The Fabric of Our Lives (June 1,10:30 am)

[Zoisite]

Zoisite didn't need any more clothes, as he kept trying to remind himself. The door to his wardrobe barely even shut now, as full as it was! Yet as he examined the bolts of exotic far eastern silk on display in the bazaar, he couldn't help thinking he could make the most beautiful shirt out of it. It would be made in poet style, he thought, with voluminous sleeves and ruffles along the front, and it would be white... no, green, like his eyes. Or maybe a muted shade of saffron yellow? There were so many choices!

No, wait, he was supposed to be convincing himself not to buy the fabric.

"How much is this?" he heard himself asking in the local tongue. For once, he was glad he had been made to take those language lessons growing up. Even though he spoke it with an obvious Northern accent, at least he was able to communicate.

"That's going to be 10 a yard," the woman said, "because it's imported from the Eastern Kingdom."

That was pretty high, Zoi thought. Not that he couldn't afford it, but he could just teleport over to the Eastern Kingdom and buy some right from the source if he wanted! Only he couldn't speak the language they did over there (the only foreign language he had been required to learn growing up had been that of the Golden Kingdom)... and he didn't like to teleport that far if he had any choice in the matter.

"I'll take three and a half of this green," he said, reaching for his bag to get the money out.

He would hate himself for giving in so easily later, but he would at least do so in a beautiful new green silk shirt.

[Deleted]

The marketplace was rather lively today. Though he had only been in The Golden Kingdom a short time, he had already noticed a trend in market activity. Still, he was glad to have disguised himself today. His fanfare entrance had been noticed by many in the Kingdom. He had hoped to avoid such a show, but apparently it was a custom. The price of power, he figured. Today, however, shrouded in a brown hooded cloak and wearing a simple wine colored tunic and burgundy pants, no one gave him a second look.

He wandered from shop to shop, eyeing various trinkets as well as decent looking fruits. Considering that he'd be eating at the castle, he didn't see the reason to buy any down here, as the castle would be getting the best of the best anyway. Still, the selections were impressive, and there was every chance something would catch his eye, as wares from each of The Four Kingdoms could be found in this place as well. It was a chance to see just what the others had to offer. He made a mental note to visit the other Kingdoms after this crisis was over, though meeting the other Kings first would be in order. Where were they, anyway? He hadn't seen anyone else when he met with the King of this land. Could he be the first one here?

As he walked past a shop selling fabrics, he overheard "Eastern Kingdom" and stopped. He recognized the pattern the person was buying. Something made him speak up, but he wasn't sure what. He walked forward and said, "Good choice. That's a very popular fabric back East." He glanced at some of the other choices the shop offered and picked up a rose colored strip of cloth. Not enough for more than a scarf, but it was a different material than from his homeland, so he was intrigued. "What do you think of this?" He asked, feeling somewhat personable today.

[Zoisite]

Why did people always seem to think wearing a hooded cloak made them less conspicuous? Whenever Zoi saw someone dressed like that he couldn't help feeling they had something to hide. So when a man in a hooded cloak popped up beside him in the bazaar, his first reaction was to hold tighter to his belongings in case the man was a thief. The fact the man stopped to make small talk with him didn't ease Zoi's suspicions much; a lot of times thieves would try to distract you with small talk while they or some accomplice would pick you clean. He was interested when the man said he was from the Eastern lands, though; he was curious to know if this was really special enough for the price.

"It's beautiful. Is it very labor-intensive to make?" he wondered. "How do they make it so soft? We don't have anything this nice where I'm from."

Then the man asked his opinion on a scrap of pinkish fabric.

"That depends on what you're planning to do with it. Maybe if you were making a quilt, I could see that making some nice squares, but it's not nearly enough to make a garment for anyone other than a baby."

But maybe this man did have a baby he was hoping to clothe?

[Deleted]

He grinned. The young King put the fabric back down on the table and said, "It's quite nice, but you're right. There isn't much there." He looked at the young man next to him. He had rather interesting features and carried himself in a fashion similar to Jadeite. Perhaps this man, who couldn't have been any older than Jadeite, was a nobleman. He wasn't sure, but he became increasingly aware of his own appearance. Surely a hooded man would be seen as more than an innocent, so he pulled the hood back partially, revealing his face.

"As for the silk," he began, "I believe it's actually harvested from certain insects, soaked in water to loosen the threads, and then wound on spools to be woven into the fabric. It's interesting how something so beautiful can come from the strangest places."

