Kazia Town, on the outskirts of Towmae City
Southwest of Eldoria
Four days away from Aidan Oakwood Forest.
“Sultana, do you not think this journey is taking longer than expected?” A man asked, his green eyes locking with Zaina’s gold eyes through the see-through gold veil. The carriage both people were in was rocked side to side, the smell of smoke and spice coating the inside of the vehicle. Zaina leaned further into the red, cushioned velvet seat, letting out a soft sigh.
“I asked for our driver to take the longer route. The Gold State is operating on paths that would make this journey easier. We don’t want trouble now, do we?” She asked, her rich voice filling the small space. The man before her, whose eyes were covered with his brown, wavy, short hair and his gold-hooped earrings, jingled as he turned his head towards the window. The vibrant night sky filled with stars and the moon reminded him of home. The stoney streets of Kazia were filled with people heading towards the night market. Splashes of crimson, gold, and orange filled the town’s buildings, lamps, and roads.
He watched on as children and their parents walked down the streets, laughing and chatting amongst each other, each of them wearing beautiful white and red thobes. He was thankful that the outside of the carriage was plain brown and looked like the others lined up on the street. Odeh didn’t know how he would react to being the focus of attention.
“What’s on your mind, Odeh?” Zaina asked, studying the young man before him. Odeh’s covered eyes once again locked with her veiled gold ones.
“Nothing.” He simply replied, focusing his attention back on the streets and the people of Kazia. Zaina, not satisfied, moved forward. Her body breached the side of the carriage until she reached the small window in front of the driver’s seat. The sultana opened the window.
“Driver, stop here.” The old coachman looked down at her and nodded. The carriage came to a halt, confusing Odeh. Zaina then moved back to her seat and, without a word, opened the door to the carriage. Zaina then bent down and brought out two brown cloaks out of the seat draws. She handed one to Odeh and wore hers. Odeh quickly wore his, pulling the hood over his face until it was almost fully covered. Zaina removed her veil and left it in the carriage, and she pulled the hood over her head as well.
“I think we’ve been holding up this carriage for quite a bit. Let’s get some fresh air.” She gestured for him to leave first. Odeh’s eyes widened a little, but he took the initiative and left the carriage. Zaina quickly followed behind, stretching her arms above her head.
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The Kaizan people took quick glances at the two before they continued on with their night. Zaina closed the carriage door, then ordered the driver to head off to an inn they could stay in. The two then began making their way towards the night marker, with Odeh commenting on how hungry he was.
“I could devour a plate of ijiomber.” Odeh commented with a grin plastered on his face. The image of cooked minced lamb and potatoes coated in a spicy red pepper soup filled his mind, and he couldn’t help but drool a little. Zaina looked at the young man, slightly disgusted but also endeared.
“Let’s get some then.” The woman said, Soon enough, the two reached the end of the town and were in front of a restaurant with a red exterior and diamond-shaped windows. Odeh and Zaina looked at each other and finally entered the restaurant. The warmly lit interior was filled with tables that had men, women, and children eating, chatting, and laughing around them. A live band was playing soft music.
Zaina and Odeh swiftly made their way to a table, and a woman dressed in a long black and gold throne walked up to them. Her light blonde hair was pulled into a ponytail, and a black scarf was wrapped around the top of her head.
“What can I get you two?” She asked, her blue eyes sparkling, and a sweet grin was placed on her face. Their deep hoods were slightly off-putting, but she swallowed down her judgement. Zaina slightly looked up.
“Do you sell ijiomber and plittiaro?” The blonde woman nodded. “Then can I have two plates of ijiomber and one plate of plittiaro?" Zaina ordered. The woman wrote down the orders and went off. Odeh pulled his hood back a little.
“Two plates?” He asked. The sultana shrugged, then poured herself a glass of water.
“You seem hungry.” She replied curtly.
“Aww.” He replied, which earned him a glare.
“Don’t push it, kid.” Zaina warned, effectively shutting him up. The waitress soon arrived with their food and quickly placed it on their table.
“Need anything else?” The blonde woman asked. The two shook their heads, and she left. Odeh took the minced lamb dishes and began digging in. Zaina took the plate of garlic-marinated thighs, bathed in a ginger and chilli soup, with three pieces of bread on the side.
Just as she was about to dig in, the door to the restaurant violently swung open, and men dressed in navy blue and gold military uniforms waltzed in. Odeh and Zaina looked at each other before looking back at the two men.
The people within the establishment sat there, afraid. A stubby old man walked out of the back and towards the two men.
“What can I do for you?” He asked. The two brown-haired men looked down at the man and grinned.
“We'd like to take this town for the Gold State.” One of them replied, laughing. “Have any qualms with that, mate?” The old man stuttered over his words, unable to find the answers he needed. However, a swoosh passed the entire restaurant and over his head, slicing through the necks of the soldiers. Odeh looked back at Zaina with widened eyes as she continued to eat like nothing had happened.
“Your actions might get this town in trouble.” He hissed. Zaina shrugged.
“I’ll just mark this territory as mine, and if the Gold State is wise enough, they'll know not to try anything.” She said, placing a spoon of the broth in her mouth.
Odeh sat up straight and leaned back. The frustration he was feeling oozed out of his body.
“That’s not how." He immediately shut his mouth as Zaina horrifyingly glanced at him. Odeh promptly averted his gaze and went back to eating. It was times like these that he wished ‘she’ was her.