Chapter 3-3: All Over the Place
Sometime later, everyone reaches the Camel Bazaar, a large market place full of people and stands that contains food, clothes, accessories, and other purchase items. Since it's the festival, there's no doubt there will be a crowd today.
"Here we are—the Camel Bazaar," Jamil says.
Everyone is amazed.
"Whoa, look at all the covered booths! It's as packed as a farmer's market on a Sunday," Trey says.
"Quite. There are always a lot of stalls here, but it's busier than usual today. I imagine it's because of the Fireworks Fest," Jamil says.
Cater says in amazement, "Wow! Now this is the kind of thing I imagine when I think of the Scalding Sands! It really feels like we've traveled abroad now. Time to load up on pics!" and begin taking pictures.
"Do the people of the city typically do their shopping here?" Malleus asks.
"Sure, people'll come here for staples like vegetables and fish… But there are plenty of stalls that specialize in gourmet foods for tourists. Especially now, during the high season," Jamil answers.
"...Strange," Malleus responds.
"What do you, Mal?" Briar asks.
"What's strange, Malleus?" Trey asks.
"I've been keeping an eye out, but I have yet to see a single camel. I would have thought a place called the Camel Bazaar would've at least had a few of them," Malleus says.
Briar giggles, "I kind of see what you mean."
"Oh, yeah. There aren't any camels here these days," Jamil answers, "Camels were used to transport goods and luggage before we developed the canals and roads. There used to be an oasis here where merchants would bring their camels to rest. They started selling their wares right at the oasis, and eventually it became a market. Now we use trucks and boats for commerce and shipping, but the name stuck around."
"I see. It's fascinating how even a single name can have a story of its own," Malleus says.
"There's usually not much need to change a name once it sticks, unless there's a pressing reason," Trey says.
"Besides, Camel Bazaar sounds so cute and friendly. It's the perfect name for a tourist hotspot!" Cater says.
"Is that kind of thing important?" Malleus asks.
"For sure!" Cater answers, "Have you ever thought about giving someplace in Briar Valley a cute and friendly name?"
"Like Roaring Drago Market?" Malleus responds.
"...Uh, maybe not THAT," Cater answers.
Malleus then says with a smile, "Heh. I jest."
Briar, Trinket, and Sereia giggle.
"I think I get it," Briar says.
Then Grim cries out, "Mrah! Who cares about a buncha stupid names?! I'm starvin'! I could eat a whole one of these stalls!"
"Grim, will you cut it out with the…" but before Jasper can finish, he feels his stomach growling.
"I'm guessing we're kind of hungry ourselves," Tanzanite says.
"I guess," Jasper says.
"I'm feeling pretty hungry myself after all that walking around. There are so many food places, too. Let's pick something up!" Cater says.
"Yeah, something tells me we won't be able to do much sightseeing if we don't feed Grim soon," Trey says.
Soon, Grim sniffs around and catches a whiff of something, "Ooo, I smell somethin' GOOD!"
"I believe you're smelling the meat roasting on a spit at that stall over there," Malleus says.
The group soon walks over to see what Malleus is talking about and what Grim is smelling.
"Ah, that's shawarma. Restaurants typically serve it on a plate with vegetables… But food stalls serve it in baguettes or pita bread. It's healthier than it looks, because the extra grease drips out while it's on the spit," Jamil explains.
"Oh, it's lamb shawarma! That's one of my favorites," Cater says.
"You can get it with your choice of toppings— tomatoes, olives, sliced onions, you name it," Jamil says.
"Looks like there're lots of sauce options too. There's a yogurt sauce, a garlic one, a chili one…" Trey says.
Then Jamil says, "I'm partial to hummus. It's a blend of chickpea paste and garlic."
"As I said before, anything you like has got to be good. I'm gonna go with that one," Trey replies.
Then Malleus says, "I'll have mine in the most classic style. I'd like to experience it as the locals do."
"Well, I'm gonna pile on the onions, tomatoes, and jalapenos, and mix some of the mayo and basil for my sauce!" Cater says, "Oh, and with a drizzle of yogurt on top. And I'd like mine in a baguette!"
Grim giggles, "Heh heh heh, I want all the toppings and sauces mixed together!"
"Grim, you'll get sick if you combine all the sauces and topping," Briar says.
"No I won't," Grim says,
"Our orders are all over the place…" Trey says.
Jamil turns to the others, "How would you like yours?"
"I would like mine with some meat and veggies, and to have the garlic sauce, "Briar says.
"Me too," Tanzanite says.
"Trinket and I can share and we like ours with lots of veggies," Sereia says.
"Extra lamb meat on mine!" Jasper says.
"All right, I'll put in our orders. Give me a moment," Jamil says.
He walks to the vendor and makes the order, "Excuse me. I'll have eight wraps and one baguette sandwich. For the toppings…"
"He's rattling off our orders without missing a beat. He memorized all of them, "Trey says.
"That's Jamil for you!" Cater replies.