65th of summer, 514 a.vmidday
The day had opened with choking heat, a heat that was thick and heavy and that only grew as Syna climbed higher. By noon, the Sea of Grass was once again trapped beneath the cruel glare of summer and the drought it had brought.
Still, Shahar noted a definite change in the city as he made his way through it, two lean hares in hand. It wasn’t immediately apparent, although as a native of the city Shahar could see it well enough––everyone seemed a bit more cheerful than they had been previously, and the thirst of the season seemed somehow less important.
He’d heard of the captive birth; everyone in possession of Pavi had, and apparently the event had caused more joy than the Dawnwhisper had initially thought. Though still not particularly common, there were smiles to be seen here and there––enough smiles to make enduring the heat just a little bit easier.
The difference became more prominent, however, when Shahar reached the Spit Fire. There was a notable difference in many of the hunters, conversations were more animated and haggling more lively, and he was certain he could hear laughter from across the space in front of the butchery pavilion.
As it was, Shahar felt no great compulsion to partake in the merriment of the other hunters, although neither was he remaining particularly grouchy. He simply observed the changes and continued on as he always had, silent and determined to complete his business.
“Dawnwhisper!” said a familiar butcher with a name Shahar couldn’t quite remember.
Greeting, respectful, bearing kills.
“Really? Good t’see at least one hunter in this city still got good luck.”
Shahar presented the hares.
“... decent luck, at least.”
Indeed.
“Hand ‘em here, I don’t usually give a full five mizas for somethin’ this small, but hey, with the way th’rest’a th’city’s goin’, these’ll move off at a high price. Here.”
Shahar thanked him and tucked the money into his belt.
storyteller noteI have refrained from adding the mentioned five mizas to Shahar's ledger so that they will be a part of his income at the end of the season.
