Wandering
Chapter Two
Shopping

"What do you mean, we're in Sailo? Where the hell IS Sailo?" Suki yelled at the farmer.
"Suki-chan, he's answering the best he can. We wouldn't want to anger him," Cyter said, nervously glancing at the farmer's rather primitive pitchfork.
Catching the hint, she lowered her voice to the normal level.
"Sir, where exactly IS Sailo? Can you tell us how to get to the nearest city?"
"Sailo is southwest of Hokkan, northwest of Konan, and west of Kutou," the farmer replied, scratching his head.
At least we know what and where the other countries or whatever they may be are, she thought, annoyed at the man.
"The nearest city is about a mile to the South," he added.
Suki stood up and brushed the hay, among other things, off her school uniform.
"Thank you for your help, sir," she said, smiling politely.
She grabbed Cyter by the wrist and ran in the general direction of south. After the farmer was beyond the reach of her sight, she stopped, panting.
"Cyter, do you have your compass keychain with you?"
He reached into his pockets and searched through them with his hands. He pulled out a very small compass.
"Good thing I forgot to put it back on my bag!"
Suki grabbed it from him and flattened out her hand. She put it on her palm, and waited for it to stop moving. After a minute, she pointed in a direction.
"On we go!" she said enthusiastically.
She started walking in the mentioned direction, and Cyter followed.
"I'm getting tired."
"Wuss! A mile isn't very long! We'll be there before you know it!"
"But Suki, I think we're lost!"
"Nonsense! We were going southwest, so we go a little to the East, now!"
Suki checked the compass again, and they headed to the East for a little while, then went south again.
"Wow!" Suki exclaimed upon seeing the merchants, peasants, and nobles.
Her excitement was quickly ruined, as she saw some rather threatening looking men.
"Cyter, maybe we should try dressing like the locals. Running around in a short skirt can't be very safe..."
"You're right."
They headed towards a clothing shop. As they walked inside, they saw garments of all shapes, sizes, and color, being sold by a wizened old hag.
"Ma'am?" Suki addressed her, looking around the shop, nervously.
The old woman turned to greet them.
"Hello, young lovers."
"WHAT!" Suki and Cyter exclaimed at the same time. "We're not... Whatever gave you that idea?"
The hag shook her head.
"Well, what have you come here to buy?"
"I would like a modest dress, and my friend here would like a simple men's outfit." Suki answered her.
"Come and see what is available."
The hag went into the back room. They followed her.
"Pick out what you'd like, and show it to me when you're ready to buy."
Suki looked around. There were so many beautiful dresses, but they all seemed so expensive. She looked at every last dress in the room.
"Hmm," she said to herself, looking at a blue dress that seemed to be very inexpensive.
"Ma'am," she called to the hag.
"Yes?"
"Do I try this on, or something?"
"I'll show you where you can try it on."
The hag led her to a small room with several mirrors in it.
"Do you need any help?"
"I think I may."
The hag helped Suki into the dress, which was a rather long process. She looked at herself in the mirrors, barely able to contain her happiness.
"How much does it cost?"
"20 silver ryo."
"I don't have that kind of money. Will you accept this?"
Suki took off the gold necklace she had been wearing. She had always hated it, but wore it out of a habit.
"Hmm," said the hag, looking it over. "This should cover both outfits, with enough money for a bag for the clothes you are wearing."
"Other outfit? You mean, he already picked something out?"
The hag nodded. Suki handed her the necklace, and the hag handed her a cloth bag. She put her school uniform in it. She left the dressing room, walking carefully, so as not to trip over her hem.
"So, how do I look?" asked a familiar voice.
Cyter stepped out from behind a curtain, holding a pile that was his school uniform. He was wearing a simple red gi, with simple black pants, and simple black shoes.
Suki smiled.
"You look nice."
"I could say the same to you."
She opened the bag, and he put his uniform in it.
"Don't worry about the cost. I have that covered."
"Your necklace?"
She nodded.
They left the shop, him carrying the bag for her.