Liselle awoke to see Vevin looking at the dawn light through the open window, his feet shuffling side to side in his sunrise dance. She could tell by the curve of his cheek that he was smiling. He turned to her when she sat up to stretch the kinks out. The bed was comfortable, but she was sore from so much travel.
“Hello, darling.” Vevin came to the bed, sliding behind her to work the knots out of her shoulders.
“Mmm, I’ll give you a year to stop that,” she said, leaning forward with eyes closed in pleasure.
When Vevin stopped immediately, Liselle came to the conclusion that a year flew insanely fast these days. Vevin replied, “I’ll try to massage for a year, but I don’t know if I have that much stamina, and I might get hungry.”
Liselle giggled. “It’s just an expression, dearest. I like it when you rub my shoulders and I wish it could last a year.” She turned back to smile at him, letting him know she was happy.
“Oh, I see now,” he responded with a nod, still looking unsure. He began rubbing again. “It looks like it’ll be hot again today. Hulda had your travel clothes and the robe washed again for you.”
Fresh morning air drifted inside their cool room, bringing the sounds of the waking city. Liselle closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “Mmm. Oh good. I was wanting to wear the robe today. My shoulders feel much better. Thank you,” she said with a smile toward him. He smiled back and grabbed her robe from the bench where it lay folded.
Liselle put it on as she stepped out of bed. After another stretch, they headed downstairs.
The smell of breakfast was divine as usual and Liselle felt her mouth water. Sir Danth was nowhere to be seen, but Tathan was at their favorite table, smiling and waving them over. As they sat, Tathan told them, “Breakfast should be out in a moment. I told her to bring yours out too, figuring you’d be down soon.”
Liselle returned the smile. It looked as though he had taken a bath and his clothes had been cleaned. “You look refreshed.”
He nodded. “I am. A sound below my window woke me up early this morning. It was just a couple of drunks stumbling home after a long night, but I decided to take a bath instead of going back to sleep.” The waitress who brought their food smiled at Tathan a bit longer than the others. It looked as though she had recently taken a bath as well.
They ate mostly in silence, each contemplating what they were going to do for the day. When done, Tathan stood up, said his goodbyes and headed out.
Her cousin seemed so sure of himself all the time. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle or overcome. Liselle sometimes worried that she would drag the rest of the group down. Tathan was good at everything and made good decisions. She wondered if he knew how much Sir Danth and Vevin looked to him for leadership or how much she admired him for all he had done for her.
Vevin and Liselle ate a little slower, but finished before long. “Shall we go, darling?” Liselle asked.
“Oh yes! Let’s.” He stood up, holding his hand out. She took it with a smile and they walked out the door and onto the street.
The midsummer day was already warm. The sun beat down upon the wings of the city, which provided a bit of shade here and there. Liselle listened to the sounds of people calling out and moving around the cobblestone streets. It was all so alien to her.
So far, Liselle had only been out of the inn a couple of times. The last time they were in Puujan, she was still recovering and had only come out one day for a short while before tiring. All the negative effects from her ordeal in the caverns were now gone and she had a spring in her step.
Vevin smiled happily at her enthusiasm. They traveled hand in hand to the market plaza, giving each other silly grins the entire way. Tathan would have been disgusted at the sight.
Vevin bought her a treat from one of the vendors on a street leading to the market plaza. It made her fingers sticky and she licked them off as they passed the stalls. The air was filled with scents of baked goods intermingled with incense and perfumes. There were amazing colors from clothes and tapestries sold by various merchants. People moved back and forth, many in Rojuun robes that appeared to be a favorite, while others were in the garb of their native lands. Klizania and Iynath were the two types of clothing most recognizable to Liselle, although there were others.
The street vendors were noisy, but not pushy. People moved from booth to booth, buying items befitting their needs and desires. It was an adventure for Liselle. She had spent much of her childhood dreaming about visiting the world’s cities and here she was in one, surrounded by people.
They came across a couple of jewelry vendors who didn’t have anything she really liked. The disappointed look on one vendor’s face made her feel guilty, but Vevin guided her on. The other vendor was busy with a customer and looked to be making a sale, so Liselle didn’t feel so bad.
