Maji Born

19 - A Record of Years

The streets of Evarast swelled with a cacophony of voices, each seller proclaiming their goods to passersby.

"Roasted quail! Get your quail here!"

"Handspun wool! Three ginu a skein!"

Eirian gazed around in awe as she passed each stall, her eyes roaming over to one in particular. The table was littered with timepieces similar to the one Broker had on his person. Lavinia trailed behind her, fingers grasping Eirian's tightly.

She was enjoying the crowded streets far less than Eirian. Her mind spun with the intensity of the noises. With each shout, she flinched ever so slightly and the abundant smells of manure, roasted meat, and unwashed bodies were enough to make her faint.

"Is it always this busy?" Eirian asked, as three women with baskets bustled passed them. Lavinia staggered as one of them elbowed her by accident. She let out a small hiss but managed to retain her composure.

Zehara strode ahead of the other two, dressed in a vivid peacock blue collared dress. She glanced over her shoulder at the others. She gave Lavinia a sympathetic grimace before responding to Eirian's query. She gestured to the surrounding marketplace with her free hand, the other held tightly to a bundle of scrolls.

"Only on market days. The vendors come to Evarast from all around Zedar to sell their wares. Some even travel from across the sea."

Zehara pointed to a vendor situated on the next corner. He was an older man, stooped, with a thick bristled mustache. He wore a boiled leather apron and was immersed in an argument with a tall finely dressed gentleman.

"See that man? He's a mapmaker and purveyor of ancient relics. Every three months he returns to the city with his wares, and news of the other realms."

"Does he know anything about the Ardaer stone?" Eirian asked. Zehara smiled slightly and glanced back at the other girl. She was sharp.

"Let's hope so," Zehara said. As she passed the vendor, their eyes met and she nodded slightly. He reciprocated before returning to his customer and Zehara continued on passed.

"We're not stopping?" Eirian asked, glancing back at the vendor over her shoulder.

"No. It's too public," Lavinia murmured from beside her. Zehara turned to appraise her with delighted surprise.

"Exactly. He'll meet me at the University." Zehara led them up the next street which was wider and twice as busy as its counterpart. Evarast seemed to be built on top of a hill. The roads built up to the University core. As they approached it Zehara explained, gesturing at the towering architecture.

"The University was constructed thousands of years ago. It is one of the finest schools in Panorila," Zehara said as they approached the University. It sprawled out in front of them, towering above them with huge spires and sparkling glass.

The buildings formed a circle facing one another as if in conversation.

"In Zedar, we strive to create equality in everything. That starts with our architecture." As they walked Zehara pointed out each building leading up to the library. "That one focuses on maji arts," they were passing under the tallest of the buildings. It formed a large sparkling tower, built of glass and Selwin. Eirian gazed up it with hungry curiosity. 

A tall woman dressed head to toe in a black and silver fitted gown and a tall collared silver coat, exited the building. She nodded curtly at Zehara as she passed, her arms loaded with scrolls. Eirian stepped out of her way as she reached them, and watched the woman cross to a sprawling globular building. This building had no windows, it was also built of Selwin. Zehara smiled and gestured for Eirian and Lavinia to follow her toward it.