33 Ashesi

Throughout the day, a number of customers would approach Naama's stall and buy a few things. By the time it was noon, only two people had bought some of Savyrran's toys. But Savyrran was not worried since demand for her toys were at their peak a little after noon when the children left a martial art school nearby. Ever since they learned that there was someone around their school selling beautiful wooden toys, they would always crowd around her choosing what they liked.

…....…..

After completing her mission in the city, Ashesi Yarra decided to tour the famed Ahn Bayari market. She wanted to see the so called largest market in Southern Cape Province. She had been a little disappointed since it was not as impressive as the market in Hill City. But of course, comparing Southern Cape Province with Royal Hill Province was like comparing the red essence to the blue essence.

Walking behind Ashesi was a tall woman twice as old as she was. The woman's eyes were sharp and distinct, as though searching for any danger. Her face was devoid of any emotions, and if one looked at her, they could not possibly tell what she was thinking.

"I did not think this place will be this hot." Ashesi said wiping sweat on her forehead with a beautiful purple handkerchief. Her voice was sweet, almost melodious. Wherever she went, people would turn to look at her either subtly or blatantly. In her seventeen years of life, Ashesi had become used to these stares. As to whether they were staring out of admiration, confusion or discomfort, she just could not tell. In a kingdom where dark skin was the norm, she had fair olive skin and hazel eyes. In Hill City, the royal capital of Dream Kingdom, there were a lot of foreign looking people and thus, could easily blend in. But this did not mean people were used to seeing someone like her everywhere she went.

To be honest, she really did not mind. She may share many of her mother's features, but she was still a citizen of Dream Country just like her father.

Baono on the other hand would stare daggers at anyone who looked at Lady Ashesi too much. As sweet and demure as the child was, she had a rebellious streak to her and would usually leave home to explore places she had never been to. Baono was her personal protector, though the older woman was sure the lady did not really need it. But of course, Ashesi's father would not have it any other way, especially after the assassination attempt on Ashesi's younger sister.

Ashesi's hazel eyes took in everything with curiosity. She did not buy anything even though so many sellers had prompted her to come closer and buy their goods. She would only throw a small, barely discernible smile at those people and simply pass by. But once they darted across a broad alley, Ashesi stopped in her tracks.

This prompted Baono to stop suddenly behind her, her eyes scanning the area for any danger lurking by. But Baono did not feel anything nor did she sense anyone following them. Her poker face would not show it, but within her, she wondered why her lady had stopped so abruptly.

"Is everything alright, Lady Ashesi?" Baono asked. She made sure not to say the 'lady' part too loudly since she knew how much the young woman hated been called that in public. It was probably why Ashesi would go to lengths to dress in very plain clothes so as not to attract anymore attention than she usually did.

Ashesi remained silent, like she had not heard the question at all. Hence, Baono directed her gaze toward the same direction as the girl to see what had taken her attention so much. Baono saw that Lady Ashesi was staring at a brown skinned young man, probably of the same age or a couple of years younger than the lady. But with how slowly people aged in the Second Dimension, it was impossible to tell his exact age.

The young man had long dreadlocks over-flowing on his back and his deep black eyes were like obsidian. In fact, the richness of his black eyes matched the same blackness on the locks on his head. There were several children gathered around the young man's stall and he was happily interacting with those children as he sold his toys to them.

A sly smile flashed on Baono's stoic face. So this was the object of the young lady's fascination. Baono had not expected that at all since the Lady Ashesi had never shown any interest in any of the boys back at home. This random stranger may be handsome, and perhaps even be called beautiful. But surely, there were better options in the royal capital, were there not? But Baono did not express her opinion. Instead she followed Lady Ashesi as she approached the young man's stall.

Ashesi stood behind the crowd of children, waiting until they finished buying the toys they wanted. While waiting, she simply could not take her eyes off the boy selling those toys. The first thing one noticed about this boy were his eyes. They were black and shiny like a pool of black gold. Another prominent feature were his arms. Clearly, this person had been training a lot for a very long time. But his cheerful smile was perhaps the most attractive thing about him. It gave his young handsome face a touch of femininity. This was perhaps the most beautiful boy she had ever seen, and for reasons she could not explain, she felt drawn to him.

Soon, all the children had been served, and Savyrran realised that she had even more customers. This stroke of good luck caused her to flash one of her most beautiful smiles, not knowing how much of an effect she was having on a certain someone. She saw that she had two new customers. Her black eyes shimmered a little with uncertainty when she saw the younger of the two.

This person was like no one Savyrran had ever seen in her life. She had never met anyone with such fair skin. The fairest skinned person she knew was Lokirrak, and even he was still a whole lot darker than this young woman. Another striking thing about the woman were her eyes and and her silky black hair held up in a simple bun. The young woman was dressed in very plain looking dress that was almost too lose on her, yet, she still looked elegant. The young woman's companion looked older, and the serious intensity in her brown eyes reminded Savyrran of Ovandarrak. As ordinary as the two looked, Savyrran felt that there was nothing ordinary about them.

