Best Foot Forward

[Odette Lamberte]

I had roused from slumber early to prepare for what I hoped would be an interesting and informative day of shopping with Eyvind. The chores of the morning were completed, with a light meal made that would stretch for three adults and keep hunger from grumbling our bellies for a time, a larger portion going into smaller pot which I transported over to the forge where Eyvind slept.

The area was rough and I naught left behind my knife, a rare thing if I did, and set out leaving Uruz to be spared from a dull morning of purchasing wares. Once I arrived to the forge, I waited patiently while Eyvind ate and readied himself for the adventure.

Along the journey to the stalls, I rambled on about the most suitable places for us to browse for what was needful, directing him into the market where nearly anything could be found. “And this entire area, as your lovely eyes can see, is where we set you aright on the proper foot, at least with purchases.”

[Eyvind Loevess]

I walked with Odette to the market. This would be the first day that I would spend time alone with her. It would be interesting getting to know Uruz's woman of choice. I was looking forward to it. I was also planning on getting a mental note of how much she spent since I was not one to simply take without returning a favor.

I looked around, it was a busy place. It appeared that Terre d'Ange was doing well for itself, as always. I smiled, knew how much many of my peers back at home would not enjoy the thought. Skaldi was a harsh place, and even though I should feel more regard for it I did not. It had rejected me and Uruz while so far Terre d'Ange had showed me kindness. I would not be alive if it was not for a caring adept.

"I shall follow you m' lady," I said with great exaggeration and a smile.

[Odette Lamberte]

“I’ll endeavor to keep you safe, m’lord.” I counter with a smile of my own before leading him into the bustle of the lively market place. Boisterous voices cried out, peddling various wares that were needful, and many that were not. The pair of us were here to solely buy the needful so I would need to be mindful in which stalls that were approached.

Beginning with a stall, one that I knew held durable clothing at little cost of coin, our adventure truly had its start. “First order of the day…to purchase a set of clothing for you, tis’ naught the grandest caliber of clothing though it will last you a length of time, and many cleanings, until the next set can be purchased.”

I placed myself a step behind Eyvind as the stall owner happily greeted us. The fellow was stalky, otherwise he was of average make with a smile that seemed unending as I whispered to my companion. “If there is somewhat that piques your interest here...we shall acquire it. Have you a care to browse other stalls first for clothing…then that is well.”

[Eyvind Loevess]

I walked with Odette to the first stall. The owner seemed quite friendly and I couldn't help but to return his smiles. I browsed over the clothes, I was never one for fashion so these were just fine.

I turned toward Odette and said, "this is fine. If you say they will last then that is all that is important."

I choose a darker outfit, one that would not show a lot of stains since work in the forge could be messy. If anything soot was always in abundance.

I held the shirt up for Odette to eye, since I suspected she was better at this than I and asked, "how will this do?"

[Odette Lamberte]

I thoughtfully considered what Eyvind held up for my study, pressing a digit against the fullness of my lips, pondering the practicality of wearing such dark attire. It would serve its purpose in masking the grim of working in the forge yet it did little to enhance his handsome features.

Lifting the finger from my lips I replied, “You are far to attractive to wear such a drab shade though it will be suitable for the work at the forge…later we shall purchase appropriate clothing for everyday dress.”

Kindly I smiled then closed the distance between us to take up the attire into my hands, “Allow me a moment to speak with the owner...then more shopping.” I carried the clothing over to the owner to haggle the cost in low tones whilst everything was folded and bound together with a length of string.

[Eyvind Loevess]

I was a little surprsied to hear Odette compliment me and I am sure it showed on my face. However, I smiled and said, "you are much too sweet."

I stood by the stall as she haggled. I took the time to look around. There were people of all statues and walks of life. The d'Angelines did stand out and I could not deny that they were a pretty people. Even with their beauty they did not completely take away from the others. A cute redhead who looked to be of Illyrian decent could turn some heads. The were also some of a land I did not know, their bronze skin and thick black hair giving them a mystery.

Living here would prove to be interesting, of that I had no doubt. I just hopped that it was a more relaxed interesting than what Skaldi held for us.

[Odette Lamberte]

Business conducted with the owner of the stall, and a bundle of clothing to show for the effort, I thanked the stalky fellow then returned to offer Eyvind his purchase. “For you, kind, lord.”

As he accepted the bundle I smiled then set us off down the next length of stalls, strolling along at a relaxed pace so that if there was somewhat Eyvind desired to peruse... he could be accommodated. It would leave us time to hold a bit of conversation in the mean while.

“Uruz is in better spirits now that you have been discovered.” I commented truthfully. “He rarely smiles, tis good that he does so when in your company.”

[Eyvind Loevess]

I accepted the clothes with thanks. It is more refreshing when one doesn't have to wear the same thing day in and day out.

I looked around as we walked, but did not ignore Odette in the slightest. I still did not know her that well.

I was pleased to hear what she had to say about Uruz, though I did not tell her how much. "That is good," I said, " I would hate to think that my return put him in bad spirits. I am sure you lift him up as well."

