Window Shopping

Biara walked down the market lane, pausing here and there to look at the wares displayed in the windows and out on carts on the bright sunny day. It was warm, as always in Silvermoon, and a pleasant breeze flowed through the market, carrying the sounds of the citizens as they bought and sold and bartered. Biara smiled as she continued on down the lane, enjoying the sounds of her people, the Sin'dorei, as they lived their lives in peace.

If only there were no threats against them. For a few moments, here in the market she could pretend that such was the case. She could browse the carts of fine cloth, look at the jewelry displayed for sale, and pretend that nothing was amiss outside of the city walls, that nothing could threaten the serenity of her people. The thought was fleeting though, as the worries of the world were always with the Magistrix. One day she would make that dream a reality, and Silvermoon would be truly safe, but that day was not today.

She paused in front of a shop advertising wares for the season's holiday celebrating love. The storefront was lined with little cut out hearts, enchanted with magic to make them glitter with red twirls of light as customers passed by, drawing the eye. Through the glass she could see a variety of fine clothes, candies, flowers and little jeweled bottles sitting on shelves. Out of curiosity, she stepped inside, her gaze taking in the merchandise and dismissing it as uninteresting, with the exception of the bottles. She stepped closer, lifting one of the small bottles up and examining it closely. It was expensive and rare perfume, and even with the top closed she could smell the delightful scent coming from the tiny container.

"Care to sample some of that, my Lady?" A voice came from behind her. Biara turned to see an older Sin'dorei smiling at her. He picked up a bottle similar to the one she was holding and unstoppered it, allowing the fragrance of the perfume to drift in the air.

Biara inhaled and returned a smile of her own. "It's lovely! I have several varieties of imported perfumes already, but these are just delightful. I've never smelled ones so sweet before."

The shopkeeper nodded and replied, "They're specially made, just for the holiday. Designed to quicken the hearts of even the most stubborn suitors, although of course you hardly need such assistance, being as lovely as you are, my Lady."

The compliment, which surely would have charmed even the most reluctant buyer, was like a slap in the face to Biara. A frown crept across her features as her thoughts churned.

Suitors. Love. What time do I have for that? Who could even understand me, or the things I must do for my people? Once perhaps Aeranor would have known, would have been beside me through all the horrors of this unending war. That time is long past now.

Biara shook her head, her mood darkening. "I-I'm not interested in your wares I'm afraid. Sell them to someone who actually has use for such things." She whirled and walked away, leaving the shopkeeper standing in confusion, not understand what he had done to drive away a potential customer. Her mood to shop was utterly spoiled.

It was going to be a very long week.