Gemoira

three

Pocketing a wonderfully red apple, I pulled my hood further down my face. It was windy today, and the markets were thriving with people.

It had been ten days since Neo warned me of the markets, and the new year was fast approaching. During that time, I was mostly indoors, thanks to Mother Nature. Neo was right and being outside whilst bleeding was not ideal. It alerted not only my gender, but my capability of breeding if people discovered that it was menstrual blood. Which is not something I wanted announced to the supernatural world.

In only six more days, the last day of the year would mark a fantastic fae celebration. If it was anything like last year, there would be fireworks and food galore. Usually, Neo did not let me visit the celebrations, claiming it was too risky. But he would not stop me this year.

Stubborn as I was, I would not stay sat on the cliff edge watching from so far away. Salkyr itself was a two-day walk, so I knew I wouldn't be able to sneak away. Perhaps I could convince him to come with me.

I snorted, causing a few fae folk to glance my way. Turning my head, I quickly avoided their probing eyes. It was late morning, and the market was well under way. My journey to Somerval from the mountains I called home took me a couple of hours, so I had to leave fairly early to make it in time.

Passing the firewood stall, my nose wrinkled at the extortionate prices the elf charges for wood you can gather in the forests. Five silver coins for six pieces of kindling, or two gold for four wooden logs! That could get me an entire bag of food from the food store!

I caught sight of a fae carrying a large sword in his belt, and another with a bow on his back. Both were standing in Salkyr uniform, observing the crowded plaza with stern expressions. It made me curious because why would Salkyr defenders be at Somerval's market? It was the largest, and best, market around, sure, but it was just over a day's hike for anyone without a wheeled-vehicle. Then again, these fae probably had a horse and cart, or even one of those fancy wheeled vehicles, and could've made it in half that time.

Even so, why were they here?

I eyed the shiny hilt of the sword, thinking how exceptional it would be to hold. Neo had taught me how to fight with weapons. He had trained me rather well. Griffon's grow faster than humans, meaning he was already well-trained when he found me at only sixteen. We had tried swords, daggers and even bows, but fighting against Neo grew jaded. I knew his every move.

Plus, he rarely got the weapons out now. He had this one sword that he never let me touch, and it was so pretty and shiny I wanted nothing more than to feel the weight in my hand. He never told me why it was so precious and his reluctance only made me want it more.

Today, I would have to be careful in the markets. If I took something too close to wandering eyes, the guards would get me right then and there. Someone would kill or lock me up before Neo could curse at me.

I wandered from the everyday stalls to the more specific. Jewels, art, and the finest bedding stared back at me, all too large or too noticeable if they went missing. I always wanted one of those long, round silver chain looking things. I have seen some fae wear them in the summer, and they always glint against the sunlight and make their neck look really pretty. I remember mum sometimes wore one, claiming it was a lace, but as far as I'm aware, laces belong on your shoes. Even so, my memory was shit so I probably made it up.

Besides, I could never have one; they were too precious and tied down to the stall they sat upon.

Stepping towards the side with the weapons, I purposefully evaded the salesmen vying for my attention. When I came to the market, I always tied my hair back and wore clothing that hid my body to look like a boy. Despite most male fae having long hair, humans did not. The cloak helped to hide my skin too, because fae were pale and my skin seemed to hold a tanner complexion compared. In the summertime, it really deepened and I stood out even more. My hair was dark too, but thankfully, most overlooked the few tendrils in front of my eyes.