The bustling marketplace of Shan Shen is filled with excitement. Pagodas tower above them with old brick buildings reaching to the sky where flying cars zip between the blades of small wind turbines. Vibrant banners adorned with intricate symbols flutter in the breeze.
Amid the lively scene, the Doctor hands Donna a mug of foaming drink, his face alight with mischief.
"Oh, ho, ho," he grins.
Donna eyes the cup suspiciously, "I'd rather have water."
"Nonsense. Trust me, Donna. You are going to love it. One, two, three!"
Donna takes a cautious sip, her eyes widening in surprise, "Lovely!"
The Alchemist, her own mug at hand, grins and gestures to the foam mustaches now adorning both the Doctor's and Donna's upper lips.
"Nice mustaches," she teases
The Doctor wipes at his mouth, chuckling, "Oh, you can talk!"
The trio laugh as they continue their walk through the market.
"I'm impressed you still think your taste in drinks is universal, love," the Alchemist quips.
"It's a gift!" the Doctor replies smugly before turning thoughtful, "Speaking of gifts... I owe you one."
She raises an eyebrow, "I'll let you know if I ever receive one."
The Doctor clutches his chest dramatically, "Ouch. Guess I'll just have to top myself next time."
Donna rolls her eyes, "Oh, please. Get a stall, you two."
From a nearby booth, a saleswoman calls out to them, "You want to buy shukina? Or peshmoni? Most beautiful peshmoni in all of Shan Shen!"
Donna shakes her head politely, walking on, "Uh, no thanks."
The Alchemist stops short a display of intricate jewelry. The Doctor notices and follows her eyes to a simple yet striking charm necklace. The silver chain is slender, but the pearl dangling from it is a captivating swirl of gray and dark green carved with intricate patterns.
"See something you like?" the Doctor asks quietly.
The Alchemist gives a small shrug, though her eyes linger on the necklace.
"No shrugging. That's a yes," the Time Lord turns to the stallholder and gestures to the necklace, "This one, how much?"
"Doctor, you don't need to..." the Alchemist begins.
"Nonsense! I promised a gift and a gift my lady will have!"
The stallholder beams, "The gentleman has great taste! This piece is ten credits."
The Doctor scoffs, "Ten? That's absurd. The pearl alone is worth one, tops."
"Ah, but it is no ordinary pearl!" the man gestures grandly, "This is a stone from Causarimorvarid, known for its unmatched beauty, just like the lady here!"
Both Time Lords raise their eyebrows in unison, unimpressed.
"Then why isn't it gold?" they ask in perfect synchrony.
The Doctor adds, "The stone and sand of Causarimorvarid are gold, not green."
The stallholder falters, clearly unprepared for such well-informed customers.
"Seven credits," he finally mutters.
As the Doctor continues haggling, Donna wanders farther into the market. A young woman in a black and gold robe catches her attention, her voice soft but insistent.
YOU ARE READING
Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓
FanfictionThe Alchemist knows that Time has consequences. Now having Regenerated with her Bondmate, the Doctor, both Time Lords have to confront the repercussions of Rose Tyler's actions. The question is, when will that payment fully come due? They received o...
