Little One 2

Sorry for the incredibly long wait. I pretty much stopped writing when I got into the program and college of my choice, I have been rediculously busy. Also, there was a minor problem. I got stuck! I did not know how to end the chapter before this one, and was in such a rut I could not write anymore. Well, I still don't know how to finish it, but I figure if I start plugging away again, maybe it will come to me. It was a bit of a shock to realize that I hadnt updated in over a year. It hurt. Anyways... review review review!
So, without further ado...

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The day had come, and half the palace’s residents stood out in the front lawns waiting for their transportation to arrive. Kateri stood at the top of the stairs leading down to the grounds from the main entrance, framed against a sky of soft, predawn gray in a traveling dress of blue cotton with her Name’s symbol, a winged cat in a circle, embroidered along the hems. Jess thought she looked very calm. She herself was shaking with excitement. Her fears had not fled from her entirely, but as the day had drawn near, she found herself seized with a fierce want for travel. She had not left the palace at all since arriving almost a year ago. The tales from others- mostly the other harem girls, Rene, and Camion- made her eager to explore the fair.

She came level with Kateri and looked across the lawns where several carriages had arrived and people began piling themselves into them. Kateri and her party would be the last to leave: those that were leaving now would secure lodgings and prepare for the empress’ arrival.

A shuffle of feet behind her announced Rene’s arrival, and, after a moment, Rose and Desiree also approached. Kateri turned towards the four of them, then, and gave a small, mocking smile at how Rose limped. The slave in question blushed and glanced at her sister, who smiled back. One of Rene’s sculpted eyebrows lifted neatly in question, his eyes flicking between Kateri and the twins. Jess wanted to laugh aloud at the silent antics.

“Are they almost ready to leave?” Camion’s deep voice sounded behind them.

“Yes, almost, a few minutes more and the first carriages will depart.” The smile had slipped gently from Kateri’s face and she turned to the lawns.

“How long are we going to wait before we follow them?” Rose asked, the blush having left her face.

“Two hours. We’ll make slower time than they will, those carriages are made for haste, not comfort. They’ll stay the night at Rendic, then go on to Artinal, the port city where the fair is held. We will make there sometime tomorrow. If the horses run well,” Camion sighed the last, and gloomily looked towards the stables.

Jess waited for further remark, but when none came she asked, “What’s wrong with the horses?”

“Last year, just as we made it through the forest outside of Rendic, a pack of wolves started chasing us. When we got to Rendic proper, they wouldn’t budge from the stable. Weirdest thing I ever saw a horse do; usually when the threat is over they will follow you again, but no, they stood there and dug their hoofs in and we couldn’t do anything. Made us a bit late for the opening ceremonies, but nothing too bad overall.” Rene explained.

“Yeah, let’s hope for no delays this year. You miss the best deals when you get there late!”


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Despite the early efficiency of the servants, the imperial carriage did not cross the palace gates until well into the evening. Desiree sat pressed to the door, grumbling at the wall at the tardiness, Rose sat across from her, sadistically enjoying her sister’s frustration. Rene sat next to her and across from Jess herself, Kateri sat next to her, and Camion across from his Empress.

There was little to do on the ride; the occasional glance out one of the windows revealed fast moving scenery and a continually darkening sky. Camion read reports quietly to himself until motion sickness seized him. Kateri had laid her head back and fallen asleep almost as soon as they passed the gate. It did not escape Jess’ notice: Kateri was more and more tired these days. Des had produced from somewhere on her person a chart on expected slave prices and was totaling numbers. Rose and Rene were conversing quietly about the towns they rode through. After such anticipation of the trip, Jess was beginning to think it may be one big letdown.
That was not her view, however, two days later. The carriage had crested a hill and suddenly in the vast valley below them spread a collage of tents, shacks, a few formal pavilions, and dozens of stages. Even from the distance, she could smell the wafting scent of dozens of type of foods, heard the murmur of the crowds.
When they departed the carriage, they immediately split up into groups. Rene meandered off alone, the Empress’ crest proudly displayed around his neck. It would ensure that he could purchase anything he wanted; the bills would be forwarded to the royal treasury, specifically, Kateri’s account.

“Ta-ta, loves,” was all Desiree said as she dragged her sister, who was rolling her eyes patronizingly, towards the pavilions. Kateri nudged Jess next to Camion, before striding purposefully into the melee. Camion snaked an arm quickly around her waist to prevent her from following her mistress. Grumpily, she looked up at him, but he smiled blithely and pulled her along towards some of the food booths.

“Oh, look, ratoc soup, have you ever had it?” she shook her head. She had never even heard of it. She glanced where Kateri had vanished, but Camion’s arm was unmovable.

“No? Hm, well what about jaros paste?” he dragged her over to a confection stand and she found a small ball of sticky, sweet paste wrapped in waxy paper. It was glossy and brownish tan. Following his lead, she took a small flat spoon-like utensil from Camion and scooped up a bit. It was better than it looked, mild in any actual flavor, but very sweet, and something in it made her mouth tingle, like mint.

Camion watched as curiosity lit in her dark eyes. He smiled at its innocence and decided that whatever else, he was going to try to keep that look n her eyes.

Each stall they stopped by yielded small serving of a variety of foods; they were meant to be small, people came to sample the food, brought from other countries. Finally full, Camion led her towards the market. Bright jewels flashed from their settings, beautifully glazed pots stood on pedestals, woven rugs, baskets, hanging chimes, toys, art, and all of it whirled past her eyes in an exotic dance that blinded her with colors and shapes. Never had she known how many nations existed, so many peoples, and for that matter, never had she seen so many people.

They flooded around the couple, yelling and shouting and jeering, calling in a thousand languages and even more accents, some obscene, profane, affectionate, some shouted wares, others objected the prices. But all were driven, determined, giving all their energy to their tasks. Their fervor heated the air more than the bright, high sun, shining in a cloudless sky as a beacon of benediction on the mass fair below.

As they brushed past these lusty people, Jess couldn’t help but feel swept up in their wild yelling and let her excitement take over.

So distracted by the fray of people, sights, and sounds, she barely noticed when Camion steered them towards a different set of pavilions.


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KaS