Take a vacation, they said.
As if he had time for vacations, leisure, relaxation. Evangelus Feyal didn't know the meaning of the word. In theory, it sounded almost fun, to be able to not have any responsibilities for a week or so. The very fact that his family had noticed how much hard work he had been doing around Atlas Verde was something to be proud of, though, and perhaps that was the only reason why he allowed his family to rent him a room at a high class inn in Jadenshine. He left his home thinking a little trip away from the province he policed so passionately would be fine.
He was dead wrong, of course. It was different here — too different, and he wasn't used to change. Back in Atlas Verde, he realized, he counted a lot on the fact that people knew who he was more than he ever realized. Back home, people knew him and the story behind his limp, and did not stare — that was old news, old gossip, talk that people had already worn out. But here, everyone could only look at his attire and know he was important — but his limp, well, that was something the people on the streets of Jadenshine could stare and whisper at.
Was it possible to hit eject, demand out of this mad ride?
He thought not — he'd be here for two weeks, tops, and it took all of Ev's willpower not to take the nearest steed and make a dash for Atlas Verde. Still, he couldn't waste the opportunity his family had given him, even if he wanted nothing to do with it. The streets of Jadenshine were bright enough, its people kind enough — but he could do without their stares, that was for damn sure. The merchants were cheerful, though — energetic and lively, shouting sales pitches through the air as he made his way through the streets. If he closed his eyes, maybe he could pretend he was home.
Children ran through and around the stalls, all of them jovial and enegetic, playing a game of tag, it seemed. One of the children, however, in an attempt to get away from whoever was 'it' ran smack dab into a fruit cart, threatening to topple over its contents. The child stared with wide eyes as the fruit seemed ready to spill out onto the street.
Ev stepped up to the cart, pushing it back on its feet with one hand, giving the child a warm smile. "Don't worry, no harm done. But you should be more careful, next time," he advised, and the child nodded, scurrying off, glad he hadn't been in too much trouble. Ev turned to face the owner of the vendor, biting. "Are you alright, miss? Your stall took a bit of a beating, but it looks like it should be fine."