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- 1st of Ymiden, 716 Arc
Life had carried on as normal, for the most part. Business in the shop had slowed considerably, to a point of... difficulty. Men no longer frequented nearly enough, those who figured out her identity afraid to offend a lord by talking to his wife to be. It was frustrating for the Biqaj, who had grown used to a streak of luck up until the engagement, but she refused to seek the aid of her betrothed. Hera was a prideful woman, and while Peake had promised her and her mother aid if they ever needed it... the redhead didn't want word spreading that she was someone who sought out gold like a hungry whore.
Her mother played the part of mother-to-be quite well, spreading rumors of the young love, how pure and dedicated the two lovebirds were to one another. How sweet and kind the taxman had been to her daughter. It was quite funny, considering Hera hadn't seen her fiancè in ages. When asked about her love for the young noble, she let the imagination of others do the work for her, refusing to speak much on the subject. She found ways of dancing around questions, no longer sure what Peake had planned. Or who all listened.
If he had sought her out, she did not know. For some time, she had spent almost all her time out and about, seeking the few expeditions as navigator she could find. Most were pisspoor jobs, helping idiots get their wares to places they shouldn't need to go anyway, but money was money. But now she was back, feet back on solid ground and ready to relax. She was tired of desperate fishermen eyeing her with a hunger in their eyes. The perks of being fake engaged meant they didn't paw at her any chance they got. The downside, was that she had to be on her best behavior as well.
Today was the first of Ymiden, a celebration for Rynmere. Hera had returned from her latest excursion the night before and found a soft, foam green dress waiting in her room. It belonged to her mother some time ago, with a note saying she could borrow it, and Hera was happy to find the fabric thin and breathable. The back was more open, made no doubt for the warmer weather, and after a long soak to wash away the sea, slipped it on. Today, she let her hair down, drying in bright, natural curls and slipped on some leather sandals. The gold earrings hung faithfully from her ears and she kept her makeup simple.
Shops all around town would be closed today for holiday, her family's included. It would allow for some down time, perhaps a chance to walk around town. Maybe, just maybe, she could buy a little treat for herself. Tidying up her things, she retrieved her purse and headed for the door.
Today would be a good day.