Hoarse shouts and the smell of fresh melons and other fruits invaded Damis's senses as Amira guided him through the crowds. In the center of the market a man was walking across heated coals while another man swallowed a sword.
"Amira, why are we here?" Damis asked exasperated. Amira looked over at him, a smile on her face, but sadness in her eyes.
"I just needed to get away." she said quietly. The fire she had seemingly had moments before was extinguished and slowly Amira and Damis walked through the crowds, hand in hand. Amira had thrown a brown canvas cloak over her hair and clothes, and seemed very reserved. Soon they had wandered beyond the crowd and down a secluded alley.
Fascinated, Damis looked about, noticing strange markings above the tents and very few people about on the dusty streets. He looked over at Amira and felt a sudden longing for her. She looked about innocently, her cloak falling back slightly to let the sun shimmer upon her hair. She turned when she felt Damis looking at her and he smiled quietly.
They passed a large turquoise and purple tent, the colors faded from constant sun exposure. Amira paused before leading Damis into the shade of the tent. The scent of strong incense caused Damis to suppress a cough and his eyes watered slightly. A shadowy figure sat behind a long table. Amira walked closer, looking at the images that were displayed throughout the tent. She approached the woman, a piece of paper in her hand.
"I would like this…" she said quietly. Damis walked closer and saw she held an image of a purple orchid in her hand.
The shadowy figure leaned forward and Damis realized it was a cloaked woman. Her nose was large and hooked like an eagle. She pulled back the cloak hood to reveal frizzy, silver grey hair. A wizened hand reached out and took the image from Amira's hand.
"Where?" she asked gruffly. Her other hand reached for a brush and a needle and Damis realized what Amira was doing. He pulled her aside, shooting a sideways glance at the wizened old woman.
"What are you doing?" he hissed. Amira looked him in eye, her expression suddenly stiff.
"Getting a tattoo." She replied nonchalantly, her voice daring him to argue. He sighed and let go of her arm. She turned to the woman. "Back of my neck. And not very large." The woman nodded and motioned for Amira to sit. Amira complied and let her hood down and pulled away her hair. The woman got to work. Defeated, Damis sat in the corner and watched the woman work.
Soon the tattoo was complete and Amira let her hair fall back down her back. Her thick auburn hair covered the tattoo completely, and she replaced the cloak. Damis led her out of the tent. The sunlight nearly blinded him after being in the darkness of the tent. Amira looked at Damis closely.
"You won't tell any one, right." she said, her voice stern, yet slightly cautious. Damis shook his head.
They left the empty streets and came back out upon the crowds. Damis recognized where they were immediately. He took Amira by the arm. "Come with me." Swiftly he led Amira through the crowd and back out. Down several abandoned alleys and up several stairs, all the while Amira protesting playfully.
"Close your eyes." Damis said. Amira complied, though she squinted a little bit. Damis led her into a cool room, the air heavy with the scent of jasmine and patchouli. She opened her eyes just as Damis pulled back a dank curtain to reveal a majestic scene.
The palace stood in the distance, glittering like a far away jewel in the setting sun. The sky was tinged purple and red, the sun a fiery orange bauble glowing in the distant sky. Amira gasped and looked amazed at Damis.
"It's beautiful!" she cried. She ran over to the edge and looked out. Damis stayed back. Ribbons of sunlight fell upon her back and hair, creating a golden aura about her. Damis approached her and they stood there for a few moments, taking in the scene. Tentatively Damis placed a hand around her waist.
Surprised Amira looked up at him before pulling away. "I have to go." Amira said quickly. "It's getting late." Amira looked at Damis and saw the hurt deep in his eyes. He nodded and quickly she fled down the stairs, her heart in her throat.
Forlornly Amira looked over her shoulder, hoping Damis would follow. She imagined him as he was just moments ago, his raven black hair falling his eyes, his face tanned and flushed from a day upon town.
The sun had nearly retreated beyond the horizon and the shadows were growing longer and longer. A wind blew strong and Amira wrapped her cloak tighter about herself. She stared down at her sandaled feet, moving quickly. Her father would be so angry. She thought back to their argument that morning and felt the emotions wash over her once more.
So engrossed in her thoughts she was that she didn't notice the flashing dagger until it was too late.
Author's Note:
Thank you to all of my lovely reviewers, the entire four of you.
EvenSong: It will get better, just you wait!
Snow Ivy: Thank you.
Charlie Hazel: I tried to keep your tip in mind. And thanks for reviewing all my stories!
Areida Rivers: I did a lot of revision, I hope you approve. And your suggestion gave me an idea, so it wasn't just rambling.
Thanks again to all my reviewers, and if you haven't reviewed, its not too late!
--Nirithil