Getting out

[Isra Varousse]

“Bhodistani. My father actually met her there and she returned here with him,” I told him, smiling. “She’s tried to make sure all her daughters were well versed in the customs of her homeland, that we took pride in our heritage.”

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I nodded.
"I met a man from Bhodistan once," I said smiling. "He tried to stab me."

[Isra Varousse]

My eyes went wide and a laugh was surprised out of me. “I hope it was no one I am related to.”

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I chuckled.
"He was a good man, he was just new to the country and there was a misunderstanding." I smiled to her. "He thought I had blasphemed against one of his gods. It was settled quickly though and and he ended up being a very good drinking companion."

[Isra Varousse]

I laughed. “In that case I won’t denounce him should it turn out we are related.” I glanced down at the boxes we held. “Were you headed somewhere in particular with these?”

[Azriel Shahrizai]

"Home." I said softly. "You don't have to walk me there. Infact I should rent a carriage, I didn't bring one." I pursed my lips and looked at her.
"I'm really not used to such things."

[Isra Varousse]

“I don’t mind a walk, but if you’d rather rent a carriage I can tell you where to find one at a reasonable price,” I said.

[Azriel Shahrizai]

"Or perhaps you could show me." I said smiling softly. "I still have some shopping to do, so perhaps I should rent a carriage to hold my items."

[Isra Varousse]

“It would be my pleasure,” I said, smiling. “There’s a respectable stable just down that street.” I pointed with my free hand and settled the packages more securely against my side. “I’m not sure who’s working right now, but I know one of the men there who might give you an even better price than usual.”

[Azriel Shahrizai]

"Oh," I said raising a brow to her. "Plan to use your feminine wiles?" I teased. It wasn't common for me to tease one I didn't know but she seemed like she wouldn't take offense.

[Isra Varousse]

I laughed at his teasing. “He’s my cousin, so no,” I replied, smiling wide.

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I chuckled feeling a slight redening in my face.
"Forgive me." I said softly. "I meant no offense, I was merely teasing."

[Isra Varousse]

I reached out and laid my hand on his arm. “There was no offense, I promise,” I told him, smiling. “I knew you were teasing.”

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I chuckled.
"Good, that would have been embarassing." I shifted my boxes.

[Isra Varousse]

"Nothing to worry about," I said, smiling and letting my fingers slide slowly from his arm. "Come, let us get you that carriage."

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I was vaguely conscious of her fingers against my arm and smiled to her.
"I'm thankful for your help Isra." I said smiling.

[Isra Varousse]

“It’s my pleasure, truly,” I said with a smile as I began to lead him in the direction of the stable. “I’m glad I could be here to help.”

[Azriel Shahrizai]

"So am I." I said softly. "I dare say it would have been a mess if you hadn't been here to help."

[Isra Varousse]

“I’m sure someone else would have stepped up to help you,” I said, smiling wider. “Though you might have had to chase your niece’s locket for another block or so.”

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I chuckled.
"Yes, I certainly thank you for that." I said smiling to match hers. "What were you doing out today?" I asked curiously

[Isra Varousse]

“Just getting some air and sun,” I answered. “The healers are certain that it will cure any lingering effects of the sickness and I had grown tired of the same sights at Jasmine.”

[Azriel Shahrizai]

"Oh I'm sorry, you got sick with the illness that was going around." I thought of Nicole again.

[Isra Varousse]

“I was only one of many, especially in the Night Court. I was fortunate though and have recovered.” I smiled at him, trying to keep the mood from souring. “Actually, I think the healers are just nagging me still because they are at a loss now without so many to care for.”

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I smiled softly.
"I would think that was a good thing." I observed. "A healer without a job means healthy folk."

[Isra Varousse]

“You’d think so, but they almost seem annoyed,” I replied, laughing softly. “Personally, I’ve had enough of being tended to for a very long time.”

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I chuckled.
"I can understand that." I said softly. "My niece is just getting over being ill," I added. "I think she feels the same way."

[Isra Varousse]

“Is the necklace a special gift or just because?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t prying.

[Azriel Shahrizai]

"A little bit of both actually." I said squinting up at the sun for a moment. "My sister, her mother, she...she passed during the plague and now she is my ward." I looked to her and gave a sad smile.
"I thought it might cheer her up, though...I highly doubt thats posible entirely. But its a start."

[Isra Varousse]

“Oh, my lord, I am so sorry for your loss,” I said softly.

[Azriel Shahrizai]

I shrugged.
"One cannot do much but to change what's passed." I said softly, trying not to feel the pang of angst that brewed within me.
"But thank you." I forced a smile.