Shopping

The carriage was parked next to a market. There were many kinds of fruits, vegetables, and seasonings. This must be where Eon was getting the salt.

We hoped down from the carriage and walked away from the market.

"First, we get your shoes. Second, salt. After that, I need to pick up a special item," Eon said.

We walked down the street to a shop called, "Melissa's". Melissa must sell footwear. When we entered the store, a little bell on the door dinged. A young lady walked over to greet Eon.

"Hello, Eon! I haven't seen you in a long time," she greeted.

"I agree, Melissa. It has been awhile. However, I am shopping for this young lady today," Eon looked happy, as if he was seeing an old friend.

"What is your name?" Melissa asked.

"Lumine," I replied.

"My, your eyes are beautiful. What type of shoes are you looking for?"

Eon cut in and said, "A pair of black shoes."

Melissa nodded her head and walked to the back of the store. She terriennes with a few boxes of shoes. They were all black, and some had heels.

"Have you worn heels before?" MelIssa asked.

I shook my head and said, "I haven't."

"I recommend you try these, then."

Melissa handed me a pair of flat black shoes. I slipped them on with ease. They were very comfortable. Not dressy, though. I walked around. I hadn't worn shoes for a few days. It felt a bit weird to wearing them again.

Eon watched with satisfaction.

"They look good," he said. "Try those," I looked at the pair of heels. They were a reasonable height.

I slipped them on and stood up. Heels felt... wobbly. All the shoes Auntie gave me were flat and worn out.

"Walk in them," Eon instructed.

I took a few unsure steps. After almost tipping over, I finically got used to walking higher off the ground. Eon looked pleased.

"Are they comfortable?" he asked.

"Yes," I replied. They didn't pinch real bad like I thought they would. Time would tell how my feet would feel after regular use.

"We'll take them," Eon pulled some coins out of his pocket and handed them to Melissa. That was fast.

"Are you wearing them out?" Melissa reached for the other shoe boxes.

"She will," Eon said. "It was great seeing you, Melissa."

"Come by again soon," Melissa smiled and walked away with the boxes.

We walked back to the market. With shoes, I didn't have to worry about stepping on any sharp rocks like before. That was a relief. I still wondered why Eon wanted me to wear the heels. They cost more.

"Eon, the first shoes worked fine. They didn't cost as much," I pointed out.

"I know. But you look better in these."

"Oh. Thank you."

Why would Eon care how good I looked? What was I to him?

Eon handed me a few coins and said, "While I get the salt, go to the bakery across the street and pick out up to two treats of your choice."

"Thank you," I replied. "May I ask why?"

"Why not? You have shown good behavior the past few days," Eon shrugged his shoulders.

Wow. Auntie and Uncle would never have given me money to buy something for myself.

I was so exited I practically ran across the street to the bakery.

Wonderful smells greeted me as soon as I entered the bakery. A man at the front counter greeted me.

"What are you looking for, Madam?" he asked politely.

Madam. That was... wow.

"A few desserts to go," I replied.

"How about some of these?" The man pointed at a rack of macarons and continued. "There's lemon, raspberry, blueberry, mint, cherry, orange, mango, and chocolate."

They all sounded great. Eon did limit me to two, and that was okay.

"A chocolate and a cherry, please," I requested and handed the man some coins.

He smiled, counted the coins, and gave a few back. The man pulled two macarons from the rack and put them in a small paper bag.

"Here you go," the man said as he handed me the bag.

"Thank you." I was glowing. It felt so good to spend money on something I really wanted.

"Have a good day," the man said.

Just before I walked out the door, a women came from around the corner.

"Where do you get your soap from? It smells wonderful," she said.

"It's homemade. Linda gave it to me."

"Oh! I should ask her if she has more."

I looked out the front window. The carriage was still across the street. No sign of Eon. Huh. Buying salt couldn't take that long. I walked out the door with my macarons.

Just as I exited the building, a slam followed by a scream was heard. I swung around to see the women who was talking to the man. When did she get by the door?

"Stupid slave!" the women shouted. She dropped the bag she was carrying and shoved me hard. I fell into the street and groaned.

"You need to watch what you are doing! You got me in the-" The women paused and looked behind me. She looked surprised. I turned around, still lying on the ground. Eon stood behind me, and he looked angry.

I had a feeling Eon and the women knew each other.