The Racer and Ryder

4

The market was just as busy, if not busier than when Aria had left it. Struggling through the crowds she pulled Cas along with her, knowing he didn't have the heart to push through. Tripping up on the cobblestones Cas grabbed onto Aria, making her giggle as they made their way down the old street. Cas is very lanky, all limbs as his mother would say. He would trip up often but Aria was always there to catch him.

They continued down the path looking at the trinkets and clothes as they went. Cas had bought her a new pair of jeans and a T-shirt, insisting that he had to pay as its her birthday. Of course Aria argued a while saying that the pin was his gift to her, but he wasn't taking it. Finally they stopped at the food stands where Aria bought what she needed to fill her cabinets. Discussing with each other what they would have for dinner, they wandered towards the weapons tent.

The weapons tent was always at the end and heavily guarded, only Al's guards where permitted to enter or people who are requested to enter. Of course Aria would always get in, followed by Cas sticking to her side and whimpering as they past each weapon. Al would always receive the best and in return they where paid generously.

Aria ran a finger across the long wooden table where the weapons where placed on show. Stopping at a weapon that peaked her interest before carrying on with her search. With a grumble and a hiss the iron monger fell through the tent curtain, shouting at whoever pushed him in in Italian. Slowly he turned to see a scared looking Cas and an amused looking Aria. His scowl turned to a toothy grin, pulling up his trouser he rubbed his greasy hands on his - what was once - white shirt. With a salesman's grin he strolled over to her, eyeing her up.

"My, my... What do we have here? It's not often a beautiful women such as yourself wanders so care free into my weapons tent." He said grinning at her and ignoring Cas's glare. Aria rolled her eyes before pushing through to continue browsing. She heard the man chuckle as he moved next to Cas behind her.

"Well she knows what she wants." The man said looking at Cas, his large hands on his wide girth.

"You have no idea." Replied Cas, this made Aria chuckle a little. She stopped when she saw what she was looking for. A carved long bow lay on the table next to a quiver filled with arrows. Running a finger delicately over the engraved swirls she admired its beauty.

"Ah, good choice m'lady, that's an old elvish style long bow, Still strong, made with the best wood." He said pointing at the wood as if that illustrates everything. Aria rolled her eyes and picked up the weapon pulling back the chord and aiming it. He was right it was strong but not to heavy, Aria picked up an arrow pointing it at one of the targets on the side of the tent. She loosed the arrow only for it to hit the red dot in the middle. With a smile she lowered the bow to see Cas and the salesman staring at the shot.

"Since I'm a good man I will give you a blade of your own choice free with the bows purchase." Said the man still staring at the arrow looking terrified. Cas made a strangled laugh holding his gut to try and stop which made Aria laugh too. The salesman jumped from his daze before grunting and folding his arms over his chest, resembling a child in the huff.

"That will be six-hundred and fifty pounds, since the bow itself is the last I have and the quiver and arrows are included in the price. Also you can choose from the small blades on the wall as a token of my gratitude." He said holding his hand out a large grin on his face. Aria looked at his hand raising her brows, while putting the arrow filled quiver on her back and setting the bow comfortably there too.

"Put it on Al, it's a gift from him." She said nodding towards the on looking guards. The mans grin soon disappeared as he turned shooting them a questioning glance, they nodded. He turned back around, taking her hand in his he placed a small kiss on her knuckles, bending low as if bowing to her. Aria said thanks before going to pick up a small sword about half the length of her arm. She sheathed sword admiring her new purchase as she stepped out.

"Alright Cas, let's fish." Aria said as she marched her was to the lake, Cas wandering behind her, casually winking at men who happened to interest him.