Written by Quevas and posted by Dorym

Part 2

Quevas admired his new storefront and the fine work that Nazmyr had done manipulating stone with his arcane training. He thought to himself it was probably because the pompous ass had a stone where his brain should be.

“If only he could see that in his own mirrors.” He said to himself aloud.

Quevas shrugged, he still was his brother no matter how thick or solid that stone was.

The structure Nazmyr and Quevas built in the Bazaar of Beggars was a much larger and substantial structure than the one Quevas had purchased in Rilauven. His store here was a prime spot as the line leading to the Obsidian Bridge passed right in front. It appeared the previous owner had forgotten to pay his taxes in a timely manner and Quevas was in the right place at the right time. The past owner never did find out what happened to this tax runner. He was last seen being dragged away by the Bazaar’s enforcers.

Quevas thought to himself and smirked. “Doesn’t matter, he is probably in one of Nazmyr’s auctions wearing a collar.”

Quevas entered his new storefront and enjoyed the fact that his newly acquired fire genasi, Nuraya Shaleh, was selling his pastries by the dozen to the droves of people in line. He had created the front to be visually appealing and mouthwatering. Add the lovely genasi hand delivering the pastries and the masses payed. The fire giant stood watch to ensure that none touched this beauty. His size and look swayed all from that thought.

“I will need to discuss with Nazmyr about acquiring more slaves to assist with my operation.” He thought to himself.

Currently the store was only open for a few hours each day before running out of pastries. As with all buildings in the City of Brass. Quevas’ new store was over-sized to accommodate the denizens of the city. Quevas was sure to have a room added to the rear of the store to accommodate the fire giant. This room also provided a view of the inside of the store to ensure continued security as well. The upstairs contained four rooms. A very large comfortable room for Quevas and across the way a room for Nuraya. The two remaining rooms were for future guests. The basement housed room for storage and other slave labor.

At the end of the business day Quevas knocked on Nuraya’s door and awaited a response. He knocked a second time before hearing “Come in.” in Ignan.

Nuraya was surprised to see Quevas when he entered.

“What’s wrong?” said  Quevas.

Nuraya humbly lowered her head before responding “I have never known a master to knock and wait before entering. Usually they enter, and take.”

Quevas approached Nuraya not saying a word. Nuraya began to assume a very sexual position on her bed. Quevas simply pulled up a chair and sat opposite her.

“Those days are over. I purchased you for two reasons. First, your beauty will greatly improve sales and attract more customers to my store. Second, a sparkling creature of fire such as yourself should never have been enslaved.”

Nuraya sat up “Does that mean you are releasing me?”

Quevas straightened in his chair “Sorry, no. As I said I purchased you to improve my store sales first.  I plan on putting you in charge of this store and eventually teaching you how to craft magical items for purposes of sale.”

Nuraya appeared deflated.

Quevas added “That doesn’t mean you will never be free. Honestly, I believe you will see working for me will give you a life better than the one you’ve had; probably better than you ever had, even freed. One thing is for certain, that which you automatically did upon my entering your room will never be done unwillingly again. If I were to ever accept your offer it will be because you truly and willingly give it.”

Quevas leaned forward lighting his hand aflame. He stared into the fire with absolute solace and bid Nuraya closer. Nuraya looked worried but dared to venture closer and stare at the flame.

“In here dear I find peace and when I first saw your eyes at the auction, I saw the same.  I hope I was not mistaken about your personal character.”

Quevas suddenly stood startling Nuraya and causing her to fall backwards onto the bed.

“I have showed you what brings me peace and pleasure. What decor may I acquire to furnish your room with, that may bring you such calm?”

Nuraya stared bewildered for a moment “You are asking me what I desire? Really?”

Quevas tilted his head sideways, sighed and began to walk out.  

Nuraya suddenly stood up “I liked to paint once! I love music too. It helped me create my art, but that was long ago.”

Quevas turned smiling and said “Then you shall have it. But I have one condition. That burned out flame I saw in your eyes moments ago must never return.”