They reached another stall where exquisite gold and silver jewelry set with various gemstones was laid out on tables. An armed, private guard was at the corner of the tent watching everyone who came nearby. He glanced at Vevin, but didn’t pay much attention. Most people didn’t even notice the dragon. While he had purple hair, skin and clothes along with liquid silver eyes and sharp teeth, he also projected a constant aura that caused people to look past him. Only a few strong-minded people ever observed his presence and they noticed very little about him.
A dark skinned woman in her early thirties got up from her workbench and came to the table Liselle was browsing. She wore sturdy clothes of a smith and her hands were calloused from years of working with precious metals and gems. “Good day to you, Milady,” she said in a melodic voice that betrayed her work-like appearance. “I believe you’ll find my work exceptional if not quite as exceptional and magical as the ring you already wear.”
Liselle looked at the ring on her hand. There was quite likely no ring as magical in the world. Resurrection magic was so rare that none of her companions could think of any other item or person that could cast it. She also had a valuable necklace gained for services in the Rojuun caverns, but wasn’t wearing it. Tathan had explained that it would make her a target for thieves. Vevin kept it for her in that magical place where he kept his other physical possessions.
“It was a gift,” Liselle replied casually. “I like your work. Did you do all this?” she asked, gesturing toward the three tables that had items lain out. On the innermost table were a few platinum pieces with inset emeralds and rubies, the rarest of gems.
“I did. My father taught me when I was a child,” she admitted, wiping a bit of sweat off her forehead with an arm. “Our city was besieged by war and he arranged for my escape. A long journey later, I ended up here where there’s a large supply of precious metals and gems for me to select from.”
It was an amazing amount of information to give out all at once. “Is your father well?” Liselle asked with concern.
The woman shrugged. “I don’t know. The city fell shortly after I escaped. My father might’ve died, or they may have let him live. Jewelsmiths are rare and highly prized throughout the world. I hope for the best, though I have no way of knowing.” She smiled. “Thank you for asking.”
“But of course!” Liselle replied. “Thank you for sharing your story. I’m Liselle.” She held out her hand in friendship. “Might I know your name?”
The jewelsmith took her hand and shook it firmly. “I’m Tiala, Milady. Thank you for asking,” she said with a slight bow. “I have no country mates here in Puujan and few friends. It’s nice to speak with a person, though I hope it not too bold of me to approach you, Milady.”
“Bold? Not at all, Tiala,” Liselle replied with a confused smile. “It’s nice to meet someone friendly. Were you teleported to Puujan from somewhere?” she asked while going back to looking at the jewelry on the table.
“No, I traveled the Cavern Road to get here,” Tiala answered with a shake of her head. “It was fascinating to see all the different cities, the Rainbow Caverns and . . . all of it!.” There was awe in her voice and a look of amazement as she remembered the journey.
“What are the Rainbow Caverns?” Vevin asked. “I haven’t heard of them.”
“Oh they’re absolutely amazing, Milord.” It was the first time Tiala had spoken to Vevin, perhaps even the first time she noticed him. “There are five high waterfalls falling from the ceiling into pools and a few more coming from the walls as well. They create a mist illuminated by the glow of plants and animals. Everywhere a person turns, there are a thousand colorful rainbows just out of reach.”
“Oh, we must go see them, dearest! It sounds truly fascinating,” Vevin told Liselle eagerly. He was bouncing up and down in place. “Everything we’ve heard about the Cavern Road sounds so interesting. I truly think we should take the journey.”
“Yes, yes. We’ll make the journey.” Liselle was also interested in seeing the Rainbow Caverns and got the distinct impression Vevin’s enthusiasm was sincere. “I’m just worried about such dark places and whatever scary creatures might be down there.”
Tiala spoke to her concerns. “They’re not dark or dangerous, Milady. There are light globes along the entire length of the road in addition to the plants and animals, which give off light. The Rojuun have warded the road to prevent any of the more violent creatures of the caverns from disturbing travelers.” She straightened a few pieces of jewelry while talking. It seemed they had to be placed just right, an attention to detail one would expect in a jeweler.
