Shopping Spree (Open)

[Lucinda Noru]

It was a beautiful day in the Merchant District. The sun was shining bright and warm, balanced nicely by a fair breeze and the occasional cloud creating shade. It was bustling with people shopping for food, household goods, clothes, magical paraphernalia, and anything else that one could possibly think would be found in a medieval market place. This made it rather noisy as well, with all the people talking, shouting and such.  There was the occasional hush as people spotted the noble party, but for the most part it was a normal day.

After gathering a few extra guards to escort them about, Lucinda set out to the market with her company. She didn't mind letting Alli ride about on Aria's shoulders or her own even, when it suited her. Aria had asked in a way that made her think carrying the tiny dragon in a satchel was probably embarrassing. She was just concerned about not being able to handle the little spitfire but Aria assured her that she'd make sure Alli behaved. The little dragon was drawing about as much attention as the nobility strolling amongst the market place were themselves.  The guards followed them at a discreet pace so as not to be in the way but still close enough should trouble arise. Between the two of them, Diamond, and the usual guards that kept watch over the market, there shouldn't be any trouble.

Lucinda didn't know her way around the market area really and was easily distracted watching the common folk go about their business. "Lady Aria, Lady Vanya, are either you very familiar with this district? I'm afraid this is nothing like Palico's market," she asked, while absently looking through some windows of a store selling what appeared to be herbs and dried animal parts.

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Aria walked about in a relaxed state; it was good to be back in the lower part of the city. There was a smile on her face; the market was always so much livelier then where the nobles usually hung about. People were rough around the edges, but they laughed at what they thought funny, and didn’t usually hold back what they said. She waved to those she had gotten to know with her wonderings around the city. She got a couple of raised eyebrow by the state of her dress, and the fact a dragon was riding about on her shoulders. Aria turned her attention to Lucinda when her name was called.

”I am; where would you like to go first?”

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Melda followed the two girls. She was only doing this because Lucinda asked for her help with Aria. Melda really disliked shopping, and she looked around the district with slight disdain. She knew they were more than safe with the amount of guards and Diamond surrounding them, and not that many knew it, but Melda had her own person weapons available to her. Goodness, it's been ages since I've been out here. Aria, it looks like you'll be leading us... However... Princess, just to be very clear, we're looking for a new wardrobe for Lady Wurud, correct? So basically... an actually shopping spree? There's not specific goal? Melda looked to the Princess, hoping to be corrected with a "No, we just need a dress or two."

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Diamond came along with the trio of women as well as some guards and was slightly agitated at the fact that he could not handle three charges at once? But figured it was just err to the side of caution on the matter. Diamond had his jeweled gauntlets on as he was protecting Melda from harm. The white haired male though was getting a bunch of looks of adimiration due to the fact he was Mylee's champion as well as the hero for saving the third district and a perhaps a good amount of the second district. He was still not use to some of the attention that was directed to him, but it did shift as there were two nobles and a princess shopping about. None the less Diamond was keeping his eyes open for any threats that would have been coming at Melda or the other two women. "My lady, let the princess have some fun. I am sure that she is tired of being cooped up in the castle" he said was letting his eyes brose each of the stalls. Looking for anything that would catch his violet orbs since it was mostly going to be for things for ladies. Although perhaps he could find something for Pearl or his mother. He did get a letter awhile back that they were coming back west. Hopefully to watch Diamond in the Champion's finals and that was something he was itching for.

He had been at least heavly been training every morning and evening as he wanted to keep in shape. The call of fighting and combat did sound quite wonderful. Since he was getting a bit stiff with everything that was going on.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda heard Aria ask where she wanted to go but Melda's comments caught her attention with more amusement. "Lady Vanya has a point! This is a shopping spree for you, not myself. We are supplementing your wardrobe in such a way as to basically provide you with a new one. It is my brother's wish that you can dress yourself as a true lady of the court. This will require more than a few new dresses, which once purchased, shall be arranged to be delivered to the castle," the princess explained, smiling in amusement. Melda's disdain for the second district was puzzling to her, she found it so fascinating.

