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Saraf had left the house with a small list in hand, things that his mother had requested that he pick up for her while he was running his own errands. He looked down at the list, giving a bit of a sigh as he did so. So many things on here that she was wanting, but when had he ever been able to tell his mother no about anything? No, he'd see to it that everything on the list was purchased and brought back to her though the first thing that he was looking for was someone to make him a new sword. The ones that he was wielding, a pair of old swords that were the only thing he'd been able to get his hands on at the time, were alright, but not exactly what he was after. He meant to be more picky with his next purchase for certain.

As he walked along he heard a jingling sound behind him, something that caused him to pause, look over his shoulder, before sighed, "Elred, you're supposed to stay home with Mother." He told the the rather spoiled perzi that was following along after him. He had told him to stay... but it wasn't going to happen. He'd been away in Sauti for a while helping out, though more with his people's best interests instead of the northerners themselves. Now that he had gotten back the cat wasn't leaving him alone, being quite clingy at all times. He wanted to send the little beast home but he knew that it wasn't going to happen, not until he'd fully made up for leaving Elred behind.

Kneeling down he murmured, "You're going to ruin my reputation, Elred." He scolded the feline as he allowed the creature to climb up onto his shoulders. The perzi wrapped himself around his shoulders, laying there much like a spiny scarf, before he was on his way once more toward the marketplace. If anything said anything Saraf would deal with them and once he got home he'd ask his mother to better look after Elred to keep him from wandering off again.

Saraf's body gave a slight twitch at the sound of a voice that he hadn't thought that he would be hearing again, at least not without Nuri present. Turning slowly he glanced toward the Wind Tribe dancer with his good eye, drew in a breath, and then held it for a moment. He couldn't very well act cold toward the woman, not when it seemed that Nuri was friends with her. Saraf may not be as open and welcoming to outsiders as Nuri was but since Nuri was a good friend then he would do his best to be accomidating, to make small talk, and then he could be back on his way. It wouldn't take all that long, or so he hoped.

Turning around to face the woman he let out the breath he was holding slowly before he said, "Aseara. It's been some time." Quite a while in fact, since before Saraf, Nuri, and a few other Obans had gone north to help out during the battle against those giant, dark eyed women. Here he'd thought he might be done with foreigners for a bit but it seemed as though Nerad was still testing him and his patience. He'd prove that he was getting at least a little better and if nothing else at least she wasn't a Shifter, right? Granted it wasn't the best compliment in the world, but it was at least a bonus point for her.

"How are you doing today?" Best that he acted in a polite manner he told himself. Given those he'd need to deal with if he were in fact to reach his goals of becoming a high up in the army he'd need to chat with all manner of people. He could call this a sort of practice run. Deciding that was the silver lining in all of this he awaited Aseara's response.

"I am glad to hear it." Better that she was doing well then seeking aid in anyway, it would be difficult to offer even more help to the various other tribes the he already had. He wasn't the sort that cared for the savages from the North... but if nothing else at least Aseara seemed to be a step above them. She had manners, which a lot of those he'd seen during the war were sorely lacking. Deciding that she'd be easier to deal with if he thought about her in that manner he continued, "I am doing well, out running errands of various sorts for my mother. A good woman, but she can be as demanding as any army general at times." It sounded like a complaint but his words were spoken with affection that he used rarely when it came to anyone else save for her.

Saraf gave a thoughtful sound, "A walking companion? I see no reason to turn you away, everyone is welcome in the marketplace after all." Even those he'd rather not see underfoot he thought to himself idly. He'd seen Shifters, Matori, and various other visitors there when he last went. It seemed Oba's borders were open to such things these days, even if Saraf didn't much care for it. Still, he again reminded himself, Aseara was a step above those scurrying underfoot, "Let us walk together then. Is there anything in particular you're shopping for? Or just enjoying a stroll?" Best to know if they would be making stops to various booths for the both of them or if Saraf was the only one shopping today.

Saraf blinked a couple times, starring at Aseara as she said that she had already finished up the errands that she'd come to the area for. Odd that she would want to continue to walk around just to spend time with him. It wasn't as though he'd made it seem as though he was the most open and friendly person in the world... he'd just have to chalk it up to Nuri. It must just be the fact that both of them were friends with Nuri, perhaps that made her want to be friends with him as well? An odd thought, but one that was worth consideration on his part.

As she asked him what he was looking for he said, "Other then the various things that my mother wants me to get for her I am seeking a sword that is of my liking. There were some that the army provided me that have served me well enough to this point but they aren't exactly... right. It's hard to explain." The twins swords were useful, had served him well, but they weren't exactly something that felt 'right' to him. He meant to search around until he found the 'right' sword for him, one that would serve him well while he continued to climb the ranks in the army.

"I will likely try to find the sword before my mother's purchases if possible." The last thing he wanted was to go to a blacksmith seeking a sword with all of his mothers things in tow. That was far too embarassing to even think about.

Giving a nod Saraf took a couple steps forward, paused, then turned to glance back at Aseara. Politeness, something that he valued, dictated that he should offer a lady his arm. He wasn't sure if she was a lady or not, he knew little about her, but he found himself wondering if that was something that he aught to do or not. He debated it a moment, then decided against it when she came to walk at his side. Naw, no reason to start rumors, especially if Nuri had interest in the woman. The last thing he wanted to do was risk the friendship he'd built with Nuri over some woman. Instead he'd stick close to her and, if anyone bothered her, he'd deal with them in Nuri's stead.

