Chapter 27

Ysabel's eyes widened as they approached the town. It wasn't just the charming architecture or the bustling activity; it was the way everyone seemed to know Lilah. Every passerby greeted her with a smile so bright, it lit up their faces, their eyes gleaming with a warmth Ysabel found both intriguing and slightly unsettling. The sheer volume of greetings was overwhelming, a constant hum of recognition that followed them like a persistent melody.

As they entered the marketplace, a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds assaulted Ysabel's senses. The air vibrated with the energy of commerce, a vibrant tapestry woven from the cries of vendors, the clinking of coins, and the murmur of conversations. Stalls overflowed with an abundance of goods: mountains of colorful fruits and vegetables, bolts of richly dyed fabrics, rows of sturdy shoes and whimsical hats, glittering jewelry, and intricately carved wooden toys. Even the pavement itself seemed alive, adorned with pottery and ornaments of every shape and size, their surfaces gleaming under the morning sun.

Lilah, seemingly unfazed by the attention, chuckled softly as she noticed Ysabel's wide-eyed wonder.

"Liking what you see?"

She asked, her voice a gentle counterpoint to the marketplace's cacophony.

Ysabel, breathless from the sheer sensory overload, managed a shaky laugh.

"I barely went to a market in my hometown,"

She admitted, her voice still tinged with awe.

"But this place... it's so lively! So much more than I ever imagined."

Lilah, ever practical, steered the horse to a quieter spot, then dismounted.

"Indeed," She agreed, her eyes scanning the bustling scene.

"And most of the things they sell here are surprisingly cheaper than in larger cities. Let's grab some breakfast first, then I'll meet the merchant about those stones."

Slipping her arm around Ysabel's shoulders, Lilah guided her down a side street, the air thick with the tantalizing aromas of baking bread, roasting meats, and simmering stews. Ysabel's stomach rumbled in response, a symphony of hunger accompanying the market's vibrant chorus.

They entered a small, bustling restaurant, a place clearly familiar to Lilah. The chime of the bell above the door announced their arrival, causing a ripple of attention to wash over the room. Heads turned, some offering nods of greeting to Lilah, others regarding them with a mixture of curiosity and polite interest. A vacant table near the window beckoned, and they settled in, the warmth of the room a welcome contrast to the cool morning air.

A woman with a warm smile and eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of ages approached their table. "My, Lady Lilah," she exclaimed, her voice melodious. "I haven't seen you in ages!"

Lilah smiled, a touch weary but undeniably genuine.

"Good morning to you too, Merina,"

She replied, her tone gentle but firm. "Please, just Lilah. You always seem to forget." She turned to Ysabel, introducing her friend.

"This is Ysabel."

Ysabel offered a polite greeting, and Merina's gaze lingered on her, assessing, appraising.

"A pretty one,"

She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "No wonder every eye in this establishment is on you."

Lilah, ever the pragmatist, quickly steered the conversation back to breakfast. "Merina, we'd like to order, please," She said, her smile a little strained.

Merina, unfazed, simply beamed.

"Of course, dear. What will you have?"

Lilah turned to Ysabel. "Anything in mind?"

Ysabel, still slightly overwhelmed, replied softly, "Just a light breakfast, please."

Merina waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, no, my dears. You must eat properly! No man appreciates a girl who's all skin and bones, wouldn't you agree?" She chuckled, then added,

"I'll bring you a proper breakfast, right away."

Lilah offered a grateful smile, but Ysabel noticed a flicker of exhaustion in her eyes. Even this early in the day, the constant attention seemed to weigh heavily on her.

Once Merina disappeared into the kitchen, Lilah let out a long, slow sigh of relief, her body slumping against the chair.

"They really do seem to know you," Ysabel observed softly.

Lilah chuckled, a self-deprecating sound. "Most people here know each other,"

She explained, cupping her chin in her hand.

"And I'm the only healer for miles around, so...yeah, they know me and my work. It can be tiring, constantly being bombarded with questions and requests. But I do like this place, in spite of it all."

Ysabel nodded sympathetically.

"It must be incredibly demanding,"

She murmured, understanding dawning on her face.

Lilah sighed.

"They don't usually hire me unless it's a life-or-death situation," She admitted.

"But when we're away on long journeys, there's no one to care for the townsfolk, so it does get difficult."

When Merina returned with their breakfast, a feast of sausages, eggs, bread, butter, a steaming bowl of porridge, and tall mugs of ale, Lilah fell silent, her attention focused entirely on the food. Merina hadn't exaggerated; this was a truly substantial breakfast, and both women ate with gusto, the delicious food a welcome respite from the day's earlier events.