She smiled at Diamond's comments. "I like this one, Lady Vanya," she said before turning back to Aria. "Lady Aria, the choice in where to go is yours. Lead on, but please be tasteful and remember we're going for a noble look. I believe, based on your current choice, that you do have good tastes," Lucinda said, smiling again. She was already enjoying herself just being out and about. Though this was her second time to the market area, it was still exciting.

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Aria raised an eyebrow apparently the lower district people weren’t Melda’s crowed but Lucinda seemed to be enjoying herself. Chuckling at Diamonds correction, she was beginning to like this cove more each time he opened his mouth. She Nodded with Lucinda agreeing he was a good one. Aria fidgeted a bit when she mentioned they would be buying a whole new wardrobe for her.

”Makes my skin crawl…the amount that I’m going to probably be spending is enough to feed some of these people for months on end….and with that in mind. I have a place I want to commission some items. However with that in mind…”

Aria given the go ahead and coin in her hand, went deep into the market place. Arias target shops were in the shadier parts of the market, where those she knew were from the poorer side of the third district usually set up shop. She knew a few seamstresses that had more than decent work. While nothing was expensive here, or made with the most superior materials. She did buy a few simple shifts, along with some simple dress. She could always make them look better later by trimming them with ribbon or such. Which was her next stop. Either way she wanted to spend a chunk of coin, which she knew would go a long way for the people down this way. Aria strategically bought some of her basic items like this. It would also go a long way to continue to win favor. She commsioned some dresses from someone who looked like they were one of the fair folk, they were well enough known for their superior quality of clothes. Not only did she purchased some nice gowns, he allowed Melda and Lucinda to give her some tips. She also purchased some clothes which were both feminine and functional. Meaning they had pants, and still look suitable enough for court. Aria budgeted her money quite well as was fairly common for those who were brought up where a single copper could make a difference.

”You know the districts are not all that bad; I do love the people… they laugh at what they find funny, and say what they think. They appreciate the small things, yes there is plenty bad this way….but well it’s alive down this way. It’s the best way I can put it.”

By this point Aria had gotten most of the clothe stuff she needed…she had even bought a couple of nightshifts to wear to bed. Least they were long enough that it didn’t look bad if she was caught without pants. Aria stopped as she passed some trinkets and tilted her head to the side. ….she had bought clothes for herself before…but never jewelry…as a noble did she need jewelry…then again if often got in the way.

”You know, we should probably buy things for the festival coming up….I never have gotten the chance to participate back home”

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Melda glanced at Diamond, a snarky look on her face. Though, before a retort could come out of her mouth, Lucinda responded, confirming that they would be out for quite some time. Melda held in a sigh. When Lucinda referred to Diamond, Melda chuckled lightly, glancing back at him again. Well, there you have it. Duchess Wurud, and the Princess like you. You now have connections. Melda shook her head, looking away from him and back at Aria. She understood where the girl was coming from, wanting to help these people best she could. Melda found that admirable.

As they roamed around, Aria bought what she wished with comments from both the Princess and herself. Melda also bought a few things for herself, in need of things for the festival and little things she simply liked here and there. Ironically enough, Aria mentioned just that. I have been doing that, just as a precaution. I have my image set, now it just needs to come together. Melda shrugged, the image of a owl theme clear in her mind.

I believe you’ll enjoy yourself. You won’t be the centre of attention and there’s masks. Perfect. Melda smiled.

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Diamond had a few chuckles as both Aria and Lucinda seemed to like his attitude on the matter. And it was true though, It seemed that the princess had been in there for awhile now. But that was his opinion on the matter and walked with the trio of ladies. He agreed that the money that they were going to spend would be triple the amount of income for even those that were in the third district. As they walked about he hears Aria say something "I agree with you there Aria, more so then you think" he was a drifter in a sense with the Mercenary company since they would always be in the lower area districts in whatever city that they were in. Then the festival came up and sighed a bit. He never liked to dress up fancy or anything like that, as most of the time the stuff he saw here was rather stuffy. But that was in general with major festivals like this, he would just buy a really fancy mask and maybe some comfortable casual clothes.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda gave Aria a thoughtful look as she complained about spending the money. Obviously, the princess had never thought about it like that but she supposed that was a good point. "I'm sorry, Lady Aria. I never thought about it in that manner. What will you do then?" she apologized, then waited.