Quevas reached into his belt and withdrew a coin purse of brass pieces motioning it toward Nuraya. “Go now through the Bazaar and purchase clothing and items you require to live here above the store. Get the music you love but leave the artwork and supplies to me. Also, please see that the fire giant is well fed and treated. He will be your protector when I am not here.”  

Nuraya, with a small spring in her step, grabbed the purse and ran out the door.

Quevas stood shaking his head. “I wonder if I have made a mistake allowing her to leave alone and with my coin so soon after her acquisition.” He thought to himself.

That notion quickly vanished when Nuraya returned a moment later bowing her head.

“I’m sorry, in my excitement I forgot to thank you.”

Quevas returned the bow and smiled as he watched her bound back out the door.

Quevas strolled through the Bazaar of Beggars and soon found Osawi’s Wine Tent. It was one of the larger of the tents standing in the bazaar, standing at 2 ½ stories and covering numerous plots, it definitely had grandeur. When he entered, he took note of the three large pillars of some type of petrified wood holding up the place. Older tables and chairs were everywhere. For the size of such a tent it had very few patrons.  Quevas shrugged to himself, approached the bar and asked the bartender if Osawi was available to converse with.

The bartender looked at him cross-eyed.

“Tell him Kesa sent me.”  

A few moments later a large 7-foot mountain of a human exited the rear tent.  His shoulders were as wide as a monitor lizard and his arms as thick.

“I am Osawi al Mujaheba “ he said looking down at Quevas. “Ahh, you must be the darkie that Kesa has mentioned to me, come, come.”

Quevas, looking to do business, overlooked the insult and followed Osawi through the rear tent flap. This area opened up to another smaller tent where a kitchen area had been prepared. Looking past the kitchen through the rear of the tent where the flaps were raised one could see numerous smaller tents obviously designed for accommodations.

“A very impressive establishment Osawi, I may call you Osawi?”

Osawi answered with an agreeable nod.

Osawi picked up a cleaver and continued to chop numerous vegetables as he continued the conversation. “So Quesa what is it that I can help you with?”

The size of the cleaver he was using was definitely chosen for intimidation purposes. In size it looked like half of Alaketh’s  body, while wearing plate mail.

“The name is Quevas not Quesa or blackie. That may be a name given to a serving girl but not I.”

Osawi picked up a piece of raw seasoned meat off the counter and motioned Quevas to eat it. Osawi was surprised to see that the meat was cooking in Quevas’s hand long before it ever reached his mouth. Osawi let out a large laugh.

“So dark… Que-Vas, you are full of tricks! Come! Sit! We shall talk business. Kesa mentioned cake?”

Quevas sat and joined Osawi. “I recently opened up a place by the Kubri’ al Azim and I have named it Limoo Shirin.”

“Ahh sweet lemon, it is a delightful name rolling off the tongue. It is also a citrus I use in many of my drinks and foods.”

Quevas nodded in approval “Which is why I am here. I wish to barter with you. I wish to provide you with my lemon cake and pastries for your dessert menu and in return you provide me with cases of this delectable lemon. I believe that using this type of lemon will only improve my cakes and desserts.”  

Quevas reached under his cloak and withdrew a silver serving platter with a cover and placed it on the table. He removed the cover to reveal one of his lemon cakes.  

Osawi called out for a kitchen aid to fetch utensils and plates. He cut several pieces of the cake and begins to serve a handful of his employees. Quevas watched on in curiosity. The employee faces seemed most pleased and readily finished off their cake. Osawi nodded in approval and tasted the cake for himself. Osawi smiled ear to ear.

“If this is the quality of the rest of your pastries Quevas then we will certainly do business together! Kesa was not wrong in bringing us together! If you can produce this with an inferior lemon, I can’t wait to taste what you shall create with a limoo shirin and the various other high-quality fruits I shall introduce you to!”

