The Undead Princess

That Darn Lady

Nearly all the shops that carry tea in the plaza are closing for the Night Market. The shopkeepers are putting away their baskets and putting away their nicely kept displays. They typically stay open a little after sunset, but clearly, today is an exception. Any glimmer of hope I had earlier about being able to get a hold of the tea before heading to the market starts to decrease when I look down at the brown basket I am holding in my arms. At this point, I start to feel guilty.

I have failed Mema. My eyes start to sting as my vision slowly gets blurry. Why should I take pleasure in this night market when not even Mema will be able to enjoy her favorite tea? She always manages to fulfill my needs and wants, yet here I am sulking. I lower my head in disappointment and glumly start retreating back towards Aunt Sophi's inn.

I am nearly halfway to my aunt's inn, but before I know it, the city is basically dark. I let my eyes wander around me. I cannot help but notice how the only bright source of light being emitted is from the center of town where the night market is taking place. The distant flickering of many lamps makes my heart soar. My feet are pointing in one direction, but my torso wants to head in the other. It is almost as if a string is trying to drag me towards the bright lights where I can only imagine delicious food and interesting vendor stands are being held. 

I look down at the brown basket I am holding in my arms and think about all the herbs I managed to get a hold of today. Inside this basket, which is barely held together by thin threads, are all the medicines for Mema and also some of the miscellaneous herbs she had requested for her special teas and cooking ingredients. Everything from my checklist was crossed off. The only thing missing from the list that stood out like a sore thumb was the lemongrass she so much enjoys. I can already hear Mema's scorning. She is a scary sight to see, especially when she is ranting about the flaws of living a city dweller's life.

Something about seeing that short, ancient woman get all heated up about the rudeness of city dwellers is just so amusing to me. But who can blame her? After today's fiasco, I can't help but feel the same way now. Maybe next time I'll try to convince Eros to buy the supplies for Mema. I have had enough of haggling and long walks to this city.

Yes, that's it. I will convince him with my infamous cinnamon roles that he loves to eat so much. That always seems to do the trick!

The strong aroma of meat reminds me that I am standing on the outskirts of the night market. I may be in the more secluded area of the city, but when I see a couple of younger maidens pass by me, I can feel my cheeks redden. I must appear like a mad woman with the way that I stand awkwardly in a daze among this restless crowd of folks bustling to go to the infamous night market that is so popular in the country of Helstoria.

I can feel the judgmental stares as I just stand frozen like a statue, so out of pure embarrassment I say, "Aha, so that's the solution to that equation!" a bit too loudly and begin walking towards the bright lights of the nightlife so as to appear like a normal person. I know Mema will be a little upset about not having those tea leaves; however, knowing her, she will probably be more upset that I did not enjoy this experience. 

-.-

I gladly let my nose guide me through all the stands and am in awe by all the amazing chefs that are along the street. I find it interesting how the pop-ups lead uphill all the way toward where the fancier chefs with their stations are. 

I pat my pockets to see if I have any silver coins left for at least a small tasty meal. After some digging manage to find a couple of spare coins that were left after the shopping spree I had to do for Mema.

I let out an audible sigh.

I suppose I can buy a small piece of meat with no drink. Internally I am crying. I really wanted to get hibiscus water as well. Oh well. At least I have the opportunity to visit the night market this season around.