"Let's head back to the inn." Opial yawned, covering her mouth with a hand. "None of us have had a first sleep in days now."

"First sleep?" Merryn yawned, involuntarily closing a right eye.

"When it's night, first sleep until two in the morn'."

"There's a name for waking up too early?" She, slogged after Parcival and Han; watchful of any dips on the thin street.

"But with purpose," Opial said.

I'm sorry I asked. This is making me even more sleepy. Not that it isn't a bit interesting, but the timing right now is off. "Ah." She remembered to nod before Opial gave a look of impatience.

Back at the inn, Merryn sat at the low table next to Opial and Han. Parcival ordered some food and drink. When the server woman left, she pushed a few pure silver coins across to Parical. I hope he doesn't get into a snit about this, It bothers me that he's always paying for everything, not to mention that debt he has to pay. I don't have any opals; hopefully that'll be close to the value.

She shuffled about and ended up sitting on the floor, pushing away the zabuton cushion. On the way here she'd asked Opial what some of the furniture was called, it led to a nice conversation of accent temples imbedded with old gods and some kind of spirt force in every living and non living thing in the country. That could explain why there's some spirit energy about this city and country, unlike the near dead zone of the other human areas.

She stopped the next thought. I'm so tired, I'm rambling in my own head. I—we need to hurry, nobody has contacted me, were the letters stopped, taken, or destroyed? Nobody even visited with a portal or used a sending stone. She nawed on her lip.

"Are you going to share some of that lip, or is it all yours?" Opial tilted her head and fluttered her lashes dramatically.

Merryn chortled. Okay, that was funny. "Stop that!"

Opial rolled her eyes. "There's a new merchant in the guild district who's selling hair combs where the jeweled butterflies and dragonflies actually move! Let's forget about sleep and go have some fun?"

She whispered so quietly that a tingle of magic warmed her ears. Merryn clasped her hands. She sure changes her mind quickly. "A shopping trip?"

I haven't let myself or had the time to buy anything fun in months, not to mention doing it with a new friend. "How'd you know?"

"The men didn't notice you mooning over the wares, but I did."

An older woman in a sweet brown kimono patterned with golden cranes entered the room and set down a rectangular tray with small cups, a fat white bottle, and a container of clear liquid, likely water. Her silver streaked hair up in a comely, intricate folded and looped style. Her natural fair hue almost gleamed with a hint of pinks and faint golds—most striking of all—her eyes a bright hazel. How I wish I had my brushes and paints with me! The people, the forests, the buildings... the whole culture, I'm going to miss this country.

Opial touched her arm. "The merchants occasionally have her model clothing in front of the inn."

Opial, bowed and talked to Parcival. "Let me host this time, Captain." She poured the drinks this time—without asking. I know even back home that would be a bit rude. Well, he knows her well, so it must be alright. It's hard to believe she's a commander; what was her title again? Ah well, everyone's relaxed and not worried about judgment.

Parcivals cheeks climbed up into a smile.

Him too.

When done, she sat back down. "Sip slow, don't drink much."

Humm. Opial flicked her gaze toward the door.

Merryn stood and bowed to Parcival and Han. "I'm not as tired as before."

"Leaving?" Parcival between them both.

"Just for a bit. Opial?" She waited by the sliding door, her hand on the frame.

"We'll be back later, you men have fun." She rose and bowed.

Back outside the inn, Merryn stretched out a kink in her back. "Allright, where too?"

She wound in and out of the streets, close by the river bank where the fire was from several days ago. The never-ending cobbled streets glistened in the afternoon light, spanning on up a hilly area that gave way to stone steps that spanned onward up the hilltop. Not that it was quiet; people traveled up and down talking. Flanked by a moss-covered stone fence that blended in with the thick forest of fading greens rushing to change to gold, yellow, orange, and red, the crooked and wizened trunks crisscrossed over the stairway leading on; it seemed infinitely. Could it reach to the mountains if they tried? With a little magic and luck, surely they'd make it.

Startling white merchant houses were built in a row on alleys beside the stairway and went off into the side streets, adding much to the whimsical feel. Every city hides darkness, yet such things hold no sway here in this district that I can see.

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Opial took the next street over, which went on even further.

A burn in her biceps warmed her legs; the treck long enough to work up even her lacking appetite. All directions held new views, shops, and vendors that even put what had been seen before to shame. How big and grand this city is, Dentree could fit snugly right amist it with room to spare.

"Over here is the merchant district."

Its white stone-walled buildings were lined with criss-cross patterns on the sides and in front, similar to a miniature fence.

A flyer tacked to the wall fluttered in the light breeze.

"Hey, Opial read this for me?"

Opial smoothed it out.

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̷P̷r̷e̷s̷e̷n̷t̷i̷n̷g ̷T̷h̷e ̷A̷n̷u̷a̷l

𝕆𝕣𝕓 ℝ𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕣 ℂ𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕖𝕥𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟

It will be held on September 18th.

All applicants must register by no later then Sep. 15th 17:00.

Be Happy! Bring your family, bring your friends! The yearly Moon festival will still conclude at night.

Our most magnanimous Elders have decreed that on this day a temporary cessation of legal exclusions restrictions are hereby lifted to those that apply to women and the four tear class system.

----------------------------------------

Opial just about danced out of her shoes. "That's in only in day! I've never been to one before, we have to go!"

