A Diamond in the Rough:

Chapter 3- "Veni, Vidi, Vici"

Ariana wandered through the many streets of Port Caynn, hopelessly lost for a least an hour, when she finally swallowed her pride (*A/N* and she's got a lot of it doesn't she?) and decided to ask someone for directions to a decent eating house and inn.

Just as she turned to ask a kindly looking shopkeeper, a man appeared in front of her, out of nowhere. He was tall and had the tan of someone who worked hard for his money. He looked to be somewhere between the ages of 16 and 17. The man was heavily muscled with broad shoulders and a powerful chest.

He moved with a cat's grace and a tiger's ferocity. But when he opened his mouth he seemed gentler than a kitten.

"Aye," he said in thickly accented Common, "be ye lost, lassie?"

Ari eyed the man. As much as she tried to dislike this *commoner*, she found that she could not.

"Well - er- no. Um- not really," she replied sheepishly. Suddenly embarrassed that she didn't have plans, momentarily forgetting *why* she didn't have plans. "Do you know a place that I could stay at? that's not too expensive."

The man put his hands on his hips in mock sternness. "What's a *lady* like yeself doin' here in th' city, wiv'out an escort of even pre'rangements? Ye'd best come wiv me, les' somethin' *dreadful* 'appen t' ye."

Knowing what the man was implying, Ari shuddered. He must have seen it because he said, "Tha's right. We don' want nothin' t' 'appen t' ye. I know jus' th' place. Run by me own auntie, nicest lady ye'll ever 'ope t' meet. Follow me, lass."

He took Shashi's reins and began leading her down the road, toward the marketplace. Ariana didn't know why she trusted this man, but, Goddess, she did.

When they reached the market, her guide called over his shoulder, "Me name's Derek, by th' way. Derek Wood. Feel free t' stare lass. Ye've like not seen markets this big."

Ari gasped indignantly, *She* was not some country bumpkin who'd never seen a marketplace before! Derek chuckled and muttered something about pride.

*Well,* she reconsidered, *I never *have* seen any so big* so she did stare a little. If Derek noticed he didn't say anything. Ariana mentally made a list of shops she wanted to visit, once she got her affairs in order, that is.

"Here ye be," Derek said some 5 minutes later. He had stopped under a sign that said 'The Graceful Crane'.

"I'll stable yer 'orse. Go inside an' find a boy 'bout my height wiv 'air as golden bright as Mithros' own armor. Ye can't miss 'im. Ask t' see Mistress Goodman. If he questions you, tell 'im I send ye. Explain everything to Mistress Goodman, she'll like let ye stay for free."

***

Ariana found the boy Derek described immediately, sitting near the back of the room

*Mithros,* she thought, *He is *HANDSOME* * He looked to be about 14, 15 at the most. His hair *was* like gold and as curly as her own. He had strong cheekbones and soft lips. Also the most gorgeous green eyes she had ever seen. They had gold rays around his pupil, making it look like the sun. He was dressed simply in black breeches and an undyed cotton shirt.

He noticed her the same time she noticed him. She *was* very pretty for her age, with raven black curls that fell to her shoulders and turquoise eyes that shone under carefully arched brows. Ari was rather tall for her age and slender. But she harbored an aura of power and mystery, which is what captivated him.

His eyes followed her as she ordered a drink from the bar and spoke politely to a man who stopped her. When she came over, the boys friends didn't try to hide their staring.

"I'd like to speak to Mistress Cooper, please"

The handsome boy's eyes narrowed slightly, suddenly defensive, "Who are you t' see her?" he asked, accent lilting.

Forgetting what Derek had told her, and remembering only her pride- *Commoners shouldn't take that tone with their betters!*- she responded icily, "Who are you to question me"

The boy stood up- he wasn't much taller than Ariana- "I'm 'er son. Now I repeat, why d'ye need t' see her? "

Ariana squared her shoulders and shifted her feet. She didn't need the dagger or shukuson she carried, she was well versed in Yamani hand-to-hand combat. Plus, this boy didn't have a strong gift, she discovered as she probed him.

"My business is my own," she snapped.

When the boy threw a punch, his hand hit a wall of silver magic painfully. Ari used his surprise to her advantage. She punched him in the stomach, had both arms twisted behind his back, threw him over her hip, and had him pinned on the ground before anyone could see what had happened.

"I didn't want to have to do that. You left me no choice. I'm sorry," she whispered in his ear, just as Derek and a stately looking woman with graying-blonde hair and blue eyes pushed their way through the crowd that had formed.

Derek pulled her off the boy. "What in th' name of th' Crooked God d'ye think yer doin'?!" he yelled.





**A/N**

Well, that's chapter 3! You like? Review with any flames, questions, praise or comments...Feel free to write suggestions!

Ok, I know, I know, the fight was cheesy, but it *was* necessary!- You'll see

There will be SOTL characters soon enough, for anyone who was wondering

In the next chapter(s) you'll get a bit more insight into the actual personality of Ariana and her 'boy'- So if you want it, you better review! I'm holding it hostage! *laughs evilly*

**Oh** also, be sure to read/review my new story "We Only Wanted the Rice to Make Rice Wine"! It's a joint fic by punkpixie87 and me. The odd chapters are hers and the even ones are mine!***