He looked back at the table again, marveling at the selection. "They have quite a few choices here. It's my first time in this Kingdom, so it's wonderful to see things they don't have back home."

[Zoisite]

The hooded man looked at him in a way that made Zoi uncomfortable, but he tried not to squirm under the man's gaze. He didn't want to come across as weak, especially not to a hooded stranger. The man seemed to know he was making him uncomfortable, though, and pushed back the hood to show an exotic-looking face and a shock of blond hair falling over his forehead. Zoi had seen a few Easterners before in his life, sure, but this was the first he had seen that was blond. He wondered whether it was natural or dyed, but thought it would be rude to ask.

Instead he focused on what the man had to say about the fabric he had just purchased. Upon hearing it was made with bugs, he almost wanted to return it, but then again, there were dyes that came from insects and he had never refused to buy a garment because of the dye it was made with before, so this bug cloth shouldn't bother him too much, either. (even though bugs were seriously gross)

"It's made with bugs? How unusual," Zoi said. "I've never heard of such a thing! I feel lucky to have found it, then." The man said it was his first time in the Golden Kingdom, to which Zoi nodded as he replied, "Mine, too. I just came down from the north to-"

He didn't finish that sentence. How would this man, or anyone else in earshot, take it if they knew he was the King of the North? As far as he knew, someone might decide to attack him if they knew and... where were those guards? While it was true he had asked them to be inconspicuous, that didn't mean they could be absent.

[Prince Endymion]

After what seemed to be a long horse ride, the young prince finally arrived at the market. He left the stead at the safety and care of one of the Inns’ barns. “Crowed today” he mused to himself, as he began to make his way towards some of the stands. He was dressed in something casual, not wanting to draw added attention to himself. He was wearing a dark navy blue long-sleeved tunic with a pair of fitted dark brown pants. His black cape, that hung over half his shoulders hide his scabbard. A pair of thick rider’s gloves covered his hands. His magnificent floof of a hairstyle was now a disheveled mess and made him look even more like a pauper than he had intended.

He noticed that market seemed oddly crowded for that time of the morning. Not only that, but there seemed to be more vendors as well. Many items caught his eyes as he slowly past the varies stands and tables. Every now and then he would stop to examine some of the fabrics or take a closer look a fancy bauble. The charming silk fabrics from the East caught his attention the most. Maybe he could have a dress made for Beryl? Something she could to be present at court? Eh, but at all honestly Endymion didn’t know much about ladies clothing. Surely it would have to be a secret mission he could put his younger sister up to.

He passed over the fabric stands in favor of the jewels. There were many charming handmade items, not only from his country… but from all parts of the globe, it seemed. He raised his hand, “Miss…? Yes, miss” he called out to one of the women working at the stand “I need some advice, I need a gift… but it’s for someone very special. Not really an angel gift but… no, it is one. No need to lie to such a charming young maiden”

[Deleted]

The man cut himself off, as if he was going to reveal something. Jadeite took notice of that, but before he could respond, another man appeared. He was definitely one of breeding and status. Perhaps one of the nobles he'd interact with at the Palace before long. No, Jadeite gave it more thought and looked at the man's clothing again. He just arrived. A traveler, like the two of them.

Deciding to be continually helpful, he spoke up. "Might I offer a suggestion?" Jadeite asked, stepping forward. He picked up a small ruby bracelet made in the East. He recognized the handiwork as the same family of craftsmen that made his own jewelry. He presented it to the man, saying, "I know the man who made this, personally. I guarantee you that your special one would love this."


(I figure me and Zoi could argue over presenting fancy jewelry from our own lands. Could be funny. Up to you, Zoi.)

[Deleted]

By the gods curse the blasted country! That's what Krutz was thinking. This was supposed to be the pinnacle of the world? The shining example of the best of earth? It was terrible here. It was crowded, hot, and there wasn't enough good air. Everything just felt congested and stagnant. On top of it all nobody said what they meant which was absolutely baffling. Make no mistake about it, Krutz hated this country. The only upside is that this land was filled with riches. Should Zoisite ever decided they could devistate this entire land and take its wealth home. So here they were this morning at a market place. Zoisite had decided to cancel his training to go shopping. Curse his luck! He decided it would be best to give Zoisite some space. Do to the hear he had stripped his tunic and cape and merely was dressed in billowing burgundy wool pants and his brown leather boots. Not to forget though his weapons. Any self respecting North man would never be caught without them. A sword and throwing axe hung to his side. Yes many people seemed shocked at his presence but he had yet to see a warrior here that would challenge him and more was the pity.

