The local market was a location that Percy never quite understood his enjoyment for; perhaps it was the atmosphere or the people or a combination of everything. Regardless, during his early youth outside of the Deeprealm, accompanying his mother to the local community gatherings were some of his fondest memories. Even though he'd visited the venue more times than he could count, every single visit always made him feel like he was exploring the venue for the first time; he never could predict what kind of new and exciting stalls and activities were on display.
In that respect, local gatherings and festivities were occasions that Rhajat never quite understood her displeasure for; perhaps it was the atmosphere or the people or a combination of everything? Rhajat didn't dislike interacting with the community – that notion couldn't be further from the truth – but socialising and expressing herself weren't exactly her strongest qualities, and exploring a venue bustling with people was a rather confronting prospect for her. She couldn't help but experience an anxious uneasiness, a feeling no doubt developed from the fear of being judged.
"Hey, are you coming?"
Rhajat was abruptly brought back to reality by her young boyfriend smiling excitedly a few metres in front of her as he politely gestured for her to follow.
She folded her arms. "…Yes."
Concerned by her demeanour, Percy stepped towards her. "You alright?"
"Yes" she replied stoically, "I'm just…"
"You don't…wanna visit the markets anymore?" Percy adopted a confused expression.
Rhajat sighed softly. "I do", she reassured anxiously, "I just…I need a moment."
"Why, are you scared or something?" He was conflicted by the girl's uncharacteristic behaviour.
Rhajat exhaled with exasperation. "No, I just", she hesitated, "…I have difficulty being in congregated areas such as these." She averted her eyes, humiliated for expressing her uncertainty.
"Oh…I didn't know" he whispered. "Are you claustrophobic?" He asked cautiously, hoping very much he hadn't offended her.
The young woman shook her head softly. "But you know very well by now…I'm not the most sociable individual."
Percy smiled nervously. "Sorry, I forgot", he whispered.
Rhajat was suddenly treated to a hopeful smile from her boyfriend. "Hey, we don't have to visit the market anymore. If you don't feel comfortable, I don't mind leaving; we can always go someplace else, if you want?"
A mixture of gratitude and remorse developed in Rhajat's being – touched by his encouraging proposal, but still loathing herself for being so reluctant to the original arrangement. Although she still harboured resistance, the wyvern rider's gentle smile was enough to provide her with the comfort and support she desired.
"I'm fine, thank you", she answered seriously. "…I promised you that I would accompany you, and I intend to fulfill that commitment."
Exhilarated over her announcement, Percy folded his hands politely. "Golly, thanks."
His girlfriend's notorious smirk slowly remerged, albeit a much more restrained one. "Besides" she mused, closing the distance between them, "somebody has to provide adult supervision."
Despite the teasing remark, Percy was far too relieved to see Rhajat's normal attitude return that he didn't care.
"We won't stay for long, I promise."
Rhajat bowed her head. "…Thank you."
As they each turned around to face the entrance once more, Rhajat observed as Percy eagerly offered his hand. Slowly, Rhajat accepted it and gently intertwined her fingers with his.
Unexpectedly, she was suddenly propelled forward as the young wyvern rider feverishly began to make his way inside, escorting her as their hands remained interconnected. Startled by his reaction, Rhajat eventually regained her composure; she couldn't predict what awaited her inside, but judging by her boyfriend's excitement and eagerness, she was going to find out very shortly.
Her exploration of the bustling market proved to be rather uneventful, as Rhajat expected – there was very little on presentation in the means of items for purchase and activities to engage in that actively intrigued her; it simply wasn't her kind of event.
However, Rhajat was far from disinterested or bored as slowly accompanying her ecstatic young boyfriend from stall to stall proved to be an unusually fascinating sight to observe. She had her suspicions that his curiosity may have been exaggerated, but the longer they stayed the more captivated she became by his nature and excitement.
Unlike anybody attending the markets, Percy made the effort to explore every inch of the complex, eagerly inspecting each stall that he passed with wonder and curiosity, and as the reclusive young anti-socialite continued to follow him from behind, she couldn't help but wonder how she'd come to know and associate with such an ingenuous, charismatic spirit.
Blinking frantically, Rhajat returned her attention to Percy when he beckoned her excitedly. His excited announcement drew a few wandering eyes, causing Rhajat to frown from the unwanted attention.
Approaching her boyfriend, he frantically gestured for her to inspect the stall he was occupied at. Upon examining, Rhajat observed the arrangement of exotic medallions, emblems and other items of jewellery for sale, and inspected them curiously.
"It says they're good for keeping evil spirits away" announced Percy casually, inching himself beside her.
Rhajat smiled sinisterly, rotating a studded bracelet. "Now why on Earth anybody ever want that? I rather enjoy their company."
Percy smiled with amusement. "I knew you'd say that!"
As her boyfriend returned to speaking with the elderly woman occupying the stall, a particular item caught her attention. Tentatively, she retrieved the medallion for closer inspection. It was dark purple with a crimson red centre and a small hand-inscription emblem, symbolising the word 'purity.'
"Ooh, do you like that one?"
"It's…desirable…" answered Rhajat to her curious partner as continued to examine it.
While the item was certainly enticing, the price-tag attached wasn't, however.
Rhajat exhaled and gently placed the item back. "…But not a necessity."
"Aww, aren't 'ya gonna buy it?"
She shook her head and returned to folding her arms. "No, I'd rather invest my money elsewhere."
Averting her attention elsewhere, Rhajat observed an empty table's seat situated away from the stall. Not wanting to disrupt her boyfriend any further, Rhajat announced softly.
"If you need me, I'll be over there." She gestured towards the seat and slowly made her way in the direction. Upon sitting down, Rhajat folded her leg over the other and focused her attention on the ground, away from the wandering eyes of others.
Disheartened by her remark and action, Percy exchanged a glance between his girlfriend and the item, furrowing his eyebrows to concentrate on what to do next.
Nodding confidently, Percy retrieved his wallet from his pocket, and the allowance of money he had been earning throughout the year. After signalling the attention of the stall's occupant, he polity gestured towards the exotic medallion, and offered the money in his hand.
"May I have this one, please?"
We're still building and burning down love
And when I go there / I go there with you
It's all I can do...