Her answer came over time as she followed the red head through the market area. Lucinda was impressed with Aria's talent for budgeting and knowing where she wanted to spend her money. Some of the shops they entered looked a bit worse for wear but she got the feeling that Aria knew these people, if not personally then in a general sense. Aria's reminder about the festival was timely. Lucinda had almost forgotten about the fact that she still didn't have her costume. The princess commissioned her festival attire from the same person as Aria, paying extra to have it delivered safely to the castle. She bought a few more things while they were out but mostly just enjoyed walking about amongst the people.

Melda's comments about the festival were right on point and the princess nodded. "That's right. Everyone wears masks at the festival ball. No one will know who you are unless they recognize you some other way, which sometimes can't be helped. I'm so excited. It's going to be a wonderful evening, I'm sure. Not to mention an overdue tribute to the gods. I've heard that sometimes they join the festival themselves, in disguise of course. Is that true?" Lucinda was clearly very excited about the whole thing.

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Aria scratched the back of her head, it was odd to be called by her new title. Like many things in her new lifestyle…it was going to take some adjusting to. As Aria walked she chatted with Lucinda.

”Since being fated over, I’ve made a point to get to know the locals. I like to know how the crops are going, how much the price of bread rises and falls, or how much fish was brought in to port. People enjoy talking about their work. It may seem like idle chatter but it also gives you a good idea of where to spend your coin to help the city as a whole….You don’t notice a huge dent; but it makes a difference in a good number of lives.”

It helped that she had lived in the lower districts in fey most of her life. She knew how things worked from a firsthand perspective. Very few people with her upbringing ever got the chance to rise into a position to make a difference. While she ran the thieves in a similar manner; the thieves had their own code of ethics that separated them from common street thugs.

”While spending here is nice; I am aware that I will need some higher quality pieces…”

Aria never bothered to spend coin on something pretty; so she purchased a small set of fresh water pearl pins and matching small studs. They weren’t expensive, but they were pretty none the less. She also bought some face paint for her lips and kohl for her eyes. Lucky for her she didn’t need any special scents people were selling, though most did smell pretty. Her own scent had always been a mixture between roses and campfires. It was something she never felt the need to cover up. She bought a couple of other hair pins, as well, one catching her eye looked like a gold phoenix which she delightfully discovered was also a small hidden dagger. It would go well with her idea for her costume for the festival. Her attention turned back towards Lucinda when she asked if the gods were present during the festival.

”I believe they will be, it will be no different than other times. Vennessa and Ai were present for the Blossom festival…..she freaking knocked me out cold before throwing me in a dungeon with my date cause I tried to run….I had signed my date up as a joke…”

Aria scrunched her face up when Melda said she would enjoy herself.

”Trust me….something always goes wrong….allllwaaays. I have two left feet when it comes to large gatherings. Though the masks will help…but frankly I have each of you by your scents...sadly I won’t get the same experience as you all. However the foods always good…speaking of food I have a place I want to see if its opened, lunch is in an hour or so…but first Whitey, I want to check out this shop that’s known for their weapons. You may enjoy the change of pace.”

Aria pulled out a secondary coin pouch from her shirt, apparently it had been tucked away in between her breast.

”This shopping is on my coin…since being fated over my collection has be severely depleted; I would like to visit this shop. I’ve heard it’s fairly well known. You wouldn't do yourselves harm picking up something yourselves, there are fairly feminine weapons that are both functional and decorative.”

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Melda watched as Aria bought little things here and there, noting her taste and hesitance to go to the more expensive side of things. Thinking logically, Melda couldn’t blame her, looking at where Aria was raised and from what the Duchess had been told about it. Spending carefully had to be a hard habit to come out of, but she was certain that over time Aria would loosen from it a tad. While they walked and Lucinda and Aria talked, Melda kept a steady pace behind them, more there for request than anything else. She stayed alongside Diamond, silent for the most part, keeping an eye out for owl feathers, and grey or white accessories.

Diamond, what are your plans for the festival. I know you will be attending the ball with me, but do you wish to be out and enjoy the rest of it? Melda looked up at the white haired man, curious if he wished to be involved in the citizen part of the festival and not just the noble one. The ball was fun but even Melda had seen the rest of the festival and had been curious of it. She’d never attended it yet, but she’d heard it can be fun.