Zoisite seemed perfectly content with what he was doing until a cloaked figure approached. Krutz stood to caution as he eyed the man up and down. He didn't seem to have a weapon. He stood right next to Zoisite apparently they were talking about fabric. Krutz decided to let it be but keep his eye on them. Apparently this had sparked zoisite's interest. He sighed and smiled a bit at watching him enjoy life. Something caught his eye. Another man started to approach from the side. He definitely wasn't a normal market goer. It was the way he walked and stood. He slowly approached the other side of Zoisite and that's when Krutz saw it. A sword hilt and sheath under his cloak. Time to go to work. Krutz pulled the throwing axe and slowly started to move towards the new "customer ". Can't be too careful in this land.

[Zoisite]

Another young man arrived looking like he'd just ridden in and made no real attempt to make himself presentable before he did his shopping. He was dirty and disheveled, but it was easy to see by the way he carried himself that he had to be someone important. The man stepped up to a nearby stall and asked the attendant about a gift for a lady. Before she could suggest anything, the blond Easterner piped up to suggest a jeweled bracelet from his homeland, without even asking anything about the lady or her preferences first. Amateur.

"Before you make a decision, think about your lady friend. What style of clothing does she prefer? Are there any colors she tends to wear often? Or you could choose something that matches her eyes; many women appreciate that sort of attention to details."

Unfortunately, the disheveled young man looked so completely lost and outside his element picking something out for a lady, Zoi would honestly not be surprised if he'd never noticed the color of her eyes or what sorts of clothes she usually wore.

But before he scolded anyone else for being unobservant, there was the little fact that Zoi hadn't seen anything suspicious or dangerous about the young man, especially nothing that seemed bad enough to send his barbaric guard into action.

[Prince Endymion]

"I beg your pardon miss, one moment" replied Endymion in a slightly flirtatious tone. He turned his attention towards Jadeite. Was he a traveler, the prince wondered. He seemed to know a bit about Eastern Jewelry.

"Yes, I'm open to any suggestions", he said with a nod. "That's truly astonishing" he commented, "This craftsman must be very skilled indeed. Even though I am somewhat familiar with the artisan's in this kingdom, I know little about the trinkets ladies wear" He focused on the bracelet a moment. It was beautiful, and the color might go nicely with some the things he recalled Beryl wearing.


He turned his attention away from the bracelet when Zoisite began asking questions about the person he was shopping for. He took a moment as he began to picture Beryl in his mind's eye. He had known her for about a year, long enough to remember a few small details about her.


"She normally wears simple, yet flowing garments. There was a tourney a day or so ago, she wore something slightly more festive for the occasion. Her eyes are purple, like the violets that grow in my mother's garden and I have noticed that she often has a fondness for violet colored stones.


"In all honesty, this is an apology gift It has to be... special, I've known her long enough. "

[Deleted]

He listened to both men and put the bracelet down. To be honest, a man in Jadeite's position shouldn't be acting as a common tradesman, but he couldn't help his competitive side. Having six other siblings tends to do that to a man. He scanned the table again and found a necklace with a purple stone he was unfamiliar with. It was an amethyst, but he didn't know that. Perhaps it could work, but he became interested in the discussion of a tournament. Something he'd missed by just a couple days, apparently.

"Such a shame to have missed a tournament. Perhaps I'll be around for the next one. Were there many competitors? It's always exciting to see such sport," Jadeite said, smiling. He thought about the competitions back home, and of his own victory. A little self-centered, but he was entitled to it, dammit.

[Deleted]

Krutz continued his approach listening to the conversation. It was all about buying a gift but something wasn't right about the black haired swordsman. He peaked a bit as the other spoke. He was an easterner and by his speech a lord of some kind. No common folk spoke like that though Krutz didn't have the highest opinion of easterners in the first place. He wasn't the threat though. The real question here though is what to do about the swordsman? Was he a threat? Could Krutz take him before he drew his blade? Yes this what he did. So does Krutz wait or give a display of force to just keep others in line? Well hell then. To Valhalla. Krutz took a quick step forward and threw his axe towards the men. He immediately drew his sword and moved into a combat stance and the axe stuck into a post between Zoisite and the swordsman.

