple, smile to form before she said, "It has been treating me very fine lately. It sent me two little mice to play with and some new lessons. Rather tough lessons too, but useful."
Useful, was an underestimate for the codes she had learn. No, they were need.A necessary tool. One she hadn't even thought of before, which she suppose meant she wasn't as savvy as she thought she was in this field. Still the challenge had been a nice break from the humdrum of country noble living. Which had recently become even more tedious as she had been forced to listen to the endless drawl of insipid noble ladies and air-headed noble mind lads. Worst, she had only spent the time there with extended family.
Sighing, she pushed the side of her shawl headdress a bit before she smirked and said, "You will never get use to the heat here, if you keep complaining about it. I swear, there isn't one conversation we've had that you don't bring up the heat."
"I suppose the heat is even worst than whatever the...Vardeblanc, was it, did to you. Or I would be hearing about that," she commented as she glanced over to a small stall where she spot a few interesting pieces of jewelry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2011 8:46 pm
A small chuckle left the assassin when Aja smirked at him. He much rather preferred her in such an open way instead of the small bits he got to see. Zephyr's ears perked up a little. Lessons? What on earth was the silly noble up to this time? "Really now? Lessons and mice a wonderful combo. Do I need to deal with said mice or did you find a different cat to take care of them?" He asked smiling sweetly at her...well as sweetly as he could. "What kind of lessons did the dear ones teach you? Good ones I hope."Zephyr let a playful grimace come onto his face. "But I"m not built for this place like you are." He said in a teasing and slightly whiny tone. In all honestly the heat didn't bother him as badly as it had when he first came here. The night was still he favorite time simply because it was cooler. But the people were cut of such a different cloth that he couldn't help but be drawn to them. So full of life and with wills that couldn't be broken. He admired that and hoped it rubbed off on him. "I have to say I can't decide which I prefer more. I think I will say thought that Vardeblanc are nasty little buggers and I would prefer not to be around one for a while." Zephyr answered with a grin. His gaze followed hers and he smiled. It was nice to see her show some interest in the things most normal girls would be into. "See a piece you like?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2011 2:27 pm
Aja was sure that there had been a time in her life where she hadn't been so calculating or maybe hadn't taken such joy in her cunning. Punishments, additional mocking from siblings tends to be the moment she remembered most vividly, but as she Aja let a smile slide across her face. She knew that maybe not even then did she truly regret her mental games. She figured she probably never would.
"I see a few trinkets that might be interesting, she murmured as she glided closer to the stall. She moved with grace of a lady seemingly floating through the spattering of slaves, merchants, and maids. Knowing that Zephyr, her guard and her slave would rush to keep up with her if not out of curiosity than out of the sake of their jobs. She contained her unladylike snort at the idea, As if Zephyr needs me...bah, I'll nearly work on becoming invaluable.
Still smirking, she glanced over her shoulder, she continued, "I had a few new lessons in writing and reading some very special text. All of it very hard and most of it would go right over the green head of your. You might have to stop by later so I can attempt to teach you. Along with another little trick..."
Her lighthearted appearance stayed in place as she neared the stall, looking over the shrewd of the other who stood there speaking to the owner in the dull tones of hushed and gossiping voices. Nearing the two forms in near silence, Aja had just enough time to catch the vendors words, "...might not be likin' this current king anymore than the other old."
"Ah, but what can the Queen do that 'em --"
"Do ya want the gem -cough- or not," the dealer said with a less than subtle nod towards Aja. The other man clamped up and then stuttered something about needing to go.
Aja gave no appearance of having heard their words, merely turning toward Zeph holding up a chokers of gold metal beaded with deep blue jewels. She held it up to her neck as she gave Zephyr a knowing smirk and she asked him, "What do you think?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 7:28 pm
When Aja moved away towards the stand, Zephyr's emerald eyes followed her body's every move. The grace that she had was not something he believed one could learn. Aja seemed to be the embodiment of elegance at times and he admired that. The Assassin only had any real form of grace when he killed...or so he'd been told. Following carefully behind her, Zephyr smiled lightly when he noticed one of the guards glaring at him. Oh the silly men thinking that he'd do something in the middle of the day. A laugh slipped out of his smirking lips. Leave it to Aja to tease him and live. She was the only one who could. I would hate to think what life would be like without her.' Zephyr found the thought there in his mind before he even considered it. It was true though. Ever since he had met the girl when he was fourteen she's had a talent for bringing adventure into his life. Not only adventure though, but challenge. That was something he always hunted for. "It's an interesting piece. The gold looks good as it always does on you." Zephyr said smirking again. Apparently a lot of people were even more displeased with the new ruler then he originally thought. To speak about it so openly was a rare thing indeed. Reaching out he picked up a long thin golden chain necklace. The large tear drop gem pendent was a rosy color and glinted beautifully in the light. "Personally I like this one. It brings out the pink in your eyes." He said holding it up to her.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 7:57 pm
  Seduction is always more singular and sublime than sex and it commands the higher price Vesinn couldn't help but smile as they left the tavern and came out into the city. He loved this place so much. He couldn't help but spin once, the thin slippers he had put on before leaving, gliding easily on the packed ground. The heat was already rising but to the Aethral it was pure bliss. He had been born and raised here. Even the few years he had spent outside of the desert hadn't diminished his love, and tolerance, of the blazing desert. A delighted hum left the raven haired man as he moved out of the street and towards the market. Vesinn loved shopping. It wasn't just the purchasing of new things though. Getting to see the people outside of his bar was something he enjoyed. Jathe rarely let him leave without him but the Aethral understood why. He had a bad habit of attracting trouble in the form of too touchy people. More often then not Jathe has had to come to his rescue and it drove Vesinn insane. Someday he hoped to give Jathe something to make up for the trouble he caused. It wasn't long till the sounds of the market reached his ears and he beamed. Spinning back around he smiled at Raesis. "This way! We're almost to the market. It's the busiest place in the whole city. It's the best place to meet people I hope you'll like it." Vesinn said happily as he paused to wait for the Swordmaster to catch up. The dancer had to admit he loved the way the other looked in the light. His pale skin and hair were even more obvious in the sunlight and Vesinn loved it. How did the man stay so white? At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2011 8:39 pm
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________ Raesis' eyes watched the lithe dancer move with such smooth grace. His eyes locked further onto him as his deep skin passed beneath the blazing sunlight. He gripped his stomach lightly as that familiar feeling moved inside of him. He bit his lip hard enough to make it bleed slightly to push it back down. Under the harsh heat his skin never did very well. He wasn't albino so his skin didn't burn that badly but he still needed protection. He pulled his cloak up and around him and pulled the hood up and continued to walk.