Osawi slapped Quevas on his back, nearly causing him to headbutt the table from the force in the man’s arm. Osawi laughed heartily as Quevas rubbed his shoulder. Osawi’s laughter was contagious and soon both men were laughing. Osawi being comfortable at this point began to talk of the many fruits and nectars never heard of by Quevas.  Quevas listened attentively into the late hours of the night. The two men continued to drink and talk as the kitchen was bustling with staff and the customers came and went from the front tent. The meal provided by Osawi during this time outdid any prior meals eaten by Quevas here in the City of Brass. The accommodations weren’t the five stars that he was used to, but the taste of the food far excelled any other. By the night’s end the two men agreed to their deal.  An equal value of cakes and pastries for the fruits and nectars provided. Quevas also agreed to pay for storage of said goods. Osawi had an elaborate method preserving such goods to avoid spoilage. Within the kitchen he had an enchanted chamber that enhanced the preservation of sundries. Osawi said that any item placed within would increase its shelf life ten fold. Quevas was amazed by the device and immediately leased a whole shelf in the rear of the chamber.

Quevas returned to his storefront and went to his room for some much needed reverie. In the early morning his reverie was interrupted by loud noises coming from the downstairs area. Quevas went to investigate.  He was pleased to see that the noises were made by Nuraya, who was hard at work designing the interior of the bakery. He looked around and noted she added landscape paintings and other décor that brightened the place. Quevas smiled and handed Nuraya another pouch of coins.

“I see I have guessed correctly about you Nuraya. See that the upstairs rooms are properly furnished and decorated as well. The goods will continue to arrive through my ring gates in the rear and please ensure that the goods delivered by Kesa go through each night. Here is a pouch for the next two payments to Kesa.”

He placed his hands on Nuraya’s shoulders “I shall return as soon as possible, but I have important business to attend. I did not forget about your art supplies. The basics should be delivered today and I hope on my return to have something more to your liking.”

Nuraya hugged Quevas before quickly stepping back head bowed “Sorry Master!”

Quevas chuckled and raised her chin with his finger “It’s ok dear, my name is Quevas not master, and please make my store shine like your eyes.”

Nuraya filled with a bounce again, ran and continuing arranging the store before it opened.

Quevas turned toward the fire giant “You! Grelvog Agir!  Protect her and then this store with your life.”

Grelvog nodded and Quevas exited.

Quevas walked behind the store away from prying eyes and withdrew another scroll from his robes. After reading the text before him he reappeared a distance from Rilauven. He pressed his insignia and sent a message to Rygos wishing to meet and even offered to go to him. While awaiting a response, if it were to come, Quevas made his way toward the city’s main gate. Upon arriving and being identified by the city guard he proceeded within. Quevas made his way to his store and inspected it. He realized he needed to expand his store and update it. As he continued his inspection he realized that there was no room to be had. A thought came to mind, Hosuth. Perhaps it was time to expand into that city, though earlier than planned. Quevas eventually received a reply from Rygos. He was enjoying a drink at the Dark Embrace and suggested that he meet him there.

Quevas arrived at the Dark Embrace and strolled in. After glancing around he saw Rygos sitting at the far table in the rear. Making his way there he noticed how quiet and well kept the place was. He glanced toward the bar where he noticed a lovely female bartender twirling a bejeweled spoon in her hands. He reached the table and nodded in greeting to his brother.

“Any particular drink I should get for us?” Quevas asked.

“Ask for the usual.”

As Quevas approached the bar, he noticed that the spoon in bartender’s hand was moving faster. Quevas motioned toward the spoon,

“Impressive dear, may I get two of Rygos’ usual; and may I ask what they are called?”

Evony quickly began to pour two drinks. “Kingslayer, named after your brother Rygos.”

Quevas, tilted his head, chuckled and bowed courteously. He thanked the bartender and returned to Rygos with the drinks in hand.

“Dear brother I see that they honor you with a drink here called Kingslayer. How impressive!” He said chuckling.

Rygos shook his head “Just sit down and shut up brother and tell me what you want?”  

