Red Glass

05.

Nakhflay Tents are large with multiple rooms fashioned from soft furnishings, fur rugs and leather wrappings. Rooms glow from lanterns and central fireplaces. Low Wooden tables hold enchanted bottles, treasure boxes, mystical ingredients and ivory ornaments. Curtains and dividers, carpets and rugs, wall mounted weapons and large lock boxes. Blankets and coffee, great food and joyful conversation are the soul of the camp.
Inside the warmth of home, Veryth awaits her husband's return from work. Pouring water till it touches her fingertip, placing the glass to her lips she tilts. Feeling her throat hydrate down through each gulp.

~Ok, you are going to check the new soaps, heat some water and have a nice bath with Avalon candles.. Mmm~
Veryth thinks to herself as a cold breeze breaks through the homely warmth.

"Avalon candles, fine choice." A melodious voice proclaims.

"Hello?"

"Apologies for spooking you." The classy voice acknowledges from the door curtain.

"I was notified here is the best place to acquire parfumes and I heard talking. I know it is of late but I have traversed a great distance here. May I enter? I need not long."

Veryth slightly turns towards the room where Shenade is sleeping.
"I'm sorry, my husband is not home yet. Please, come in the morning and tell us all about your journey and how we can make sure you get what you came looking for."

"If it is a little late for business, perhaps you could host me with a little refreshment. I find the nights here to be a little warmer than I am accustomed."

"You find the nights here warm? You must have come from the far North but your accent does not sound familiar. I do hope your travels were with ease."

"Please, a little water before I return to my hotel and I'll tell you about how I came to be here should you wish."

~How can I not offer the visitor water, what kind of person would I be?~
Veryth questions herself.

"I have heard well about the hospitality of your people, I promise I shall not be a burden. Perhaps I could pay you for your time?"

~She seems polite, far from a thief and it would be wrong to turn her away~

"That's really not necessary. Please, come in."

Veryth says, smiling in the direction of the entrance, palm faced up.

~Who would smell of ancient incense, musk, blood orange and a mild...~

"How rude for me to have not introduced myself. You may call me Carmilla."

"Carmilla, please, sit. Would you like some coffee? I also have fresh cold water, pre boiled and filtered from the well."

"Water would be wonderful. Thank you."

Veryth pours water from the silver jug and sits with her guest. "Would you like some saksuka or fruit?"

"I'm fine, thank you. Please, sit."

Veryth complies with grace.

"You seem to really know your way around the tent without bother."

"I have lived here with my husband for a few years. Fortunately, I know my way around the whole camp. You memorise your way around over time naturally... Of course, for somebody with sight it must sound strange."

"I can imagine it being difficult not being able to see, but you appear to have worked around it. As if it does not pose any impediment."

Veryth places her hand on her heart.
"Thank you, your words are kind."