[Odette Lamberte]

The stalls stretched onward, and the crowd thickened as we neared the busiest section, making things difficult for my voice to carry so that Eyvind could hear a reply. “I like to think that he is somewhat lifted up by my company…he is a man of few words, naught one for pillow talk…though all is made up for ten fold, in other ways.”

I glanced over to him and grinned sheepishly, slipping between a few bodies to wander closer to the aroma of freshly baked bread lingering in the breeze, mouth-watering and delightful to the senses.

When Eyvind joined me, I poured a hand over the collection of breads that were presented in loaves or in braids that were woven in creative ways. “Select anything you like…and I shall do the same.”

[Eyvind Loevess]

I almost blushed when Odette mentioned their bedroom chamber, though I was not normally one for such things. It seemed strange to hear such things from the female half. I was quite use to the boasting of men, but not the other way around.

I followed her through the crowd, not moving as easily as she did, but managing. At least the weight I lost with the sickness made it a little easier.

I could smell the bread before I saw it and I looked over the section as Odette, my stomach growling in response. I had not paid it much mind before, but I realized that I was hungry.

I saw a pale loaf that was in a round braid, I asked the stall owner about it and he mentioned it had a slightly sweet taste. I did have a bit of a sweet tooth at time and decided to give it a try. "I think I would like that one," I said to Odette as I pointed to the piece.. "What are you having?"

[Odette Lamberte]

“The same as you…the sweetness of the bread is very agreeable too me.” I admitted, softly chuckling as I purchased a pair of the braided bread, smiling pleasantly as the bread was wrapped and entrusted into my care.

“You will grow an immediate fondness for this bread, the very moment it touches your tongue.” I assured Eyvind with a gentle nod, strolling anew to see other tantalizing delights in our path.

“I’ve a wonder…in your homeland, was there a common market place such as this?” I was genuinely curious about such things, I ought to know more about my bed-partner, as well as Eyvind, whom seemed more willing to entertain any inquires.

[Eyvind Loevess]

I smiled, it seemed I had made a good choice. I walked next too Odette as she moved toward the next set of stalls we would need to look at.

I nodded slightly before I spoke. "We have a market but it is no where near as big as this one." I noticed that there were a lot of people in good spirits here. "It is also a bit less jolly." I added.

[Odette Lamberte]

I took stock of the people milling about, happily going about their tasks and chuckled softly. Adjusting the bread in my hands to be nestled to one arm, I nodded. “We are a pleasant folk, I suppose.”

In the next grouping of stalls offered many items, I motioned for him to peruse each one, trusting that he would let me know if he desired to make a purchase. “Tell me somewhat about the land of your birth, please? I would like to know more.”

If he politely declined to speak of other simpler matters, I would take no offense, and find another subject of interest to discuss.

[Eyvind Loevess]

I looked over the stall that she had stopped by. The owner sold a variety of wares, part of me wondered where he came up with some of the items. Some things are usually specialized in.

I looked at Odette when she asked about Skaldi. "Is there anything in specific that you want to know?" I asked her. "It is a rough place, when you live in a rough land you tend to become a little harder. It is how our people have survived, though I am sure many don't understand." I thought for a moment and then added, "I will admit, at times I don't understand either. I sometimes thank there could be an easier way. But, it is hard to change when you have done the same thing for generations."

I looked back toward the stall, since I didn't think Odette wanted to stand here forever. However I still paid attention to her and was ready for any questions. I saw a couple of pair of stockings and they didn't look like they would be expensive. One could never own too many pair, when you travel you learn that quickly.

I pointed toward the stockings so that Odette could see what I had spied but left the bartering to her. I had not been here long enough to make such deals, but I was paying attention to her.

[Odette Lamberte]

I nodded thoughtfully, easily finding compassion for the difficulty of a harsh life that Eyvind, as well as Uruz, had to endure before arriving to this land. “I understand, somewhat. One moment and we shall talk more.”

Baring a charismatic smile for the stall owner, I settled in close to the man, conducting swift business and returning to Eyvind with a small bundle in my free hand for him. “What are the duties for a youth earning his way in such lands? What skills must you possess in order to be accepted as a man?” Shemhazai help me, I had so many questions!

[Eyvind Loevess]

I took the next bundle of items from Odette. She was being very generous and was purchasing more than I thought she would. I would make sure she knew how thankful I was.

"For males,"I said answering her question, "we must prove that we are strong and can take care of the needed duties or battle if that should arise. When we are of age we are sent out to make a kill on our own. Part of that is survival and part of it is strength and cunning. The different tribes have variations of what they constitute a good proof of manhood, but most involve a hunt of some type."

[Odette Lamberte]

Intently I listened, committing such information to memory as we continued on our journey. An amused smile touched my lips as a rush of children slipped past our flanks. They were a likely in flight from some game of seek and I turned my head in time to watch them disappear around a bend. When I looked forward once more, a smile still remained. “And what of the women…they hold more traditional roles or?”

[Eyvind Loevess]

I watched Odette's reaction to the children with amusement. One would probably expect such from a woman. Though it is not very common, there are a few who do not want children. I suspected that she was not in this group.