Quevas laughed “I am in the presence of royalty! When you kill a king brother you become one or did you not know that?”

Rygos’ eyes narrowed and his hand began to glow with an arcane light. Quevas placed his hands up in mock surrender.

“Ok brother you win, but I honestly couldn’t resist.”

Rygos silently accepted the apology and his hand returned to his drink. “What is it that you need?”

“The reason I am here is to ask for your help in a certain matter that I know you are well versed in. I need to buy high end art supplies for an acquaintance, and you, dear brother, are the only person I know that would have that knowledge. I have also heard of a form of living art but have no idea where to even start, or if that if it even exists.”

Rygos looked up from his drink. “So you ask to meet me, then insult me, then ask for my help?”

Quevas looked ahead while sipping his drink “Yes indeed and I am sure you have had your fun at my expense in the past. Especially since you hang around our brother Valas so much. So, will you help me?”  

Rygos smirked to himself knowing full well that last statement was indeed true and that Valas did make him laugh quite often at Quevas’ expense.

“You speak the truth,” Rygos admitted. “I will retrieve these art supplies for Quevas, but it will take a while to get.”

Quevas handed Rygos a small pouch.

“Could you leave the items at my lemon store here in the city? My goblins will know what to do with them.  

Rygos accepted the pouch and nodded in agreement. “The special paint you seek requires skilled technique that I have recently learned. There is no way to simply create that type of artwork.”

Quevas looked frustrated before perking up “Might you introduce me to your teacher or perhaps train my friend yourself?”

Rygos stared into his drink and contemplated the request. His mentor was a busy man and not all too quick to share a technique that had taken centuries to perfect. But Rygos thought back to his new curator and what she would say; an advocate for growing the arts with those who share a passion akin to their own. Rygos finally looked at Quevas and in a low tone finally uttered,

“I will not teach your friend. My techniques are by no means the same as swishing your wrist and chanting an incantation. It takes a great amount of patience to learn a technique of this magnitude. We may never unlock in your friend the potential required to master such a technique. You and I, brother, are the very essence of our race. What we are capable of is very different from that of your… friend. It requires precision, discipline, that I am afraid they may lack.”

Quevas’ face held an expression of genuine interest, and though he was disheartened by Rygos’s words, the grim tone that Rygos had taken was alarming.

“However,” Rygos continued, “if it is simply skill in the arts that you seek, perhaps we can work out a deal. While I cannot share my master’s technique, I can offer more elementary art teachings. And, of course, if you are looking to buy a piece from my collection…” he let his voice trail as his attention turned back to his drink.

Quevas sipped his drink contemplated his brother’s words, “I see and understand brother, maybe in the future you will see it differently.  As far as buying some of your artwork, it may be in the cards. I am currently working on procuring locations to sell my goods in Hosuth and the City of Brass as well. Perhaps if you were to expand into the City of Brass she may visit and buy your artwork someday. Till then health and long life to the Vandree brothers!”

Quevas raised his glass in toast.  

Rygos nodded his approval and raised his glass.

Quevas ventured through Rilauven back to his store.  Upon approaching, he observed the line out front had yet to diminish.  

“Any trouble?” he asked of the minotaur’s?”  

A minotaur shook his head indicating no.

Quevas nodded in approval entered the store. He left exact instructions with the goblins regarding supplies coming from his brother Rygos and then quickly exited the store. He made his way out of the city to a clear cavern, withdrew a scroll, and began to read. His eyes glowed as he progressed through the literature and then he was gone. Arriving a few yards before a large tree Quevas looked around and then proceeded to town. He had not visited Hosuth that often so his brother Nazmyr’s tree was his focal point for arrival. That needed to change.