“That sounds like a lot of work,” Liselle replied, feigning awe. It reminded her of the wards protecting the Ancient Road she and Tathan had traveled on through the Willden. “I must say that I’m truly intrigued by it though. I was told the city of Alluu was a good place for humans to experience Rojuun artistry and living.”
“Alluu is extraordinary, but overwhelming at the same time,” Talia said, gesturing broadly. “There’s just so much happening there. It can be hard to separate sounds and colors from each other. It’s definitely worth visiting though, just like the winged city.” She gestured at the wings protruding from the buildings surrounding the plaza.
“I was stunned the first time I saw those. They just seemed so unusual,” Liselle remarked. “Vevin wonders what it would be like to see the city from the sky,” she said with a smile and a hand on her lover’s chest.
“Oh yes, I definitely want to see it from the sky.” Vevin nodded eagerly. “I want to see the Rainbow Caverns and Alluu as well!” He was hopping from foot to foot and swaying energetically. It was a restrained version of the excited dance. Tiala was beginning to look more closely at him as though trying to see through a shroud.
Liselle spoke to distract her attention. “How far is it to Alluu? And how far to the other side of the mountains?” she asked Tiala. “I hear they’re vast. Some people say they never end.” That was an exaggeration, but the woman seemed to be responding to such things.
“Alluu is two or three weeks under the mountains, depending on how fast you travel. There are smaller caves with inns to stay at along the way. The Rojuun don’t approve of anybody sleeping on the road or in neighboring caverns, so be certain you can afford the journey.”
“Is it expensive then?” Liselle asked.
“It costs about a gold uun per night at the inns. That’s more than traveling costs in most places throughout the world, but gold is easier to come by in Rojuun territory and the accommodations are better quality.” Talia smiled as she talked, enjoying the company and the conversation.
“Where are the Rainbow Caverns?” Vevin interjected, still hopping about.
“About halfway from here to Alluu,” Talia answered, looking at him again. Her smile became a puzzled frown as she subconsciously tried to pierce his illusion. “To get all the way underneath the mountains from the Iynath Empire took me eight weeks, but I traveled slowly and spent some time in the cities.”
“Eight weeks!” Liselle exclaimed loudly. Talia turned back to her just as she had hoped. “That’s a long time, dearest. However, I believe we’ll make the journey anyway. It truly does sound fascinating.” Liselle turned back to the jewelsmith and leaned in, whispering, “Have you heard about the kidnapped princess who’s said to be in the caverns?”
Talia scanned the area for listeners. Finding none, she nodded and replied, “I have heard, Milady. It’s all over the city and I think there might be some truth to it.”
“Really? Why would the Rojuun kidnap a princess? They seem so nice,” Liselle said, portraying shock.
“I don’t think they kidnapped her. That doesn’t make sense, but the caverns would be a good place to hide her,” Talia responded.
“Oh, you mean they left her all alone in the caverns?” Liselle said, feigning naiveté. “That seems cruel if you ask me.”
Talia shook her head. “No, no. Not in the caverns. They probably have her in one of the cities. Possibly even Alluu.”
“Wouldn’t she be seen if Alluu is as busy as you say?” Liselle wrinkled her nose in thought, leading the jewelsmith’s conversation in a direction that might bring answers. It was difficult to play dense, but fun at the same time.
“Well they wouldn’t keep her in the streets of the city,” Talia answered with a frown. “There’s a secure, guarded stronghold there where the elder council of Alluu lives and works. Perhaps they’d keep her there,” she finished with a low whisper, once again looking around to make certain she wasn’t overheard.
That was very useful new information. “Oh, that would make sense wouldn’t it? You must think me a silly fool for not figuring that out.” Liselle acted embarrassed.
“Not at all, Milady,” Talia replied with a genuine smile. “You couldn’t know there was a stronghold there and the ways of the Rojuun are strange after all.”
Liselle liked this woman a lot. Not only had she provided them with information, but more importantly, she had been pleasant and eager to please. It was refreshing after dealing with the Druids who had been stand-offish. Looking back at the items on the table, she said, “I was looking to buy a piece of jewelry, but I just don’t know what to get.”