Merryn startled. That's a shock, considering that she's a mage here and works with the government. Opial carefully unpinned the flyer and folded it, placing it in a sleeve.

Opial told her about how the ringers play, how the orbs work, and that the lights inside were powered with runes and crystals.

She tilted her head, and just behind her, the streets started to fill. An excited chatter hummed—not quite, but near—outdoing the roll of carts onto the streets. Seconds later, the rich oils as they heated up on the grills, and savory vegetables and meats enveloped in streams. A twist seized her stomach, riding up her sides.

Tinkering with metallic beads and the ring of little bells. A warmth behind her as classic torches burst onto flame on homes and business in the row, they all pointed straight to an impressive amphitheater spiked with torches that wooshed alight around the perimeter.

The whole feel in the air: forever transformative and advanced, as if a great shock could overtake this world and shake it. They take such things as everyday, to cast objects out of thin air, with what; a snap of fingers?

She fained rubbing her eyes until the lids stopped stretching wide.

Opial touched her arm, then turned away. "I'm being selfish. Come, the building should be near." She went past five-six buildings before stopping at a thinner one, it had the small windows at the top like the others, and an extra two displays of assorted jewelry, combs, and hair sticks—at least she thought that's what they might be called. I'll ask her later.

Everything sparkled and glittered where the sunlight touched. If I had a million opal it still wouldn't be enough to buy it all, not—that I'll let anyone cozen me, not this day!

There! The butterfly pins flapped on a crystal tree behind a shorter display of combs. Each movement caused the light to flash and burst with color.

She reached out and pressed her hands on the cool glass. Mom would love this, I have to get it! A dark thought about what if she isn't even—quit it. Don't wreck this time here.

She eased up on her toes and scanned the rest of the shop on both sides, shallow dents encircled the walls. Further back were more tables with the dragonfly combs, their long, thin wings fluttered daintily.

The sliding door wouldn't budge. Her hand dropped and clutched. Locked!

A short woman—no, a man—stepped out of the shadows in the back. His plain gray and white tunic and trousers fit loosely, with baggy folds around his ankles almost covering the simple grass sandals.

He flitted from side to side of the shop, as he touched the dents; hidden crystals within erupted to light, brightening the room.

His eyes crinkled as if we were his favorite people in the city. He bowed before stepping over to unlock the door. Then bowed again, pushing it wide open.

"Come, my darlings, such precious flowers! The fallalery within can't even begin to compare to the blinding shining stars before me."

A waterfall of acid flooded her mouth, and she fought to swallow it, a smile stretching her lips taunt. I'm going to die, and not in any good way or forum. He isn't Parcival that's for sure. Humph!

Opial lips were pruned for a microsecond before she tittered and fluttered her lashes even faster than before, apt to fly away.

An admirable strength that. If we end up fighting again, that might work on some humans as it seems to be a good skill here why, she should join a theater. I wonder what "Captain" would think? Probably tease her...

She snorted halfway before covering it up with a yawn while covering her mouth. May as well join in.

"You give us too much praise sir, I think I may swoon!" She let her body sway, fanned her face, and let out a small sigh. Don't mess this up! Ugg don't blush, focus on Opial's sleeves.

"Didn't I tell you she's good, Lex?" Opial's demeanor snapped back into place.

What the heck?

"As true as the sands of the south!" The cheeky man winked at her.

She put a hand on her hip. A moment to to unscramble the brain. "I feel like a page is missing here." The vibe he gave off didn't mesh with his words. Any lightness of mood vanished as she resisted scowling.

Lex made a coin-shaped hand sign. "If you both help me with a small task, a pick of anything you desire will be yours." His words wrapped around another like fluff on a newborn fay-fly, then dipped into far more spicy waters.

"The task is simple and worth your while." He went to the table by the window, his hand hovering over a necklace. "Perhaps this?"

"No?"

He plucked the butterfly comb and flipped his hand, where it landed on his palm. "Or this?"

He wants something, and it isn't money.

She grumbled. "It is very nice. Though, I think I'll pass."

He flipped his hand back and forth, spinning the comb on his fingertips.

The show and act he puts on are charming. Too much so. I wager the foxes that scamper about the forests aren't as sly as he.

Her fingers brushed the hits of her daggers. I shouldn't be so paranoid.

The ghost of a smile drew his lips.

"He never asks for anything of harm."

"Humm."

"Not today." After a quick tug on Opial's sleeve, she dragged her back to the amphitheatre. Nights' kiss settled into the city, fading her view and brightening the rest, lit from the glow of the freely crackling torches.

"Tell me, why did you do that? It was pretty rude!" Opial full-on glowered and crossed her arms across her chest.

A quick bow. "I don't trust him." Social graces and sublitys weren't on the list today. I really do need a nap.

Opail huffed. "I've known him for a couple of years now. He's harmless."

Arguing with her won't change her mind. "My apologies, I've run out of steam. Let's head back to the inn?"

"Fine." Without a word, she headed back.

I'm a Grade-A certified flying-ass. Hee-haw! She kept her eyes to the ground most of the way back.

Unnamed resurfaced, his consciousness a heavy pressing thing. You make great friends wherever you go; I'm jealous.

Back again, are you?

Miss me?

Like a finger misses an embedded glass shard.