Quevas made his way toward the merchant area of the city just south of the Northern Lake. The arachnid architecture of the bridges leading to this part of Hosuth was incredibly old. Though Quevas had long ago forsaken the spider queen, this city had not. Upon closer inspection of the bridges he noticed that the architecture wasn’t original but was carved over some long-ago forgotten design. Quevas shrugged to himself  and moved on to a checkpoint on the other side of the bridge. A guard looked at Quevas’ and nodded in greeting. A human merchant wasn’t granted such a courtesy and was immediately stopped and questioned about permits. Which eventually led to him needing to bribe his way passed the guards. Quevas motioned one of the guard aside and handed him a box from beneath his cloak. The guard tilted his head silently questioning the size but didn’t say anything knowing that there are many practitioners of magic in the city.  

“A thank you for the thankless work you perform here daily.” Said Quevas “Enjoy eating it and visit my future store.”

The guard nodded skeptically and walked back to post placing the box nearby.

Further down the road Quevas noticed this was going to be a tediously long walk, between crisscrossing waterways and bridges and the many checkpoints. Further ahead he found an alleyway and quickly slipped in and casted invisibility and then fly on himself. Quevas took off only landing at the last checkpoint to the main merchant square. Luckily these guards were here more for intimidation than to guard, otherwise that may have been a shorter flight than intended,  especially in a drow city on the surface world. Focusing his attention to waterfront property it wasn’t long before he found an enormous warehouse that was available to purchase.The price was a bit steep hence why it was still untouched. Not wanting to settle on the first location he viewed, Quevas walked the area for several more hours. Nothing seemed to come close to the first building, in size or location. The waterway could prove useful to  transport products. He did however manage to locate two small storefronts in the hub of the area where he planned to sell his desserts and components from.

It was now getting late, so he gathered directions to a reputable inn called Arachne’s Cavern. When he entered, he was approached by a serving girl who was enticingly dressed.

“What would be your desire for the night?” she asked.

“I would just care for a quiet meal and room.” was his response.

The serving girl’s expression changed to annoyance but she did as asked and sat Quevas in a quieter section of the inn. The meal to follow was an exquisite drow meal. It started with a barrelstalk salad, one must break the stalk to get to the interior which is the edible portion and you can also drink of the sweet water that is contained within each stalk. This was followed by a roth’e steak seasoned with firelichen next to two pieces of bluecap sporebread. The steak was perfectly cooked and the bread was just made and warm to the touch. But best of all was the Spiderblood wine that accompanied the entrée. This wine is derived from one of the local fungi grown in the area and seasoned with spider venom. It absolutely tickled the tongue and went down smoothly. To end the meal came a bat brain dessert which was chilled perfectly. Quevas sat back quite content and ordered more Spiderblood wine. Looking around he realized that although this inn catered to the higher drow of this city it also provided them with many forms of entertainment. This explained the annoyed look he received from the serving girl; she expected a bigger payout. Late into the night he watched the denizens that came and went. He particularly watched the drow lords and ladies. He found it very interesting how many wore a city insignia. Quevas contemplated during this time. He found it surprising how the drow, a race that holds itself so high above other races lowers itself to bed anything and everything attractive, especially non-drow. He wondered how many of these city cretins have already been corrupted to be owned by another.

Quevas made his way to his room and upon securing the door in his own manner sat on the bed. He assumed a crossed legged position with his back to the corner and opened his belt allowing Tkoodlevunch to exit before withdrawing his black globe. TK as Quevas had come to call him shook himself before sitting opposite Quevas on top of his globe. Quevas spoke in Ignan.

“I apologize dear friend for the lack of conversation since your master’s demise. I have been quite busy. I am attempting to secure myself financially and eventually come up with a solid plan for avenging Mistress Freth and Caelcoth Hyluan your former master.”  

TK stared at Quevas and possibly smiled.  It was hard to tell with mephits due to the shape of their mouths.  

Quevas continued “TK I will do all I can to treat you as Caelcoth did if not better.”

Tkoodlevunch began to jump up and down nearly knocking over the black globe. Quevas scrambled to catch it and nearly fell off the bed.

“But pull  a stunt like that again TK and I’ll feed you to a fire giant instead!”

TK stopped and sat idle for what was probably the longest second of his life before twitching and moving again more controlled.  

