.
The Dhani were gathering around the Black Rock merchants like greedy children grabbing for a last piece of candy. They were moving down the cavern carrying heavy trunks. Jovial laughter ricocheted between them as they had finally ended their long journey. It had been a long time since the merchants had been to Zinrah as it was difficult to have large parties enter and leave unnoticed by the Myrians. Fortunately, the people from Black Rock were on equally good terms with the Myrians and could make it through the jungle relatively unharmed…at least from the sentient creatures who prowled its depths.
However, it wouldn’t be till the next day that they were ready to begin selling their wares. First they would get settled and gather in the distillery to share and exchange story and tales of what had happened since the last time the merchants had been in the cavernous city. Ayszel grinned with delight as she moved with the hordes of fellow Dhani towards the distillery. She and Rixal hadn’t spoken since yesterdays debauchery and even though she easily spotted the flickering red hair in the crowd she was determined not to speak to her.
Some of the quieter merchants, especially the Charoda who often felt uneasy near so many predators chose to remain in private rooms but the larger group of them gathered in the main area to drink and party copiously.
Ayszel however, was more interested in the Charoda than the lively debates among the others. So as the group gathered at the fine wooden counters to ask for a private room Ayszel bravely sidled up amongst their ranks. Of course, her long serpentine form and intense hair and skin stood out among the group and several turned to watch her suspiciously while they waited to be escorted.
“I would love to join you, if you will have me.” She asked genuinely. However, while the majority stayed silent two rapidly shook their heads.
“We would prefer to have the time to ourselves…” One spoke slowly. Her fine pastel green skin was a familiar colour among the Dhani but her long tentacles that tickled her lower back moved of their own accord making Ayszel shiver unnerved.
“I have plenty of stories to tell….” She tried convincingly, “and I’ll pay for drinks.” This got their attention and they turned to gaze at Ayszel before the pastel Charoda nodded slowly.
“Alright…you may join us.” She murmured, her voice the uncanny singsong of Whales and Dolphins, almost squeaky in cadence.
Ayszel grinned and as Nessyl gathered them with her and into the private room. Ayszel followed behind them , drawing the privacy curtains closed behind her. The table was round and surrounded by a stone bench.
“This is the worst part about coming to Zinrah, stone chairs. My poor aching back.” The eldest male said as he slid in first. Though Ayszel could not have told his age apart from all the others, their slippery rubbery skin not revealing age, she couldn’t help the scowl that accompanied an insult to her city. However, the man noticed the insulted look and raised his hands with what appeared to be a genuine apology, “I’m sorry, I meant no insult. It’s just hard on us is all. We like your humidity just fine.” He added with a grin, which contagiously infected Ayszel with a grin of her own.
When they had finally settled themselves about the table, Ayszel was gently placed beside the pastel coloured female. Extending a hand she offered an introduction, complete with full name and the name of her mother. The Charoda extended her own hand with a sharp-toothed smile, “Sibilance, but you may call me Lacey.” Ayszel shook her hand good-naturedly.
Vinessyless entered their shrouded private room and lit the many lanterns in the corners much to the Charodas glee, “Thank you dear, you know just what we like,” The elderly man grinned, “Four White Scales, as usual” he ordered for the group of Charoda.
“And a glass of Blood Wine.” Ayszel added.
“So what do you want Dhani child?” The elderly man asked when the owner had disappeared behind the dark heavy curtains.
Spring 78th 515 AV
The Dhani were gathering around the Black Rock merchants like greedy children grabbing for a last piece of candy. They were moving down the cavern carrying heavy trunks. Jovial laughter ricocheted between them as they had finally ended their long journey. It had been a long time since the merchants had been to Zinrah as it was difficult to have large parties enter and leave unnoticed by the Myrians. Fortunately, the people from Black Rock were on equally good terms with the Myrians and could make it through the jungle relatively unharmed…at least from the sentient creatures who prowled its depths.
However, it wouldn’t be till the next day that they were ready to begin selling their wares. First they would get settled and gather in the distillery to share and exchange story and tales of what had happened since the last time the merchants had been in the cavernous city. Ayszel grinned with delight as she moved with the hordes of fellow Dhani towards the distillery. She and Rixal hadn’t spoken since yesterdays debauchery and even though she easily spotted the flickering red hair in the crowd she was determined not to speak to her.
Some of the quieter merchants, especially the Charoda who often felt uneasy near so many predators chose to remain in private rooms but the larger group of them gathered in the main area to drink and party copiously.
Ayszel however, was more interested in the Charoda than the lively debates among the others. So as the group gathered at the fine wooden counters to ask for a private room Ayszel bravely sidled up amongst their ranks. Of course, her long serpentine form and intense hair and skin stood out among the group and several turned to watch her suspiciously while they waited to be escorted.
“I would love to join you, if you will have me.” She asked genuinely. However, while the majority stayed silent two rapidly shook their heads.
“We would prefer to have the time to ourselves…” One spoke slowly. Her fine pastel green skin was a familiar colour among the Dhani but her long tentacles that tickled her lower back moved of their own accord making Ayszel shiver unnerved.
“I have plenty of stories to tell….” She tried convincingly, “and I’ll pay for drinks.” This got their attention and they turned to gaze at Ayszel before the pastel Charoda nodded slowly.
“Alright…you may join us.” She murmured, her voice the uncanny singsong of Whales and Dolphins, almost squeaky in cadence.
Ayszel grinned and as Nessyl gathered them with her and into the private room. Ayszel followed behind them , drawing the privacy curtains closed behind her. The table was round and surrounded by a stone bench.
“This is the worst part about coming to Zinrah, stone chairs. My poor aching back.” The eldest male said as he slid in first. Though Ayszel could not have told his age apart from all the others, their slippery rubbery skin not revealing age, she couldn’t help the scowl that accompanied an insult to her city. However, the man noticed the insulted look and raised his hands with what appeared to be a genuine apology, “I’m sorry, I meant no insult. It’s just hard on us is all. We like your humidity just fine.” He added with a grin, which contagiously infected Ayszel with a grin of her own.
When they had finally settled themselves about the table, Ayszel was gently placed beside the pastel coloured female. Extending a hand she offered an introduction, complete with full name and the name of her mother. The Charoda extended her own hand with a sharp-toothed smile, “Sibilance, but you may call me Lacey.” Ayszel shook her hand good-naturedly.
Vinessyless entered their shrouded private room and lit the many lanterns in the corners much to the Charodas glee, “Thank you dear, you know just what we like,” The elderly man grinned, “Four White Scales, as usual” he ordered for the group of Charoda.
“And a glass of Blood Wine.” Ayszel added.
“So what do you want Dhani child?” The elderly man asked when the owner had disappeared behind the dark heavy curtains.
Receipt :