“You know, I think I have just the thing for you,” Tiala replied with a finger on chin and a thoughtful look on her face. “Not long ago, I was passing by a garden and found inspiration in some flowers.” Talia pointed at the blossom in Liselle’s hair. “You seem to like flowers, so let me show this to you.” She moved to her workbench and opened a drawer, pulling a simple wooden box from it.
Talia brought it to them and opened it. Inside were a necklace and earrings made of exquisite gold, set with amethyst gemstones arranged in the shape of flowers. Each inset was a brilliant round amethyst in the center with five more shaped as petals around it. The necklace had one flower in the center with two smaller ones on either side. Looking closer, Liselle noticed the intricate work that had been done to make the rest of the necklace appear to be leaves and branches intertwined. The earrings were smaller flowers with golden leaves hanging down.
“Ohh . . .” Liselle reached out to touch them gently. “Oh, oh, oh those are so nice. I love them.”
“Oh yes! They are beautiful, dearest,” Vevin agreed, looking over her shoulder. “The gems are fine and the gold work is extraordinary. They would look amazing on you.”
“When I passed the flowers, I had an urge to create these,” Talia said with a smile. “I haven’t put the set out as I didn’t want to sell them to the wrong person. I believe it was a good decision. You are who these pieces are meant for, Milady.”
Liselle frowned in thought. “My ears aren’t pierced, so I wouldn’t be able to wear the earrings.” The thought of poking holes in her ears made her uncomfortable, though she had noticed many men and women with piercings in the city and among the Druids. Tathan had his ears pierced as well. It seemed to be a popular thing to do. Even the Rojuun liked piercings.
“I can pierce your ears for you, Milady. Don’t worry, it’s a quick procedure and there’s only a small pain, which goes away immediately,” Talia assured her with a gentle smile, gesturing to a chair near the workbench.
Liselle looked at Vevin to get his opinion. He eagerly nodded. “They would look pretty on you and it’s very clever to keep one’s treasure on the ears.”
She smiled and blushed before turning to Talia. “Alright, let’s do it.” She began to follow the jewelsmith to the chair then stopped suddenly. “Wait . . . I haven’t purchased them, and I promised Tathan I’d bargain . . .” Liselle realized she had just given away the fact that she was supposed to bargain to the very person she would haggle with. Her hand moved to her mouth in embarrassment.
Talia giggled. “I would expect nothing less, Milady. In all honesty, I forgot that I needed to sell them to you,” she said with a blush upon her dark cheeks. The jewelsmith crossed her arms, still holding the box in one hand and thought briefly. “This jewelry was made for you, though I didn’t know it at the time, therefore I can’t sell it to anyone else. I also really like you, which isn’t something I should admit to when trying to make a bargain,” she informed with a wink and smile. That put them both on a level playing field.
“Well, if I have enough money I’m going to buy it anyway, regardless of whether or not it’s a good deal,” Liselle said, sabotaging her own position further. “My cousin will just have to be cranky with me.” She really did hope she had enough to buy the set. The flowers were just so beautiful. If only the gold leaves could be green, it would be perfect.
Vevin giggled at their game and joined in. “I would buy it for you, and if I don’t have enough, we’ll combine our money,” he said with a big grin. Talia finally pierced Vevin’s illusion enough to see how sharp his teeth were, causing her to take a step back.
“It’s alright, he doesn’t bite,” Liselle told her hurriedly. “Well . . . he does bite, but not you. I promise,” she said, nodding reassuringly.
Talia did not look at all reassured and took another step back. Liselle sighed, worried she might not get the necklace after all. Then the jeweler took a deep breath to fortify her resolve. She stepped forward once more, bowing to Vevin. “I apologize, Milord. I did not mean to offend you,” she said with amazing resilience.
“Oh no! You didn’t offend me. I don’t mind at all,” Vevin said with another dance. “I try not to scare people, but sometimes I just can’t help it.” Liselle noticed that Talia’s guard wasn’t paying attention to them, which showed that Vevin’s illusion was still strong. He had just let the jeweler see his real self, which was somewhat of a compliment.
