Historians

11.

02.03.4010

If I had been asked to walk around a town for a whole afternoon a few months ago I would not have been able to manage, but it would seem my time chasing my father and Jeremiah around has paid off. I may have dozed off trying to solve my puzzle box, but I feel accomplished. The sweets shop is truly a gem! There was a bar that tasted exquisite with just the right amount balance of tart and sweet. I must say though that I was surprised to find so few people roaming the streets in the living area.

As Anastasia sat across from Sheamus in the carriage she noticed that he seemed less angry than he had the night before. "Would you be willing to talk about last night?" Silence filled the carriage, she took his silence as a no. She would not let go of the incident her arm was still sore and slightly discolored from where he had grabbed her arm. "Is there anywhere in town you would like to visit?" Sheamus while refusing to answer her question was more than willing to change the subject. "I've heard that there is a small sweets shop that is fairly famous." Sheamus grinned and Anastasia felt herself relax. "The Princess likes sweets?" Anastasia frowned at him but inside she was pleased that he was back to teasing her. "I do enjoy the occasional sweet treat. Is there any place you would like to visit?" He shook his head. "I just want to see what the people think, and see how they're handling things." This caused Anastasia to nod her head, "That makes sense if the masses are as fearful as the Politicians claim they are there should be signs of the stress in the towns." He cast a glance outside as they approached the shopping district of the town. "I knew you were a smart one."

They started out their trip walking past a few shops. Anastasia's gaze wandered over shops which held elaborate jewels with intricate metal workings, dresses with a unique flair, as well as shops with odd trinkets, and shoes. People spoke in hushed voices as she and Sheamus passed them on the street. "Can we come back to the trinket shop before we leave?" He hummed in response. She hoped that meant yes but without words, she couldn't be sure. As they continued to make their way down the street a sweet smell drifted to her nose, causing her to stop abruptly. "What?" Sheamus looked around trying to figure out why Anastasia stopped when he noticed her pointing her hand a shop across the street. He looked to see if any carriage were coming before he led her across the street. When they entered the shop they were greeted by a joyful gentleman, "Good day, What can I help such a fine couple as yourself with?" without hesitation, Anastasia went straight to the counter where cakes and pastries were carefully stored. "Do you have something with lemon?"

"Indeed we do," he cuts into a small dish that looks like it has a yellow goo on top "lemon bars, made fresh this morning." He carefully removed the bar and placed it on a small plate with a fork. "And for the gentleman?" Sheamus watched as Anastasia eagerly eyed her treat. "I'll take a dozen pastries in a box to go." Anastasia took her bar outside and sat at a small table. While she waited for Sheamus to get his pastries boxed she enjoyed the tart flavor of her lemon bar. By the time Sheamus made it out she was finished with her lemon bar, "Did you enjoy your treat?" Anastasia nodded her head "Why did you buy so many pastries?"

"Well if your politician is saying that your district doesn't have enough food, the easiest way to get people to talk is to give them food. That's what we are here for is it not?" Anastasia opened her mouth and then shut it getting up. "So where do we start?" He held out his arm and proceeded to lead her down the street away from the shopping area.

Storefronts gave way to houses crammed one after another, smooth and cobbled streets gave way to run down pathways, and clean clothes gave way to dirty faces. Children too young to work played along the pathway enjoying each others company, three women watched over the whole group. "Hello ladies, how are the children?" Two of the women gave Sheamus a leery look but the older woman smiled "The children are well. Wot brings a governmen' o-fisha all da way o'ere?" Sheamus held up his box of treats and the children all cried out. "I'm just looking for answers." One of the younger women cast a glance at Anastasia. "An wots 'er poin' bein' o'ere? 'Er looks likes onea 'em 'ell borns ladies, dis inna no place fer 'er"