Cooler weather meant that the traders would be coming into Jahaur less often as winter settled over the other countries. Verosh’s family was preparing for such a thing and his father had sent him into Jahaur to browse the market for medical herbs. It was best to get whatever they could from places like Sauti now before winter slowed down the traders and made it harder to acquire special herbs that his father may need during the colder months. So Verosh once again found himself going to the market where there was already a growing crowd.

“These sweets are amazing!” A young shifter girl bounced up towards Verosh, her smile bright and welcoming as she swung her basket forward to give him a better view. “My mama makes the best and we’re doing a special sale right now for the season!” Her silver eyes sparkled, her attention completely on Verosh as she silently pleaded with him to pay attention to her. Her woven basket had little candies inside, each wrapped in its own colorful paper and tied with ribbons.

Verosh had frozen in place as she approached. Part of him had hoped that she wasn’t approaching him but that it was someone else she was speaking to. But in the crowd full of shifters, hybrids and other foreigners he truly stood out because of his Alkidike heritage which made him a giant among most earthlings. So despite his desire to be left alone, the tall warrior found himself looking down as he studied the girl and her goods thoughtfully. Should he simply walk away or actually spend a moment to give her a coin? Verosh bit the inside of his cheek, guilt surprisingly gnawing at him in the face of that adorable expression. Could he be that cold hearted? “I suppose...it is the season for treats, right?” He finally asked as he relented to her request. It shouldn’t be that awful an idea to purchase a treat or two surely. Maybe he could get enough to bring home to his mother and father. Or even to someone else. Just thinking about the other Alkidike hybrid sent a flush up the back of his neck and Verosh moved quickly to distract himself from any strange thoughts.

“It is!” The girl beamed happily as she held out several treats. “They’re a spiced candy so that they fizzle in your mouth before melting into something truly sweet. They’re very light as well so you can buy several to have at once if you are really craving something sweet.” It was almost adorable how eager she was to sell her candies to Verosh and as he picked a few out her smile only grew even more. “I’ll give a discount so you can get a free one if you get five. Maybe to share with someone you have a crush on?” She teased lightly.

“I can do that.” Verosh replied with a slight nod. “Just to get a good deal of course.” He swallowed against any embarrassment before handing over the coin and walking away with a pouch of the tiny candies. Truly what was he going to do with all of these? His father would probably appreciate them while his mother would chastise him for wasting coin on something sweet. That’s not going to help you train! Why would you buy something sweet? That’s even more work for you to burn off the sugars! He could already imagine what she would say. Verosh rolled his eyes at the thought before walking away from the marketplace and back into the forests of Jahaur. Once he reached a familiar clearing, Verosh began his training and it was only after he was finished that he sat down on a fallen log and wiped the sweat from his brow. When he sat down the cloth that he had used to wipe his face, Verosh noticed the candies once more. Seriously what was he going to do with all of these? Verosh let out a sigh before unwrapping one so that he could pop it into his mouth. It was surprisingly tasty! HIs blue gaze widened as he let the candy sit on his tongue for a moment before finally chewing and swallowing the treat. It really did have a slight spice to it while leaving a sweet taste in his mouth. Maybe I could share them with her when I’m at the forge next. Just the thought made his cheeks darken with a flush but Verosh reasoned that it was the season for sharing such things with others. After all wasn’t a treat much better than any trick?

[772]