Page 19

Everywhere they went there was a smell of grilled meat, fresh baked bread and delicious things cooking.

Many of the shops and booths had craftsmen working where the customers could see them. There was something fascinating about watching a potter at their wheel or a woodworker carving a family crest. In’shi didn't mind watching with her, content with the entertainment.

There were traditional performers, as well. Martial arts displays were a big favorite, but there were also fire jugglers and dancers. Restaurants enticed customers with live music, and the whole place had a party atmosphere.

“Is it always like this?” Julep asked, amazed.

“N-no, but it's the weekend. I thought you would like it.” In’shi grinned. “B-but what I really wanted to show you is the ear salon.”

“Hair salon?” Julep echoed, not sure she heard correctly.

“E-ear cleaning salon,” In’shi pronounced carefully. “I-I've always wanted to try it.”

Julep stared at her. “I can't even imagine...what in the world could they possibly be doing? Do they wash behind the ears? Because I do that every time I take a bath.”

In'shi snorted. “G-goblins have big ears.” She waved her hands around her ears as if to illustrate. “I-It's like a human getting a foot rub.”

Julep made a face. “I've never had a foot rub. We didn't have servants. Well, we had a house maid sometimes, but she certainly didn't rub feet!” The idea seemed somewhat scandalous, and definitely bizarre.

“P-please?” In'shi pleaded, her eyes wide and hopeful.

It was the hope that did it. Julep's shoulders drooped in resignation. “Fine.” Weird or not, it was probably harmless.

In'shi lit up. She grabbed Julep's hand and hurried to a cute, pastel colored shop.

Before she knew it, Julep was settled in a chair, looking warily at a chipper goblin girl in a blue apron.

“I can't believe I get to work on a human today! You have such cute little ears,” she cooed. “Is this your first time? Don't you worry, we'll take good care of you!”

She set an array of sparkling clean tools on the little table next to Julep.

First, she used the warm towel to gently scrub Julep's ears. Julep couldn't help giggling. It tickled, plus she was slightly embarrassed. She hadn't had her ears cleaned since she was a baby.

The stylist used tiny, blunt scissors to trim the hair inside the ear canal. “This is standard procedure, but just between us, you have no hair to speak of,” the girl confided.

Julep was silently grateful that hairy ears weren't one of her faults.

Next, the girl used little brushes to scrub and soap Julep's ears, washing it off with warm towels. Julep's neck and scalp were massaged, which she hadn't expected but found quite enjoyable.

For the finale, the girl used a very soft brush to clean imaginary dust off Julep's ears.

“Ta da! Don't you look gorgeous! Do come back and visit us soon.”

In'shi waited until they were out of earshot and asked, "W-what did you think?”

“That was one of the strangest things I have done in my entire life,” Julep said. She paused and added reluctantly, “But it also was kind of nice.”

In'shi squealed and squeezed her arm. “I-I'm so glad we became friends!”

Julep grinned. She was, too.

Artur met them for lunch at a brewery that was known for sandwiches with tender meat and crunchy rolls. Julep had her first pretzel there, and discovered the joys of fried vegetables.

“This is weirdly addictive,” Julep said, munching on a fried vegetable. It was slimy inside, with seeds that popped in her mouth, but the dipping sauce was spicy and creamy and quite delightful.

“It's grown with huge quantities of sheep manure. That's how they get it so slimy.” Artur's face was completely serious.

Julep stared at him. “You made that up!”

He grinned. “Did I?”

She rolled her eyes. “I don't care. It's delicious. It goes well with this beer, too, which really surprises me. The fact that I like beer, that is. Although this doesn't taste like anything I've ever had before.”

He glanced at the white, cloudy liquid. “It's Southern flower saki. It's more of a wine. They use yeast and a fungus in the making of it, if I remember correctly. I'll stock some bottles for you.”

He glanced at In’shi, who was enjoying a mug of regular beer. She hadn't cared for the saki, but she was making inroads on the veggies.

Artur ordered more, pleased when his wife smiled at him. “I'll tell Gog you like the veggies. He knows how to make them." Artur would make sure it would be served often.

“Y-you have to come by and try my brandy. I put it up last fall. It's time to open a bottle,” In'shi said. “Y-you can come too, Artur. We’ll make it a dinner.”

Julep grinned. Artur found his gaze lingering on her mouth. His wife was a beautiful woman, even more so because she didn't realize it.

He realized he'd missed whatever she said. “Hm? What's that?”

“I said we would love to, wouldn't we?” Julep said in amusement.

“Yes I would,” he murmured lazily, and he wasn't thinking about dinner...

Artur offered his arm as they separately left the restaurant, their bodyguard trailing behind. They passed a group of jostling youths. No one came too close, but he put an arm around her protectively anyway.

It fell to her lower back as she perused a bakery and selected several buns filled with sweet cheese and jam to carry home.

By the time they reached the door to their house, he was holding her hand.

It seemed to come about naturally, but Julep was acutely aware of his warm, calloused hand. She hadn't held hands with anyone since she was a little girl, and other children didn't count. This was new. It felt tender.

She slid a glance at Artur's face and decided she liked it. She liked him.