If you wish for a night or two off, I am sure I can handle myself, and ask a castle guard to stay with me. Her voice stayed steady and she looked forward now. She didn’t want to seem like she cared what he wanted, but in truth she didn’t want to keep him prisoner in her world when he had his own as well.

When Aria mentioned lunch in an hour Melda nodded, for the first time noticing her stomach feel hollow. Lunch sounds like a brilliant idea.

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"Ugh don't remind me of the mischief of Venessa, I feel bad for the woman that Ai had arranged for me. Before I met her, Venessa had sprayed me with something that made me smell like a male cat. The woman was a Neokmata.....oh forgive me. I think you call them here a Anthro, and she was a feline....and she was in heat. Thank Fate that I had pants on at the time and my crystals" said Diamond as he felt Aria's pain on the matter of being messed with by the gods. It seemed that lady still had some sights on him though even though he had washed off that scent off of him. After that though it was a pleasant time but he still watched his back from time to time for the catwoman. His thoughts were taken away from him when his boss spoke to him. "I will take that offer and just be two days and my plans? I honestly don't have a clue. I mostly go with the flow of things, I might take the day after the festival and train against live opponents in the arena. I need to get ready for the finals of the Tournament of Champions" he said to Melda as that part he was looking forward to.

Then Aria spoke up about a certain store that she wanted to go to. He smiled a bit as he needed something aside from his katana's. Since he was dealing with much more armored opponents and slashing weapons would be a bit useless. Perhaps a heavy or dense two handed sword or perhaps a powerful smashing weapon would be good. But it did saddened him he would be fighting a lot more savagely then with a elegance and skill of one of his weapons. "Well thank you on that Aria. I do appreciate a good smith as they put there heart and soul into weapons. I hope I can find something with a fine elegance and function. I am a bit finicky with what I use, its like I don't choose the weapon. It chooses me in some aspect like with the blades that I wield" he said answering with somewhat philisopical tone. "I think either myself or Aria here can help on the choice of weapon" he said and followed the group and the sound of food did sound quite nice as he was feeling a bit peckish himself.

[Lucinda Noru]

Lucinda was quite enjoying the outing as a whole and thought the entire thing was going quite well. Her and Aria chatted lightly about the lower class. She enjoyed the change in perspective that the Fated woman provided. "I never really thought about it like that, honestly. It must be nice to be able to chat idly with the commoners. They tend to be too wary and formal around us nobles, unfortunate though that is," she said, nodding as Aria mentioned needing to purchase some more expensive items. "Yes, you'll need a few fancier gowns and accessories fit more for a duchess to fulfill my brother's tastes. That way we can appease him easily and he won't bother you about your attire. He means well but he can be abit pushy sometimes. I think it's the age difference," she continued, laughing a bit as she talked about her brother.

As Aria explained about the gods and goddesses, Lucinda listened thoughtfully and smiled. "Wonderful! It sounds like your experience and Diamond's were a little unfortunate but I do hope to meet one of the pantheon for myself anyway. It would be a great honor," she said, clearly excited.

The mention of food and the smith shop gave the princess mixed feelings. "Well, of course we can certainly visit this shop. Personally, I am only somewhat acquainted with a bow and have no other combat skills. Lunch, however, sounds like a splendid idea. All this walking in this hot weather has given me quite an appetite. Lead the way, Duchess,"Lucinda said, sounding slightly enthused.

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Aria smiled as she listened to Melda ask Diamond if he wanted a few days off, while they discussed that Aria paid mind to Lucinda. Her smile leaving when she spoke of commoners being jumpy.

”That’s because most nobles treat them like scummer, the Norus so far are the nicest nobles I have met. Excluding you Duchess Melda. Usually they treat commoners no better than mangy street mutts. I cant count how many beatings I received from a Noble and what they think they can get away with…and what they usually do get away with is nauseating.”

The look in Aria’s eyes went cold; and the tone in her voice dark; the air around her dropped in temperature.

