"Yes, yes," He admitted with a chuckle and a wave of his hand.
With today's events over my sister left for home, my father went back to work, and I was left with nothing to occupy my time. I had a long shower and dressed in comfortable clothes. I felt incredibly light as I paced the halls of my home, wondering what to do. I knew for sure I didn't want to leave the house again. My go to option was to read, but I'd found myself doing that so often lately I couldn't bare the thought of it.
"Mistress," I jumped slightly, having not heard anyone following me.
"Yes?" I turned to face Maul with a pleasant smile. He did always have a tendency to sneak up on people even when there was no reason too. He was simply too light footed for his own good.
"Master Sidious wishes to speak with you," I sighed and took a dramatic tip-toe forward.
"Alright, then," He turned and I followed him, making it a game to see if I could be as silent as him. Regardless of the fact that I was wearing silky slippers and tip-toeing as carefully as possible I still managed to make small sounds.
"I don't understand how you do it," I complained, mostly to myself. I was smart enough to know by now that he wouldn't respond to anything I said. To my surprise though, he did look at me. I smiled sheepishly, knowing he must have realized what I was trying to do.
"Ah, there you are," My father raised his head from his work as Maul and I entered his office. "I was hoping you would run to the market for me. There are some traders there who won't be back for quite some time and there are a few things I need," He explained as I approached his desk.
"Don't we have people for this?" I questioned, not feeling particularly fond of the idea of leaving again. "Besides, it's getting late," I gestured to the orange sky shining through the window behind him.
"I know well enough that you prefer late hours to early ones," He said knowingly. "Besides, you could use some interaction with real people," I should have known that he'd throw my beliefs back at me.
"You and I both know traders embellish just as much," I said with crossed arms.
"That may be so, but you are far better at haggling than I am. Besides, beautiful women are offered fairer prices," I feigned shock and covered my heart.
"Father, how dare you suggest such a thing," He was right of course. Given my status and apparent attractiveness I have even been given things free on occasion.
"Go, and take Maul with you. The streets become dangerous on days like these," His pleasant demeanor turned sour. I reached forward and took his hand, kissing it.
"Don't worry, father. I will return unharmed. You are leaving me in capable hands," He covered my hand with his and his smile returned. My father handed me a small list and Maul followed me from his office.
It was quite a nice evening to be out and about. The weather was perfect; warm and breezy. Despite my father's fears, the atmosphere of the market seemed rather peaceful. Children played on the dusty streets and even the traders seemed to be in a decent mood.
"Oh, look!" I exclaimed in excitement, though I knew Maul would not feel the fascination I did. He would, nonetheless, follow me.
I bounded over to the cage containing a few Loth-Cat's and crouched down in front of it.
"Hello," I greeted them excitedly and wriggled my fingers between the bars. The nearest kitten licked and gnawed painlessly at my finger, it's tiny paw pressing down on the other.
"Lady Erith, I was not aware you took such an interest in animals," My eyes rose to the Zygerrian booth operator.
"Oh, of course," I beamed up at the man before returning my attention to the kitten, who let out a small mew when I wriggled my finger free of it's teeth. I felt Maul's leg brush against my back as a warning not to get too close to the Zygerrian.
"Allow me to get that for you," The Zygerrian reached into the cage and lifted out the kitten I had been playing with. He held it towards me and I stood, receiving it eagerly. The kitten crawled up as close to my face as it could get and sniffed, licked, nipped, and pawed at it.