“Very good, Milord” Talia responded with relief evident on her face. Liselle wondered why she kept calling them ‘Milady’ and ‘Milord’. It was probably something all merchants did. The vendor they had gotten the treats from did the same thing, as had others in the past. “How much is the jewelry, Talia?” Liselle asked.
“I purchased the amethyst from a vendor in Alluu and it only cost me eight gold uun. There’s a great deal of amethyst and other gems to be purchased there. The gold in the necklace is pure and worth three gold uun in weight,” she told them in a businesslike tone. “I won’t charge you for my labor as it was a pleasure to make them and an inspiration as well. Therefore, the cost is eleven gold uun,” she said, holding the box out to Liselle.
Instead of haggling, Liselle immediately grabbed her purse to pay. However, Vevin had fifteen gold already in his hand and gave it to Talia. “I’ll purchase the jewels for my mate,” he said quickly. “And they are worth five times the price you ask.”
“Thank you, Milord,” Talia replied, taking the gold while handing the box to him. Then she grabbed Liselle’s hand and pulled her over to the chair, smiling the whole time. “Come, Milady, it’ll be a quick sting to pierce the ear.” She tossed the money on the desk and opened a drawer, pulling out a sharp object as Liselle sat down.
Vevin came over and opened the box for Talia. The jewel smith grabbed one of the earrings and leaned next to Liselle’s right ear with the sharp needle. Liselle watched the needle suspiciously, pulling away when it came near.
“Shh, shh. It’s alright, Milady.” Talia took Liselle’s chin and turned her toward Vevin, then moved the needle to the earlobe. It was a sharp pain, over quickly. It reminded Liselle of the time Vevin had nibbled a little too hard on that lobe. Then the weight of the earring pulled at her ear.
“Here, hold this for a moment,” Talia told her, pressing a small piece of cloth to the piercing and bringing Liselle’s hand up to hold it. She moved around to the other side.
“You could pierce my ears for me with your teeth, darling,” Liselle said, grinning at Vevin. Talia paused and looked at him once more with eyes wide. She opened her mouth, but Liselle interrupted gently. “Don’t ask, Talia.”
The jewelsmith’s mouth closed and she nodded, moving back to the left ear. She quickly pierced that lobe as well before reaching out for the other earring that Vevin handed to her. An instant later, she had a cloth at that ear too. “Hold this one now, Milady,” Talia told her.
“Let’s see them, dearest,” Vevin said. He danced from foot to foot in anticipation. Talia had gone to stand next to him, but took a step to the side instead.
Liselle removed the cloths and stood, turning her head each way for Vevin to see. The feel of dangly earrings swinging from her lobes felt strange. He set the box on the workbench and took the necklace out. Liselle turned and held her hair up so he could clasp it. Talia fetched a mirror for her to see.
They were beautiful. The flower in Liselle’s hair moved forward to look in the mirror as well. It was pleased at the effect. Talia’s eyes widened at the flower’s motion. It occurred to the jewelsmith that this was not an ordinary couple by any means.
“They look wonderful, dearest,” Vevin told Liselle with his hands on her shoulders. She smiled back at him through the mirror then turned around and put her arms around his neck, kissing him deeply.
“I love you, Vevin,” Liselle said, looking fondly into his eyes. They held each other for a moment as Talia looked on in embarrassment, feeling like an intruder in their special moment. “Thank you so much for this, Talia. The jewelry is absolutely beautiful,” Liselle told her.
“You’re welcome, Milady,” Talia replied. “If you could tell others where you purchased it, I would appreciate the business.”
“I will most definitely do so,” Liselle reassured her.
“Oh yes!” Vevin exclaimed. “We’ll tell everyone where we purchased it and that the rest of your work is high quality.” He was doing a happy dance, careful not to bump into any of the tables. “Good business to you, Talia.”
“And good journeys to you, Milord, Milady,” she said, lowering her head to each of them. They walked back into the market, Vevin grabbing the box for the jewelry to put it wherever he kept such things.