Gathering gifts

Writers: Emma
Date Posted: 12th August 2004

Characters: I'lan, Riasaza
Description: I'lan gets a bit more than he bargained for when he stops at a market to buy a gift for Allexa
Location: Elsewhere on Pern
Date: month 1, day 8 of Turn 3

It was early afternoon as I'lan strolled through the stalls set up at
the rather impromptu market that seemed to have just set up and arrived
at Topaz Sea Hold. Seemingly, a trader caravan had arrived, and they
had enough goods that people from all over the area were flocking to see
them. They had a travelling harper as well, who had persuaded the local
harpers to join him in making some music, and a few hardy souls had even
begun to dance.

The young bronzerider was somewhat distracted as he browsed idly
through the contents of the stalls, he was hoping to find some trinket
to take to Allexa, if he could find time away from his new duties as a
wingrider. Nothing too expensive, he only had about 3/4 of a mark with
him, so he knew he might have to haggle.

She'd been flitting between the booths, taking care of small tasks that
the caravan needed done. As she emerged from a crowd of bustling skirts
and chittering voices, she nearly did a double-take of the rider walking
directly toward her. Instead of stepping out of the way, she
deliberately stopped where she was.

"Hello," she smiled up at him. Shells, it couldn't hurt to flirt a
little. After all, it wasn't everyday she stumbled across a young rider
around her age!

"Hello," replied I'lan. It wouldn't hurt to talk to this girl at least,
he though as he smiled back at her. Perhaps she might be able to help
him work out what girls liked.

"I'm Riasaza," she offered a hand.

"Well met Riasaza," replied I'lan taking her hand in his. "I'm I'lan,
Naath's rider."

She smiled up at him. "Is there anything I can help you find? I'm
travelling with the Caravan."

"Maybe you can help me," he said letting go of her hand. "I'm looking
to buy something, something special. But I'm not sure what I want."

"Sometimes the most special things can't be bought," she chided him,
touching his arm. "But I can tell you're on a mission," she relented,
"so perhaps I can come up with something. Follow me."

I'lan followed the girl as she led him past a few of the little booths
that the trader caravan had set up. Some had clothing, others toys and
trinkets. "You have an idea of what I might be able to get?" he asked.

Riasaza stopped at a booth boasting a variety of dragonpoker decks and
smiled at the trader. "Perhaps some cards?" she suggested to I'lan,
gesturing at the display.

"Perhaps," he replied, thinking of another variant of Dragonpoker that
he knew of. A game that was definitely meant for two people who knew
each other well. "Games always go down well."

"Well, come on then," she tugged at his arm. He didn't seem overly
enthused, so she dragged him off to another table topped by a large
display of trinkets. "And these are always favourites," she gestured to
the small figurines of animals and people.

He reached out for a small one, a dragon and rider flaming thread from
the skies. "That would be perfect!" He reached into his pouch to try and
find some marks to pay for the figurine with.

Ria grinned, pleased that he'd found something he liked. She laid a
hand on his arm, smiling at the trader. "Perhaps a bargain for my
friend," she raised an eyebrow at him. She'd known the trader for turns,
and if her memory served, he owed her a favor.

Nodding, the young man gestured to the dragon. "I can take it down two
marks," he offered.

I'lan looked down at the coins his fingers had found in his belt pouch.
He had a little more that he thought, and he knew he could go to one and
a half, maybe one and three quarters. "One and a quarter," he suggested.

The trader nodded, glaring at Riasaza for a moment. "Only because
she's your ladyfriend," he explained grumpily, holding out a grubby
hand to accept the coins.

Riasaza glared back at him. "You owed me," she replied with a frown,
then turned to I'lan with a smile. "Did you need anything else today
that I can help you with?"

"Such as?" said I'lan, a vague sense of alarm rising within him as he
realised just how she might want him to return the favour.

"Perhaps something to eat?" she suggested, trying to tone her approach
down a bit. He seemed to have caught on, and perhaps she shouldn't be
so forward, yet found she didn't want to back off. Perhaps after a
little wine...

Food couldn't hurt, and some of his time was the least he owed her.
"Then I'll let you decide what you would like. Lead the way."

Beaming at him, the girl wove her way through more merchants before
settling in front of a booth selling bubbly pies and other sweet treats.
"Anything look good to you?"

"I judge a baker by his bubbly pies, might I get you one too?"

Riasaza nodded. "I'd love one," she admitted.

Paying the vendor, I'lan reached out to offer Riasaza the sweet tasting
treat. "Enjoy," he said.

She took it, licking her fingers after she'd taken a bite, then offered
one to I'lan.

"Nice, aren't they," he said politely.

"Delicious," she looked at him pointedly.

I'lan suddenly glanced at the girl, realising what she was thinking.
"Ermmm..." he stuttered, "Yes they are." He took another bite, looking
away for a moment before returning her gaze. "I'll, I'll have to find a
way to thank you for your help today, you've been most kind."

Ria nodded. "If you need help finding a way, just let me know. Thanks
for the pie."

"You're welcome," he said. "Erm, would you like to dance?" A quick turn
around the small group of milling people couldn't hurt.

"Of course!" She could dance with the best of them, and it would be
good to show off one of her skills...perhaps he'd be impressed.
Finishing off the bubbly pie, she held out her hand to him.

Taking her hand, I'lan led her onto the dance floor, "I hope this is one
you know," he said recognising the tune. "It's a favourite of mine."

Ria knew the people were watching, curious to see who the stranger was.
"It's one of mine, as well!" she replied, grinning up at him. "I hope
you've been enjoying yourself today."

"Oh I have, believe me, I've got just what I came for."

"Oh?" she replied, raising an eyebrow. "And what would that be,
bronzerider?"

"A present for a friend, and a dance with the prettiest girl here."

Ria pulled him down to her for a kiss she'd been dying to give him since
the moment they met. "Flattery gets you everywhere," she whispered.

Although startled for a moment, I'lan responded in the only way he could
, by holding her close and kissing her back.

"Maybe you'd like to go somewhere more private?" she suggested in his
ear.

"Perhaps we should," he suggested, allowing her to lead him away.

Last updated on the September 8th 2016

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Gathering gifts