For a moment, Savyrran wondered what people like them would be doing here. They did not strike her as people who shopped for their own toys. But of course, Savyrran did not say that aloud. She had learned not to judge people by their physical appearance, and thus, decided to treat them exactly as she treated all her customers; with respect.

"Are you interested in my toys?" Savyrran asked the younger woman who had not taken her hazel eyes off her. Not once had she even glanced at Savyrran's toys, making Savyrran wonder if the fair lady was really interested in her toys.

Ashesi lightly coughed when she finally came to her senses that the boy was talking to her. But the boy's voice was a little softer than she had expected. Ashesi smiled awkwardly when she saw that she had been caught staring too much. For a while, she had to pretend she was indeed interested in those toys. For the first time, she looked at the wooden toys on the table and her eyes widened in amazement. They were actually very well made and almost had a realistic feel to them. They were made in the likeness of several forms like beasts, soul guardians, dolls and many more. It was no wonder the children really liked these toys.

Ashesi's eyes caught sight of a toy horse which stood in a manner such that its forelegs were off the ground and its hind legs stood firmly on the table. It was barely a foot tall yet, the detailed workmanship involved was incredible. Layeesi would really like this. She thought. To her delight, there were more horse figurines among the collection and Ashesi decided to buy all of them for her horse-loving sister. This would definitely cheer her up.

Savyrran observed how much the girl was looking at the horse, so she took it and offered it to her, "it is a beauty, isn't it? It took me a while to make it."

Ashesi's intrigued eyes looked up at Savyrran. "You made the horse?" Her voice was soothing like a balm, making anyone who listened to her feel at ease.

Savyrran nodded. "I made all of them."

For a while, Ashesi said nothing, while her mouth was slightly opened. But soon she found her voice. "That is indeed amazing. You are really talented."

Savyrran chuckled and Ashesi could feel her stomach flutter at the beautiful sound. "I'd say my father is the more talented one though. He thought me how to make them. So will you buy this one then? It costs only three royals."

For a moment, Ashesi was stunned by how cheap the toy was. Something like this would be sold for three times the price back in Hill City.

When Savyrran saw that the young woman was hesitating, she thought it was because it was too expensive. Thus, she took another horse figurine which was also very well made, but a lot smaller than the first. "I also have this one. It is just as beautiful and costs only one royal.

Baono's eyes darkened in annoyance. Did this peasant just call Lady Ashesi poor? It may have been subtle, but her actions had clearly insinuated that the young lady was destitute. Maybe if she struck her to death, this child might regain her senses the next time she was reborn.

But Ashesi did not seem to mind and the sweet smile on her face never faltered. "How many horses do you have here?"

"Six. Three of them cost three royals each. These two cost one royal each and that one cost two royals." Savyrran pointed to each of the horse figurines as she said the price out loud.

"I will have all of them."

Now it was Savyrran's turn to be stunned. Usually people would randomly ask for the prices of her toys even if they had no intention of buying. It did not matter to her. Saying the price without making a sale was still part of the job. But now, here was someone who was actually intending to buy everything they had asked for. Wasn't this too good to be true? But of course, she soon regained her stupor.

"Of course, Miss. I will package them right away."

With the finesse of an expert, all the toys were neatly packaged in newspapers and then put in brown paper bags. "That will be thirteen royals, please." Savyrran said handing the paper back back to the young woman.

Ashesi accepted the paper bags and then Baono took them from her without even been asked to. Ashesi took out a small green purse from an invisible pocket within her long dress. She took out a fresh fifty royal note and handed it over to the young man.

"Please give me a second as I change it." Savyrran said, frantically searching through the money apron she wore around her small waist.

"That will not be necessary. You should keep the change."

"You want me to keep thirty-seven royals." Savyrran was not asking, and her eyes were skeptical even though she was still smiling. "I can't do that. At least, let me give you toys to cover the same value."

"I don't want anymore toys. These are the only ones I believe my younger sister will like. I have no interest in the rest."

Savyrran's lips twitched. She had a feeling that anything she said, this young woman will have something to say back to her. Thus, she decided to try another method. "Alright then. But you will have to accept this. If not, I will not accept it either."

Savyrran took off the wooden sun necklace around her neck and then after staring at it fondly for a while, she handed it to the young woman.

After hesitating for a while, Ashesi accepted the necklace. It was nothing fancy like all those necklaces she owned. But just like the toys, it was very beautiful. She wondered if the boy had made it too, and so she asked him.

Savyrran nodded. "That was the first thing I made when I first learned wood work. I want you to have it."

Ashesi gently clasped the necklace in her hand, feeling light-headed by this gift. There was nothing overly special about the necklace itself, but hearing the story behind its creation felt quite special to her.

"Thank you. I will wear it everyday."

Savyrran nodded with a smile. She felt her heart tug at the loss she was feeling. She made that necklace when she was four years, and now more than a decade later, she was finally parting with it. Well, she could just make another one if she was so attached to it.

Ashesi wanted to talk more to the young man, but then they were interrupted by a mother and son duo. Savyrran had to quickly attend to them and Ashesi knew that that was her cue to leave.