I trudged into the courtyard, dragging my feet, stopping trying to take in my surroundings as well as prolong the journey back. The usual hagglers at the market were lined up in front of the carts, carefully bidding their prices, looks of intrigue on their faces. I yanked down my sleeves as the cool air bit at my exposed flesh. I reached the splintery handle to the water well and pressed my weight upon it, causing the water to spurt out, spitting at my clothes. Filling the bucket as much as I could manage, I picked it up to take back. Water sloshing and threatening to escape, I donated my hip for the cause of hauling this load all the way back to home.
A brush on my shoulder awoke me from daydream of chairs, fluffy cushions, warm food and rest. I whipped around, bumping into a man whilst spraying splashes of water along the wrinkled pavement. "I am gravely sorry my lady," the man said solemnly, "I was not expecting such a frightened reaction; I had only wished to give you this." I felt my eyes crinkle as the corners of my mouth curved upwards, as the handsome man displayed a wonderful violet flower. "I am not a lady, I am just a serving girl" I giggled. "Nonetheless, it is what you are to me," he stated as he pressed my hands to the delicate little flower with a dazzling smile and trotted off. I placed the flower carefully among the weaves of my braid and skipped back to the well to replace the water that I had given to the pavement.