“Glad we understand each other!  Now I have established a home in the City of Brass and would like to leave you there in a place more fitting for your kind. It will only be during times I am away with my brothers on more serious matters. Otherwise I look forward to travelling with you and continuing our discussions on the Plane of Fire and the Abyss.”

Quevas sat back and continued their earlier conversation regarding the Planes of Ash, Smoke, Radiance and Magma. This conversation continued well into the night.  Anyone passing by would simply have heard the crackle of a possible fire within the room’s hearth.

When the noise outside his room grew louder several hours later, he got up and cleaned himself.  Quevas helped TK back into his area and went for a walk toward the Grand Capitol Building.

Not wanting to fly as he desired to learn the city better, he walked. Crossing several dozen bridges over waterways and stopping at numerous checkpoints took the better part of the morning.  Luckily drow were given a speedier line over other races, otherwise this may have taken longer. Crossing one particular bridge, Quevas encountered the guard from the day before. The guard approached him and asked where he had come by such a delicious cake.

Quevas laughed “I make them for sale.”  

The guard gave Quevas a twisted look. “Really?  It’s just that you don’t look like a a… baker?”

Quevas nodded “I know, it started as a hobby and now has grown.”

The guard nodded “Well tell me where your bakery is located and I guarantee that my men and I will come by.”

”I am actually headed to the Grand Capitol Building to purchase my stores now.”  

“When you are asked for a referral regarding your wears, tell the magistrate that Lieutenant Calnozz Helvilyl has checked and confirmed the goods.”  

Quevas stared in a bewildered state.  

Calnozz continued “Hosuth requires merchants to check their wears with the local militia for safety reasons.”  

Quevas nodded “Thank you Calnozz for saving me time in pursuing this matter. I will have a standing 25% discount for all town militia and sentries thanks to you.”

The Grand Capitol building stood as quite a site. Its grandeur was only eclipsed by the library in this section of the city. The library was easily three times the size of this building. Yet the architecture of the capitol building was newer and more appealing. Entering the building there was a checkpoint choke created by a dozen drow. It was clear that these drow were no mere bridge guards. He was split off from the line and guided over to a drow only section. Most of the visitors left waiting behind were non-drow or surface dwellers. After an intricate check of his person involving magic and mundane methods, Quevas was allowed to pass. He stated his business and was directed to the 4th floor. An area allowing for levitation or stair use was directly in front of him. It was permissible to walk up or levitate within the oval shaped stairwell to reach your desired floor. Matrons were located on each floor to guide you in. Quevas reached the 4th floor and was pulled over to the marble landing very easily. He made his way forward and again was guided to a drow only line.  After a few short minutes he was escorted into an office waiting area. Upon reaching this point race or importance didn’t matter as all were waiting here. After a couple hours wait Quevas was ushered into an area to speak with the city reeve. Due to the nature of purchasing three buildings within the city merchant’s area the reeve took notice and handled the case himself.

“So Quevas Vandree I see you look to expand into our fair city.  May I ask why?”

Quevas noticed a nameplate on the reeves’ desk bearing the inscription ‘Sharaghar Hun’ate’.

“Lord Hun’ate,” Quevas started  “your city holds an excellent opportunity for me. It has the space required by me for storage and sale of my products. And your waterways seem an excellent mode of transport for my wares between locations.”  

Sharaghar nodded, “ I see you have the proper paperwork and monies necessary but appear to be missing the accreditation from the militia.”

Quevas humbly stated “Unfortunately Lord Hun’ate I only just came to learn of that requirement on my way here so I do not have a signed affidavit. I was however told en-route by a Lieutenant Calnozz Helvilyl to relay that he personally checked and approved of my wares.”

Sharaghar reached below into a draw in his desk and produced a sealed scroll.

“Return tomorrow and this will speed your passage to me. If the information you provided checks out, then the transaction will be approved. Good Day Lord Vandree.”

