16th of Ashan, 716
10th Break
It had been a good night. For the first time in a long time, sleep found Peake without needing a single droplet of wine. He still drank himself to sleep, though, for it was a tradition in his own lonely household. A hot tub in the morning, some beard lotion and a minor trim prepared him to tackle the day with the same strength as usual. Marching proudly down the street, spitting on beggars and looking for conflict that nobody wanted to fight against him, soon enough he found himself in the dock area. The smell of salt invaded his nostrils, a sensation that still had an inspirational meaning despite having been in the area many times before. The tall nobleman often dreamt with the sea, calm and placid waters under a dark sky filled with stars that fell until they drowned in the water. Perhaps they were fireflies. There, he found himself dancing alone, spinning and laughing in the loneliness. The sea hold something from him, perhaps part of his heart, yet he couldn’t quite place as to why he liked the sea so much.10th Break
The port was busy this morning, or perhaps it was busy every morning. Carts came here and there, wagons dragged by horses or mules, carrying stock and crates, sacks and various items. There was shouting, laughing, and distant music being played over the sound of the waves. The mood was upbeat, something that Peake couldn’t quite understand. His eyes watched the dirty features, the torn and rugged clothes, the trembling and mistreated hands, and only saw a life undervalued. His hands weren’t much better, perhaps too being a bit scarred due to wielding a mace and a shield like a fool. However, there was only greatness awaiting for him as the day passed. Once day, he would become a Baron, ruling over Andaris and the businesses that others sweated in. In a way, he felt envious of these commoners, whom despite their misfortune and simple origins, still managed to smile and show joy that Peake couldn’t. Nevertheless, he paid them no heed as he once again looked down at the small paper that he had in the palm of his hand. Inside it stood the address of the business in question, and the place of residence of the woman that he had condemned to be his wife.
Syhera had struck him as an elegant woman, despite her obvious financial troubles. Having browsed this very morning in the Treasury’s files for her, he had discovered just how bare her pockets were. Her income was low, something he would’ve never guessed by how gorgeous she looked last evening. She had disguised well, in a way, and put on a mask that hid her true origins, a mask that fitted her perfectly, in fact. In a way, he felt a bit of pity for her. She would’ve made a great lady, as she surely had the elegance and refinement that many others lacked – even more than Peake himself. At last, he spotted the shop in question, which he watched for a couple of bits. He was nervous, in a way. Just remembering how Syhera reacted last night made him feel sick, as if he had done something far more horrible than he believed. In a way, he did. He knew for a fact how much he had spited his father, the man becoming so mad he had sent his servants thrice this morning to try to escort Peake into House Andaris. It was mostly that constant interruption what brought him out here, today.
At last, he moved, heading towards the shop’s entrance and walking inside, closing the door behind him. “Greetings.” He said, as he immediately started gazing around the strange collection of items for sell. The multiple good luck charms reminded him of what he wore on his neck, a simple carved bone that was perhaps the only thing he held with him at all times. It meant nothing for him, merely an item that had been with him for so long that it just became a part of him. Maybe it was purchased from here, who knew.