Krutz not one to mince words sternly spoke, "Step away from the king. Explain your weapon and what your purpose here is? Mind you I'm in a foul mood due to the weather in this land. I suggest you answer quickly and truthfully." Now to many of us this would seem like an overreaction and a diplomatic faux pas. However you must remember you are not from the North. I those lands have a rich history of throne contenders cutting down kings in various places. So as for r Krutz he's merely doing his job.

[Zoisite]

An apology gift? So the disheveled young man had done something to end up in the doghouse with his lady friend?

"In that case, jewelry is definitely a good choice, so long as it's not a ring. You never want to give a lady a ring until you're ready to ask for her hand. You need something else, like maybe earrings or some kind of hair jewelry..."

The blond Easterner awkwardly suggested an amethyst necklace, to which Zoi nodded enthusiastically.

"A necklace is good if you know her well. It hangs close to the heart, so it's an intimate gift, but it doesn't come with a promise attached like a ring would. Amethyst seems like a good choice for the stone, as well; it would match her eyes and her clothing all at once. This particular necklace is small and understated, so it would be good for every day. If you're looking for something more for evening wear-"

He wasn't able to finish his statement, because just at that moment a throwing axe became lodged in a post that stood nearby Zoi and the disheveled man. He instantly whirled around to see where the weapon had come from. At the same time, the familiar voice reached his ears and he knew his head guard and advisor was overreacting again. Or at least it would seem to be an overreaction. If the disheveled man planned to harm Zoi, surely he would have done it before now, right? Yet Zoi didn't tell the sturdy older man to stand down, mainly because he was rather curious to know who the disheveled man was and what he was about as well.

[Prince Endymion]

“Ah yes, this year’s tourney was truly one of the best! We… they featured knights from some of the neighboring kingdoms. The king had a few different competitions set in place just for this event.” He failed to mention the rather interesting pair of guests that had been in attendance. Rumors and panic had already begun to spread, and he didn’t want to cause any more trouble.

Yet, I also made a bit of a fool of myself. I might have caused my dear lady to question my loyalty with one simple gesture… to another. Yes, a gift that will be close to her heart. I think I shall buy her a nice amethyst pendant.”

Prince Endymion took a hasty step backward as the rather large male came between him and one of the travelers.

“The King… King Lysander” His eyes widened a bit as his gaze shifted quickly around the area. He did not see his father’s personal guard nearby. “Oh, you mean… A thousand pardons I did not know I was amongst royalty” He gave a quick yet courtly bow before standing upright.

“My purpose is simple, I am here to pick out a gift for my lady. I made a fool of myself the other day at the tourney. I happen to call this charming kingdom home. Ahhh, even though my attire makes me appear that I have been on a journey several days long”

“As for my weapon…?” He pulled back part of his cloak to show off the scabbard and hilt of his sword “This is a gift on my 15th name day from my father. I have no intention of drawing it. I truly mean your party no harm”

[Deleted]

Jadeite was intrigued, but before he could respond to anything, a random axe came flying through the air. It stuck into a post, causing Jadeite to take a defensive stance. Everyone in the area aside from the three of them fled, screaming. What a time to leave his sword with his belongings. Still, he wasn't entirely helpless, his power could come in handy here, especially with another weapon nearby. He glanced at the axe while the brute who threw it came into view and began to speak. It would be a bit difficult to wield, but... Wait, what did he say?

"King?!" Jadeite exclaimed. Did his brothers hire this brute to tail him? He had a thousand men that could fill such a role if he felt the need, but this one was unknown to him. Maybe they were just playing a joke. That'd be just like them. Jadeite sighed in frustration for a second as the traveler mentioned King Lysander before bowing. He was the only King here, and yet...

"That sword. The symbol on the hilt... Is that...?" Jadeite trailed off in disbelief. He couldn't believe it. To meet the Prince here, of all places? He snapped back to reality and looked at the brute wielding his sword. He was definitely capable. He threw such a weapon with precision in a crowded marketplace to just gain attention instead of a body count. Whoever he was, he had skill. Still, time and a place.

"Have you taken leave of your senses, sir?" Jadeite asked the brute. "This man is no threat to us. Far from it. Furthermore, what made you think such a tactic was a good idea?" He walked slowly towards his would-be bodyguard and lowered his voice, so as not to give away his station anymore than already had been. After all, he could be wrong about the Prince. No sense giving everything away. "Which of my brothers hired you? Your services are appreciated, but not required. Go back and tell them as such and I'll be sure you are compensated for your troubles."