"The woman have their place, such as the men do." I said. "I would call their roles traditional, since it has been the same for as far back as anyone can remember. Our women are singers, they take care of the men, and they gather the spoils." My knowledge of Terre d'Ange was limited so I asked, "what of the women here, do they follow traditional roles or do as they please?"

[Odette Lamberte]

Keeping my footing light in encountering groups of people meandering about, I thoughtfully pursed my lips then replied. “We can govern households or even rule over the land.” I smiled ruefully. “Our roles are many, though it depends on where one’s path takes them. We could be healers, bar matrons, many a thing. Being a…liberated people I suppose we have endless possibilities in how we may serve society. Some have little choice but I reckon later that they are able to do as they please, when the time is suiting.”

[Eyvind Loevess]

I nodded. Though I grew up in Skaldi I was not as strong minded as some of my brothers when it came to a woman's place. In truth I had better things to think about.

"It is interesting what fate will bring someone." I paused a moment and then added, "though not always a good type of interesting."

[Odette Lamberte]

Softly I laughed then smiled at my companion. "Betimes that is the way of things. I'm fortunate in that fate has sided with me on many occasions, mayhap naught often in the past though it is kindly towards me in the present. I hardly have a complaint about that."

[Eyvind Loevess]

I nodded, "yes, it is nice when the present works in ones favor." I thought of mine and Uruz's past. One that was most unfortunante. Though things were looking well now I still would not wish the death of our comrades. I was most glad, however, that Uruz was not amongst them. Purhaps it is good to be happy with what one has and not to dwell on the past.

I pushed away my thoughts and smiled warmly at Odette, "hopefully the present will continue to smile on us. I do believe, however, that if we keep good friends around us then things will never be too grim."

[Odette Lamberte]

"I agree…so tell me this. Have you made a number of good friends since your arrival here? I know a vast amount of faces, none that I would care for my father to meet, except a rare few, and can count my only friends upon a single hand. I wonder, somewhat, if that is a grand thing or shall I fret over such frightful numbers.” I offered a bemused smile to Eyvind, winding down through the paths that were dotted with even more stalls.

[Eyvind Loevess]

I nodded a 'no.' "Just a lone Balm adept it would seem, though I have not seen him since leaving Balm house." I smiled warmly and said, "and it would seem you, or so I hope."

[Odette Lamberte]

“Your hopes are well placed I believed.” Kindly I nodded then added, “When you’ve coin enough, you should mind a visit to him, mayhap.” I gently nudged Eyvind with my hip, grinning as I did so. “There is somewhat to be said about the comfort of knowing hands, yes?"

[Eyvind Loevess]

My eyes widened a little at her suggestion and for some reason I instantly thought of what Uruz would say if I was asking for comforting hands from another male. He would think I have lost my mind, of that I have no doubt.

I then chuckled a little and said, "I am not so sure male hands are to my liking, but I should at least give him my thanks."

My curiosity got the best of me then. Though it may be rude I asked, "have you, um, enjoyed the touch of another woman?"

[Odette Lamberte]

His apparent surprise drove a soft chuckle from my throat with a look of understanding following shortly there after over his reply. Despite cultural differences between us, one from his birth land might eventually take fancy to the like gender’s worshiping I thought, if properly administered.

I was near comment about his perception of life here though his inquiry had me momentarily at a loss for words. Whilst I considered a response, I tidied the items in my hands and felt the heat rise in my cheeks, even as I smiled at him.

“No…the opportunity has eluded me, betimes I wished that ‘twas naught so. I’m a curious spirit, always seeking a measure of excitement, though never one that is dangerous. If another woman…approached me… it would be one of two things, either I enjoyed it or no. What harm is there in that?”

[Eyvind Loevess]

I could see Odette's discomfort with my question, but she answered it so I didn't worry about it too much. While I was not as much of an animal as some of my commrads had been I still sometimes over stepped those boundaries.

"Curiosity," I said, and then added with a smile, "you have to watch that, it could get you in trouble." I then thought for a minute, a small frown on my face as per my habit and then said, "I guess you are right, I can not think of where there can be harm in it." Smiling again, talking partially in jest though partially in a serious tone I said, "though if you tell Uruz that I said so he'll probably think I went mad during my illness."

[Odette Lamberte]

I offered him a reassuring smile, “I shall speak nothing of any madness, as you say, to Uruz. It would be a hard pressed conversation when we hardly have a word at all between us. Be well in having that knowledge. Any curiosity that you may partake of, and share with me, shall remain unspoken.”

As we carried onward I watched the scores of people strolling about, wondering what sort of secrets they held of others.

[Eyvind Loevess]

"Thank you," I said, "and I can promise the same too you. I would only ask that you don't tell me of anything that was done with intention to hurt Uruz." Not wanting her to misunderstand I quickly added, "I am not suggesting that you would ever do such a thing, but I wnat to be straight forward so you know what I can keep in confidence."

In truth it was reassuring to know that I could talk to Odette and not feel judged. The lat thing I ever wanted to do was to drive any sort of wedge between me and Uruz. I was his confidant, his friend and ally and I planned on staying in that position. I did find it a little strange that I would take such confort in such a confidant. Even though sleeping with another man had not actually crossed my mind I somehow felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders.