I walked between the stalls of fabric and jewels, talking to each stall owner, looking out of the corner of my eye for the pickpockets that frequented indoor markets. Especially one so richly stocked. Light filtering in from the grates far above my head produced small rainbows off the diamond I was holding.
The market didn’t ask questions. I wasn’t the strangest to come through— women wearing daggers and breeches were almost as frequent as skirts and perfume in the palace. Scars were compared when warriors met. Being proper didn't matter here.
“Would you like something for your hand, M’lady?” the vendor asked as I handed him gold for a small sapphire pendant. “Something to accentuate your scars, marks of pride?”
I chuckled and shook my head, pulling out leather fingerless gloves as I dropped the pendant in my belt purse. “I have something.”
He revealed a gold mesh glove studded with rubies, stored near his workspace. “I could exchange these for amethyst— perfect for you. Even over those gloves.”
“It would look stunning on black leather…” I mused almost to myself. But it was a repeated conversation for both of us. I smiled. “Maybe in a week or two.”
He smiled in return. “I’ll save it for you. Maybe show you the amethyst?”
“That’d be nice.”
He waved at me as I left the booth. It was nice to come here— where another outsider in the crowd didn't matter.
Spoiler! :
Gender:
Points: 89625
Reviews: 1272