The streets right outside of the Tavern were tame. Not many people were among it and those that were kept to themselves.As they neared the market he could hear the sounds of the sellers screaming out welcomes to their wears.
"I believe I will Vesinn" he said with a laugh at the excitement the Aethral was showing. Inside the Tavern he never saw him as giddy and childish as he did now. It was very cute. A peach colored blush invaded his cheeks and he looked away to avoid being seen with it. He could feel the red eyes on him as they continued to walk. Was he really that interesting to him? The true wonder and beauty was with the angel that led him to the market. No way was he the wonderful one.
"Do they have any blacksmiths in this market?" He questioned him as he caught up to him and joined him by his side. "I would like to get some things for my sword and see if I can use his tools to sharpen it." he said smiling at Vesinn. Today was going to be a great day, he could feel it.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 12:46 pm
Seduction is always more singular and sublime than sex and it commands the higher price A smile came across his face again. Raesis' laughter was a nice sound. The Aethral wasn't certain what he would describe it as but he loved it none the less. A tinge of red came across his face when he met the others eyes. Quickly turning Vesinn resumed his humming. What was it about the Swordmaster that sent his heart a-skipping? Was it the way the man looked at him? Or that delightful scent that hung in the air around him? Vesinn was still trying to peg down how he would describe it. There was the definite smell of steel or rather what he used to clean his sword. Occasionally he caught something musky and soft...he didn't know it. So many different ones to pick out...it was becoming a delightful game to the Aethral. Vesinn knew it wasn't just the man's body, which might he add he rather liked. When Raesis had called him in the day before while still in the bath, the crimson eyed dancer got a splendid view of the rigid muscles that sculpted his physic. It called to his other side, the side of him that he shut down after Tornac had died. There were times when Vesinn gave into those feelings and forgot himself for the night but none of those times called to him like Raesis did. And it wasn't just the flesh that tempted him. No the man himself was alluring. He had a calm confidence that amazed him and a gentleness in his eyes that left him a little a breathless. So distracted by his thoughts, Vesinn almost missed Raesis' question. Turning back around quickly he smiled again. "Yes we have plenty. I can take you to one now if you like." Vesinn answered with a small laugh. "Sorry you wouldn't have asked if you did not want to go now. This way." Turning a bit red again, the Aethral lead the way into the small sea of people. It was busy today, seemed busier then normal. Of course then again he wasn't here that often. For a moment he worried that he might lose Raesis in the crowd. Looking behind him again he searched for the pair of cold blue eyes. At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 2:53 pm
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________ Raesis couldn't help but laugh again when he caught the blush on his face moments before he twisted around and continued with his humming. It had only been two days but Raesis felt more for him than he had in his whole life. Even now he was convinced that his feelings were beyond lust. The urge to simply hold his hand was far stronger than the urge to toss him on a bed somewhere. That feeling was not absent but it was no where near the dominant one in his mind. This fact made him very happy.
The soft smile on his face never left as they continued their walk through the mobs of people. A few booths caught his attention, one that had particularly nice jewelery really made him want to stop but he felt buying the Aethral something so soon would be inappropriate and he didn't want Vesinn getting the wrong idea about him so he let it be.
Vesinn was not joking about the amount of blacksmiths, there seem to be plenty yet they passed one after the other as Vesinn led him through the streets. Perhaps he was taking him to a specially good one. When Vesinn turned to look at him he felt his heart stop beating for those few moments. Yet those few moments felt like centuries to him. Vesinn's hair flipped about his face as he turned and the sunlight shone like deep, polished onyx. The glimmering rubbies set within the smooth tan skin complimented the shimmering hair. If he had not been standing he felt he surly would have fallen over for at that time his feet didn't feel like they were on the ground. How two days with him could pull such feelings from him was beyond him but he hoped to find out soon.
It began slowly but the sound did make it's way back into his ears. His feet finally felt solid ground and the rest of his senses came back. It felt like it had been so long when in reality only mere seconds had passed. "so where is it we are going Vesinn, we have passed many blacksmiths already" he questioned him in a far different tone from earlier. Instead of the firm commanding tone he usually had his voice was unbelievably soft, almost dreamlike. His eyes and smile reflected the same.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
