Post by exile on May 26, 2007 13:52:11 GMT -5
With the day’s first meal fast approaching, Allesha’s pantry was a riot of activity. Hadrian waded through the masses of the destitute and hungry in search of the proprietor, drawing a fair number of unpleasant glowers in his wake. He could hear the woman’s distinctive voice rising above the general clamor long before he spied her.
“A fine mornin’ to you as well, mister Fawlks. And how is yer dear ol’ mum? Grand as - ‘oy! Watch yourself son. Everyone ‘ere waits their turn, back in line with ye.”
The crowd parted briefly granting Hadrian a momentary glance of the stern matron, one hand about the collar of an impish waif, the other brandishing an iron ladle with all the noblesse of a queen bearing aloft her jewel encrusted scepter.
“Hello, Allesha,” the aasimar said as he drew nearer.
“ ‘Allo, Hadrian,” the woman replied with a tired smile as she relinquished her hold on the squirming child. “You’re certainly a might early this week. I wasn’t expecting you for a few days yet. Grab an apron from the back; we’ve a lot of work to do today.”
”Actually, Allesha, I can’t stay today. I’ve brought you something for the kitchen.” Hadrian produced a coin purse from a fitchet in his robes.
“What’s this then?” The woman replied, warily accepting the heavy prize. A number of greedy eyes followed the sack, but Hadrian had no fear for the woman’s safety in this place. Should any sod be foolish enough to lay a hand upon her person, a hundred would leap to her defense.
“A gift from a friend, who would rather not be named.”
The canny matron undid the tie and removed a coin. Her eyes widened in noticeable surprise. “This is gold, Hadrian.”
”I assure you there are no strings attached to this donation. It is for you to do with as you see fit.”
“Ye may tell your friend that he has my thanks then. This gift will fill our larder for a fortnight.”
Hadrian smiled and bowed his head. “I will do as you ask, Allesha. Farewell.”
But the woman had already returned to her work.
“Right then, no seconds until everyone’s been served!”
“A fine mornin’ to you as well, mister Fawlks. And how is yer dear ol’ mum? Grand as - ‘oy! Watch yourself son. Everyone ‘ere waits their turn, back in line with ye.”
The crowd parted briefly granting Hadrian a momentary glance of the stern matron, one hand about the collar of an impish waif, the other brandishing an iron ladle with all the noblesse of a queen bearing aloft her jewel encrusted scepter.
“Hello, Allesha,” the aasimar said as he drew nearer.
“ ‘Allo, Hadrian,” the woman replied with a tired smile as she relinquished her hold on the squirming child. “You’re certainly a might early this week. I wasn’t expecting you for a few days yet. Grab an apron from the back; we’ve a lot of work to do today.”
”Actually, Allesha, I can’t stay today. I’ve brought you something for the kitchen.” Hadrian produced a coin purse from a fitchet in his robes.
“What’s this then?” The woman replied, warily accepting the heavy prize. A number of greedy eyes followed the sack, but Hadrian had no fear for the woman’s safety in this place. Should any sod be foolish enough to lay a hand upon her person, a hundred would leap to her defense.
“A gift from a friend, who would rather not be named.”
The canny matron undid the tie and removed a coin. Her eyes widened in noticeable surprise. “This is gold, Hadrian.”
”I assure you there are no strings attached to this donation. It is for you to do with as you see fit.”
“Ye may tell your friend that he has my thanks then. This gift will fill our larder for a fortnight.”
Hadrian smiled and bowed his head. “I will do as you ask, Allesha. Farewell.”
But the woman had already returned to her work.
“Right then, no seconds until everyone’s been served!”