Issen walked down the market street, her hips swaying as she walked. She had a basket full of food and a jug of wine balanced on her hip. For the past two weeks, she had been boarding with Taisir and his family, who happened to be relatives of the nomads she had met on her previous journey. He had told her she could stay until she could find another place, as his house was already cramped. When she was working, Issen had been searching for a new place, but with no such luck.
Still, Issen got room, board, and a small coin for it, which she was proud of. She had realized using her ancient treasures as money was impractical and drew attention she did not want. Besides, she had much to learn from the new Essyrn, including Common, and once she had earned and learned enough, she would buy passage to Adela...
That was what she had been thinking about when she carried Taisir's lunch. Bumping into Rahib jolted her out of her daydream.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, fumbling with the basket.
Thankfully, she did not drop it. Issen smiled bashfully as she readjusted her veil to help protect from the sunlight.
"I'm sorry!," she said in Common with grave concern. Her voice was heavily accented, impossible to place. She quickly walked over to Taisir and presented him with his lunch. She glanced over at Rahib with concern.
"Is he a friend?" she asked.