Quevas secured the properties without delay the following morning and quickly hired locals to begin work. He had a vision and had laid it out for them to bring to fruition. With the contractors partially paid and the project started Quevas decided to return to the City of Brass.

Quevas appeared in his room above the Limoo Shirin store. He looked around admiring the excellent choice of furniture that Nuraya had chosen. After freshening up he walked around the property smiling at how different it looked. The style and décor resembled parts of the Bey’s household that he recently visited. Quite pleased he went to the front of the store to find Nuraya. Along the way Quevas saw numerous pieces of artwork hanging about the hallways  These had brightened the location from the dull browns and tans of the walls and floors. Looking around the store, he noted bakery goods were low for this early in the day. He might of had an inventory problem had he not secured the buildings in Hosuth. With all that extra space for expansion he would soon triple if not quadruple his productivity. Nuraya was out front busy serving guests on the bridge walk. It had been a week or so since he last saw her and Quevas noted she appeared more uplifted from his last visit. Nuraya caught sight of Quevas and welcomed him home as she hurried past him to fulfill the orders just taken. Quevas took a seat up front and watched Nuraya as he would the flames on his hand. She fluttered in and out and was as bright as any flame Quevas had conjured. Once she had finished serving the last of the baked goods, she entered the store to a disgruntled cry from the crowd. Quevas gave his seat to Nuraya and exited the front stating “Within 2-3 weeks our doors will close earlier no more and there will be goods for all to purchase.”  The crowd silenced at the announcement and applauded in anticipation. Quevas entered again closing the door behind him and shaking his head saying, “Fools applaud and show their ignorance as none of the same people will be here tomorrow. Now Nuraya what have you to tell me of this past week?”

Nuraya walked Quevas through the store showing off the design features and artwork she added over this last week. She also pointed out the fire giant Grelvog Agir and his new clothing.  Quevas was impressed that she found something to fit him but then again, they were in the Bazaar of Beggars. Nuraya then joyfully ran and bounced up to her room. Upon entering, the transformation from plain to a female’s quarters was obvious. The room was colorful…not dull, full of decorative furniture and a superabundance of sheer and lace. In a corner section, by the window, was a fully working art station with a half-drawn painting of himself.

Nuraya looked at Quevas simply smiled and said “Thank you. I hope to finish this soon. And with your permission, hang it in your room.”

Quevas was pleased indeed simply nodding his approval and satisfaction. Nuraya proceeded into his quarters and began to explain the local décor and its meaning. On the floor she had placed a royal Keshan Rug made of the finest wool. Specially woven curtains moderated the heat within the room. A love seat was situated in the corner made of the finest griffon hide. The piece de résistance, a mattress stuffed with the softest of couatl feathers, was framed by unusual black hard wood grained with red striations. Quevas sat on the mattress and was instantly pleased. Never had he felt a more comfortable piece of furniture.

“But how did you afford such accommodations with the little I had left you?” he asked.

Nuraya blankly stated “With the proceeds from selling your baked goods of course.”

Quevas’s face grew red with anger at that response, “You mean to tell me….” He paused exhaling sharply, “That  you spent all my profit without first consulting me?”

“Yes, my lord and master but not all.”  

Nuraya walked over to a painting and removed it from the wall, behind it was a safe. Quevas noted that it was not there before. She opened to show that it was indeed flush with coin.  

Quevas wore a puzzled look on his face.

“How?” He demanded, “Since there should not have been so much product to match these proceeds.”

Nuraya explained that she had purchased this safe earlier in the week and took it upon herself to raise prices seeing as how well everything was selling.

Nuraya lowered her head “I thought you would be pleased.”  

Quevas let out a hardy laugh surprising Nuraya.

“I very much am dear and you have done better than even I could foresee.  Please only call me Quevas from now on and no more master or Lord.”

Nuraya smiled and surprised Quevas again with another hug and bounced out of the room. Quevas shook his head as he followed her out

“Clever girl.” He thought to himself. Quevas focused back in on the safe and began to secure it in his own manner ensuring that only Nuraya and he had access.