𝐒𝐖𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐆 • 𝐀𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐃 & 𝐀𝐄𝐆𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐄𝐍.

𝟎𝟐

124 𝓐𝔠.

Flea bottom was a world of its own. A labyrinth of narrow streets, ramshackle buildings, and darkened alleys. The very air hung heavy with the smells of smoke, sweat, and other unimaginables. Fires raged in the night, giving life to the denizens of the streets. Here, people of all shapes and sizes came together to play, to revel, and to forget. Even a casual walk through this place would reveal countless secrets. A glimpse from the corner of the eye might catch an intimate scene, only to be followed by the sight of a hawker or a beggar. In this world, one could experience the best and the worst of humanity, all within a single breath.

Astorea and Aegon were nearly unrecognizable, their faces hidden beneath a sea of bright, chaotic color. Their striking hair, which usually differentiated them from the masses, was almost invisible beneath the myriad of clocks that adorned it.

Aegon commanded, his gaze fixed on the horizon, "Wait here for but a moment, engage in whatever activities you desire, but take heed and avoid entanglements with unsavory characters."

Astorea scoffed, her voice dripping with contempt. "Maybe you should take your own advice, Aegon. We're in Flea Bottom - the epitome of unsavory characters. I'll have my fun, don't worry."

The place was thick with a sense of danger, but Astorea relished in the thrill. She was at home in this world of chaos and unpredictability, where every step could lead to something unexpected. Whatever others saw as a dangerous place, Astorea saw as a playground - and she had every intention of playing.

She was akin to a wildfire, burning everything in its wake. She cared not for the consequences of her actions, a flaw that left a trail of destruction in her wake. To her, everything was a mere game, something to be toyed with and manipulated to her every whim. Her recklessness was a double-edged sword, bringing both chaos and excitement to those who dared to tread near her.

And so, Aegon watched in awe as Astorea navigated her way through the crowded flea bottom, smoothly slipping through bodies like she had done hundreds of times. He couldn't help but smirk, his emotions a complex mix of admiration and frustration.

"A gem, girl?" Inquired the woman, her gaze fixed upon the array of bracelets and necklaces adorning the table before her. Astorea, though skeptical of their authenticity, couldn't help but find herself captivated by their allure. Their beauty was undeniable, even if their luster would fade all too swiftly.

Her eyes wandered across the myriad of choices strewn before her until they alighted upon a single necklace. It boasted a captivating iridescence, reminiscent of a mystical seashell, delicately suspended from a chain of gleaming gold.

"An exquisite selection, dear," the lady remarked. "A necklace of such beauty, gracing a neck as resplendent as yours." Her smile widened, revealing a row of teeth that bore the marks of time.

Astorea's smile blossomed in response to the lady's words. "I'm honored by your flattery,"

Astorea hastily reached into her cloak pocket, retrieving a small sack filled with Silver Stag and Copper Penny coins. But as her eyes fell upon the sack, a sudden realization washed over her. It wasn't her own, but rather Aegon's. Unbeknownst to her, he must have slipped it into her pocket, well aware of her forgetful nature. A faint chuckle escaped Astorea's lips at the cleverness of his gesture.

The lady glanced down at the pennies in her hands, her eyes widening as she realized their true worth surpassed her initial estimation of the necklace. She looked up, only to find that Astorea had already begun walking away, adjusting her cloak.

"Girl!" the lady called out, her voice cutting through the bustling noise of the busy place. Surprisingly, no one seemed to pay much attention to the commotion. "You've got some change left!"