”Every street rat and pretty mot knows when you see a bag commin you get your ass out of the way our make yourself scarce as possible. Unless you be the sort who makes your living on your back.”

Aria sighed making her thoughts move to another place. She use to hate most nobles with a passion. Funny to think she became one…

”The common folk need nicer ones like you two; unfortunately most of the ones down this way only come looking for trouble.”

Aria sighed when she heard this king was picky for attire; Noku didn’t seem that picky more amused then anything. But then again it would seem she would have to start acting her part.

”Ok but I’m taking it slow, spending so much on trinkets seems wrong to me…. But then again….if they are practical like those hair pins I would be a bit more comfortable with it.”

She scratched the back of her head in regards to the pantheon and Lucinda wanting to meet one….

”Aim for Ai, she’s fairly motherly I think she’d adore you…I have only met Saden here. He’s different from the one in my time….so I can’t claim to know the once much here.”

Aria snorted at Diamonds story really it sounded amusing; that woman’s pranks were as good as her own.
”Yes anthro’s but Phiorics another term that we really prefer, not all of us can change. Was the cat lady the same that was at the springs with us?”

She did not remark on the championships, it was likely she was pulling out anyhow. However she was happy they seemed ok with going to the weapons shop, it was probably a nice change of pace for Diamond. He had to be walking around buying girly stuff all day, that couldn’t have been good for his pride. She commended him for not complaining once. Aria smiled when Lucinda even expressed a little interest.

”Personally I’m familiar with throwing daggers, and a very fair hand at the sword. I’m ambidextrous so I don’t have a favored hand; which helps when throwing multiple objects. I’m learning I’m ok with Chakrams, and getting to be proficient with a staff. I would like to learn how to use a bow and arrow. Maybe they will have the bladed fans from the eastern lands, there functional and pretty, I loved playing the fan dances. There’s a game you can play to with other people however that you have to be a fair hand at catching it without cutting yourself. The really good ones you could lose sets of fingers with. If we find some I will teach you it with a dulled one.”

Aria lead the way to the shop.

”Diamond perhaps you should try a war hammer, I’ve seen some pretty ones.”

When they got to the shop Aria pushed the door open and strode inside; being dressed as she was she got some odd looks. But she ignored them quite well and began looking at the wares. The shop itself was fairly large and their products were known to be top of the line. It would seem when it came to weapons Aria had fairly fine and expensive taste.

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Melda stayed out of the conversation about the Gods, not having enough knowledge to give proper input. But when Diamond brought up the festival and what happened o him, she couldn’t help bu chuckle. Yes, I very purposely stayed out of that. Being paired with some imbecile man is the last thing I need. She rolled her eyes with a small smile and looked to Diamond as he answered her questions and nodded. Yes, take a couple days off, and do what you like. You deserve it I suppose. Melda was not happy that Diamond was competing in the Tournament of Champions, but there was nothing she could do. She just hoped he didn’t die. Finding someone to replace him would be a chore she did not wish to have.

When Aria spoke her name, Melda’s mind came back to the present and she smiled, catching on to what she was mentioned for, but did not respond, not wanting to interrupt. When weapons were once again brought up, Melda divulged a bit into her own means of protection.

Well, to be honest I rely more on my magic than physical weapons… I trust that what I tell the three of you will stay with the three of you… But aside from my wind magic, I am also very good with ice. Or well, snow, water in general. Normal weapons aren’t really something I like keeping on me, but my magic stays within me, ready to be used at a moments notice. Though I suppose a dagger or something couldn’t hurt. I wanted to learn how to wield a sword as a child, but my mother found it very unconventionally for a lady. Melda shrugged as they walked into the shop, no longer bringing up her magic. It was a topic she liked keeping under wraps, and aside from them and Chasm, no one knew.

Melda looked around, coming across a silver plated dagger with teal gems encrusted in the hilt. She held it up testing the weight. She hadn’t lied when she said her mother wouldn’t allow her to learn how to use a sword, but that didn’t stop her from learning about swords and daggers. She waved a clerk over and purchased the dagger when the others were busy, and lifted the skirts of her dress, sliding the blade into her boot. A common hiding place, but it happened to be all she had in the outfit she wore. Once that was done she caught up with the others, looking around at the other weapons around them.