The streets were warmer than usual, and the last few weeks, the temperature closest to the volcano had been above freezing long enough to melt the snow in the highest parts of the city. While the area closest to the wall rarely got rid of the blanket of white, the ground of the upper streets was currently shades of black stone caked with greyish-brown dirt.
Noble floated along without getting her boots dirty. That was one advantage of floating everywhere she went—the soles of her shoes never wore out. While it didn't make up for the pain touching the ground caused, or the constant concern that she could float into space, it was a perk.
'Just like having overwhelming strength. It's nice to be able to open those jars that are stuck tight, but not so great when my kitchen supplies get bent out of shape…'
Noble adjusted the bag at her side, causing it to clank.
Thankfully, the street was too loud for anyone to pay attention. Even with all of the awakened that were gone for the war, there were still plenty of mundane humans to fill the city. In fact, Noble couldn't help but feel that number was increasing daily.
Logically, the people should have been avoiding the warring factions, at least until the dust settled and a victor was declared.
But realistically? The waking world was still falling apart, and people came looking for a new place to call home.
'How are they even getting here?' The Dreamgate was only opened for short amounts of time these days so that the people of Ravenheart could replenish all the dwindling supplies that they could not get in the Dream Realm.
Were people entering with the goods?
It seemed so.
'If only I could transport Sleepers the same way.'
Noble wasn't sure if there was an actual reason why the Sovereigns did not allow it or if they were being stingy. However, she wasn't about to ask, even if she could. It was better to be inconspicuous. Well, as inconspicuous as she could manage. This time of year, there was little need for a scarf, and even a jacket needed to be lightweight. So Noble just wore her normal clothes without a disguise and suffered the looks of those she passed.
As she reached the marketplace, the full streets became positively lively. People wanted to enjoy the fresh air, and so shopkeepers brought many of their wares outside on carts to entice customers.
"Afternoon, Master Noble!" The butcher called out as the lady in question drew near. "Looking for choice cuts of meat today? I'm not showing just everyone because it will cause a scene, but I finally got a fresh haul from a successful hunting expedition."
He uncovered a hidden portion of his cart full of ice with slabs of monster meat carved into various sizes. Noble eyed the products for a moment.
"Hm, they do look fresh. Alright, set four steaks aside for me and I'll come by and get them later. My boys passed all their exams and are graduating. I'm planning to make a meal fit for kings!" Noble smiled as the butcher clapped his hands.
"How wonderful! Yes, I'll set aside the best just for them. Give them my congratulations!"
"Thank you, Diego. I will." Noble fished the appropriate amount of coins out of her bag and passed them to the butcher. He wrapped her purchase and placed it in the icebox in the back room.
"Come get it any time." Diego waved goodbye to his customer.
Noble left the shop with a smile on her face. She was out already; why shouldn't she get some shopping done?
It was rare that she had a moment of leisure. It would be foolish to take it for granted.
Noble listened to the calls of the shopkeepers as she passed. Some sold normal goods like clothing and daily necessities, while others were more exotic or eccentric.
One lady touted her special soap made entirely of Nightmare Creature fat. Another had plates hewn from bones of abominations. Yet another had luxurious curtains woven from coarse hair of a monster taken down beyond the city walls.
'People don't waste any part of what we harvest.' Noble was glad they didn't squander their resources. There were too few to go around to turn their noses up at anything that might be useful. Noble stopped to view a shop with no one outside. It felt odd on the busy street, but the door was swung wide, and an open sign hung in the window.
Noble ventured inside. The air smelled wet and earthy, but wasn't unpleasant.
"I'll be right with you!" A pleasant voice called out to her.
Across the studio, a man was sitting behind a throwing wheel, pumping it with his foot. In one palm, the clay from the silt of the snowy ground and sandlike ash from the ash fields spun, while his other hand formed it with a small tool.
When Noble drew near, he glanced up from his work and smiled apologetically.
"Sorry, this is taking longer than I thought. Welcome to my shop! My name is Dazai. Was there something I could help you with?"
"Nothing in particular. I was just passing by. Is that a water jar?" Noble tilted her head to take in the pitcher-like shape.
"It will be once I put a handle on it and fire it in my kiln. Are you in the market for one? I can customize it!" Dazai nodded enthusiastically.
"Oh, no. I'm not, thank you."
Noble had a metal pitcher. While having a clay pot was nice in theory—and cheaper too—earth and Noble didn't exactly get along.
"I also sculpt stone! Perhaps you are in the market for a decorative statue?" Dazai motioned to the appropriate section of the store with his chin.
"No, thank you, though." The artistry was lovely, but even if Noble thought it might be fun to have a life-size statue to go with the lamp in her front yard, she wasn't fond of the idea of floating it down the street to make it home.
Satisfied with his work, Dazai took a wire and cut the base of it from his table. He placed the creation to one side and then cleaned off his hands.
"Well, I am sure we can find something around here that suits you. My items are built to last, so you won't need a replacement for a very long time. I don't have to tell you how valuable that quality is in this day and age. So what are you interested in? Plates? Cups? A new basin for washing?"
Noble looked around. The man was quite friendly, and she could feel how much he loved his creations.
If only she could find something that wasn't made of ground!
"I…" Noble hesitated.
Misreading her cue, Dazai nodded. "Ah, you said you were just looking. My apologies, but if I may, I am pretty good at reading people." The shopkeeper picked up a piece of glazed pottery. "This set of clay cups will make you the life of the party. Not only are they crafted from homemade clay, but they will improve the taste of your water. Oh, and the texture is silky smooth. Feel it!"
"No!"