The Bastard Stag

Chapter 4- The Market

Summary:

Aloe goes shopping with Lady Olena.

I walked through the sun baked streets of Kings Landing with Lady Olena on my arm. She obviously knew where she was going because soon we were out of Fleabottom and on the Street of Silk. As we crossed it the sounds of giggles and rustling of skirts overwhelmed my ears. Thankfully no one looked our way. What would an old Lady and a small girl be worth for the whores. They searched out the rich, young knights and fat lords knowing that those men had coins to spare.

We walked farther down the street of Silk. The giggling and musty small left behind us. When we finally got up to the opposite side of the Keep, I couldn't help but stare. The beautiful red brick was interlaced with browns and whites. Lady Olena gave me a moment to pause and stare up at the huge walls. But being the impatient and bustling Lady she was pulled on my arm obviously wishing for us to continue.

We passed the Sept of Baelor and after following her through the winding streets of Kings Landing we reached an out door market. The stall were truly beautiful. Colorful tapestry blocked the sunlight from burning the owners, what seemed like a thousand me and women going about their daily business, I could here foreign languages the haggling of shop owners, the sweet small of rotting fruit and smoke. Overwhelmed I looked up at Lady Olena.

"Let us go buy you shoes and materials for those new dresses." she told me. I followed her meekly.

We stopped near a vender that was more of a tent than a out door stand. It was made of a rich purple material and had flaps that opened and closed for buyers. Inside sat a pudgy, bald man. He was dressed in a thin azure blue shift with golden birds sewn into the makeshift belt he used to hold the shift closed. His dark skin was a beautiful contrast to the blue of his robe and he looked quite regal sitting behind the piles of fabric.

When the chubby man saw that Lady Olena had entered the shop, he quickly stood and walked right up to us.

" Lady Olena." He greeted her," What a pleasure it is to see you!"

" Oh spare me the pleasantries Boquor." Lady Olena said," There is no need for such silly things. Now we need to buy some materials for the fine, young lady."

She pointed to me and for the first time since we had entered the tent Boquor looked at me. He looked me once over with a look of distaste, i might have been clean but I was wearing trousers. No Lady should ever wear trousers.

" Oh she is quite a fine Lady." He said the sarcasm evident in his words. He then looked back at Lady Olena," What were you looking for my sweet Lady. As you know I sell many different fabrics."

The rest of the day went on like this. Stopping at stores that Lady Olena was the patron of, the merchants walking up to the Lady and greeting her. They would offer her endless options of a million different things. She would point me out and they would give me a once over saying they would find me something suitable; and on and on it went.

We ended up buying what felt like half of Kings Landing. Lady Olena had to send for one of her men to help carry everything she had bought. I had never felt so babied in my life. When we had gotten back to my father, he didn't seem surprised to see the huge pile of dresses and other nick knacks. He ushered me into our house, then walked back outside, closing the door behind him. I heard him and Lady Olena whispering on the other side of the door.

I was tired and it was already getting dark outside, so I went up to my room. My clothes was soiled and so I took it off. I was really tired from walking around all day so I washed my hands and face; and got into bed.