Azayla wandered among the busy stalls, the mid-summer market located near the ports of Karseth a hub of activity. Fishmongers shouted out the price of their wares, jewelers watched for thieving fingers and bakers wives set out freshly baked loaves of bread that filled the air with the scent of warmth and flour that accosted passers-by.
The Valorian girl was weaving in and out of the crowd, her baby-blue dress tied with a wide, pearl-white satin sash at the waist fluttering in the soft breeze. She stopped for a moment near the edge of the cobblestone street where the stone walkway dropped off into shallow harbor waters, the salty air filling her lungs as she breathed in deeply.
Finally, a moment to myself. She thought happily, slowing her pace after looking over her shoulder to ensure that Maggie hadn't caught up to her.
Maggie was Karsetheen but had cared for her since her mother's death. She was like a nurse-maid and a second mother, although more controlling than normal as of late. The older woman faffed over where she was constantly, wanting the younger girl to stay in her shadow whenever they ventured out of the Water's Estate (where Aza lived with her father).
It seemed everyone who worked in her home was walking on eggshells around her and for what reason she did not know. All she did know was that the odd glances and careful picking of words whenever she was in the room was beginning to make her feel uncomfortable when she was in the company of others.
The weekly market proved a good chance to go wandering off by disappearing into the crowd and now that she was alone, Azayla felt like she could properly breath for the first time in weeks. Here, among the workers and middle-class of Karseth there were no staring eyes or noble youth of Valorian upper society like in the more affluent areas of Karseth. Thus, she knew that if she tripped or didn't walk with her shoulders back there wouldn't be a new flurry of gossip spreading around the other upper-class children her age.
Her heeled shoes stepped lightly over the uneven bricks, the girl looking around her at the different items for sale. She spotted something of interest in the corner of her eye, moving aside a strand of golden curls before turning her head. In all honesty she had smelled the product for sale before catching a glimpse of it and the curious glance had only confirmed her suspicions. She made her way towards the flower stall, managed by an elderly woman, with excitement.
Nimble fingers traced over the unusual blooms, her eyes continuously going back to the same flower that had initially caught her attention. She eventually couldn't resist, her right hand which held her silver signet ring on her ring finger picking up the purple-hued blossom. The Karsetheen store owner had looked up from where she was cutting stems just in time to spot the family crest visible on the ring the Valorian wore, the older woman's nonchalant attitude immediately changing to one of immense attention.
"Do you like it? There's not many left after the heat of summer over the last month and a half."
Valerie looked up from where he fingers were caressing one of the velvety petals, her initial smile at having seen the flower fading when she noticed the fear tainting the woman's gaze. She saw the ring...I can't even take the accursed thing off without offending my father and bringing shame to the family. The ring was a status symbol, one which showed her place on the wrungs of society. Every noble Valorian child wore one after being gifted it on their thirteenth birthday. On some days though, more often than usual lately, the jewelry felt more like a symbol of her father's control over her and the people he ruled as part of the council.
Azayla fixed her smile, mindful of keeping up appearances required of her, then replied, "It's lovely, very lively and not at all withered considering the warm weather we've had today."
@TheGreenerGrey @Korelle @Ailis @Day