"The swordsmith is fairly easy to find, he's at the edge of the marketplace, he wants to be the first person that people sees." He said as they walked along, making a bee line toward where the man was located. He'd seen the swords that the man crafted, beautiful and yet deadly works of art, something that he was eager to get his hands on. The sooner, the better, as he knew that his currently blades were getting a little old. They weren't going to last forever, even with good care, meaning they needed replaced.

Giving the blond a glance he gave a thoughtful sound, "So he's leaving? It will be a shame to see him go, especially since he might be gone for a while." Not something he wanted to see happen but if it would help Buri to become the best Beast Master around then who was he to complain? Especially since they were both wanting to get stronger to better serve Oba and its people? Giving a shake of his head he said, "I think I have done my fill of traveling for a while. I plan to stick around, continue with my training, and see about getting my chance to take the test that will allow me to become an officer in the army." It was a difficult thing to do, perhaps, but he would do what he needed to do to get into the position he so desired one day.

Saraf gave a humming sound as Aseara spoke of how she assumed that Nuri would be gone for a 'long time'. The idea that he would be gone a 'long time' wasn't something that he cared for in the least bit... and yet he knew it was the best for one like Nuri. The entire purpose of one of that class was to go out into the world to find various beasts to tame and train. It wasn't something that Saraf had any interest in but Nuri seemed good at it. After a moment he said, "It will be quiet without him, but I suppose that we will manage." There were others out there to spar with after all, so he'd survive. As for Aseara supposedly 'absence made the heart grow fonder' though he wasn't sure if he bought that or not. Even if that weren't the case he wasn't sure that he could picture Nuri as the sleeping about sort.

"Hm? Ah, yes, thank you. It will be a lot of hard work, all things considered, but I will do my best to reach my goals sooner then later." To be able to show off a new rank and officer's title to Nuri when he returned would be nice. Call it a bonus tacked on to just obtaining the two things alone. His eyes flickered for a moment to Aseara, then ahead once more, nodding in confirmation, "That is him." He agreed, then found himself asking, "Do you carry a weapon, Aseara? A knife hidden on your person perhaps?" Not really his business but given the look of her, something he felt some would find attractive, surely she should have such a thing to protect herself with? He didn't care one way or the other but he was sure Nuri would.

Damn, did that mean that he needed to look after her while Nuri was away? It would likely make his friend happy knowing that his woman was safe while he was out and about taming those beasts of his. Hm, such a bother he thought to hismelf as he closed the distance between the two of them and the swordsmith while considering such things.

Saraf turned to look over at Aseara, giving her a once over as she said that she didn't have a weapon, then looked ahead once more, "I see." Two simple words that spoke volumes. He didn't think it a smart idea, someone who looked like her walking around without a weapon to protect herself with. It only seemed to get worse as she went on though, "Does that mean that none of you are capable of protecting yourself? I assume that the lot of you at least have bodyguards? If so surely you should be traveling with one of them?" While he had zero interest in one like Aseara he was sure that there were still those out there that might want to snag her or any of the others that she worked with if they were as attractive as Aseara was?

He gave a little shake of his head then said, "We should see if the swordsmith has a knife that suits you. Even if you don't know how to use it just carrying it can be enough to fend of some would be attackers." And there if someone tried to grab her surely even Aseara could handle the simple task that was drawing a blade and burying it in her attacker, right? Best that they saw to it that she was armed sooner then later, especially if her new duties were causing her to move about more often then was normal for her.

"A shame that Nuri wasn't able to finish your training before he left." He commented, then after a moment he said, "I'd offer to take up where he left off but I know me, I know I would be as serious training with you as I would with Nuri, and that might not work out." If he looked as though he was being to rough on a dancer might threaten his position and make others look at him poorly. He didn't think he dared risk it, not wanting to end up with a reputation for picking on girls half his size even if the training would be good for her.

Saraf gave a choked sound, "Are you being serious?" They didn't have bodyguards, just curfews and rules? By Nerad's beard... how did these women even survive? They all sounded like like they had fluff for brains thinking that a curfew would save them if someone decided that they were going to drag them off! Lifting his hand he rubbed it against his temples for a moment before sighing. How he longed to asked Nuri what he saw in this woman, but figured it would be a while before he could ask so best not to think too hard on the question. Instead he merely tried to quash the curiosity, deciding he really didn't need to know that much about his buddy's love life.

At least she seemed to think his suggestion about getting her a knife was a good one... or at least 'not a bad one' as she put it. Giving a nod of his head he said, "It's at least something in the way of protection. It might be a bluff but there are many people out there cowardly enough that they won't take you up on it." Not everyone would be so weak and cowardly as to be intimidated by a mere knife, but at least it would offer up some form of protection. The most that Saraf could offer given that he had no plans to become the bodyguard for a bunch of vapid dancers.

"I will speak with the swordsmith and see what he suggests for you once I am done finding a sword for myself." He told her, going to speak with the broad shouldered man in charge of the booth and creator of everything for sale within it.