Strings of Jade

'That will be the northern boundary of Daemesworth' she said, pointing to a vast equatorial jungle. It had been a week of travel by foot, and by cart. She led the way and never spoke too much, nor too less. Ilia, she said her name was. 'Jade' I had remarked, for her name. 

It was one of the few times she had smiled. 'And you will be iaspis. Not that valuable but you will do' I do not know what she meant, but that is nothing new.

'Let us go' she says, leaping into the forest, popping my bubble. Iaspis. Ocean Jasper. She, though young, seems very learned. 'About three days of travel, and we'll be in Qashzil.' she says.

'You mean Kashil' I correct. She rolls her eyes. 'It's Qashzil for me'. We walk through the stunning flora that surrounds us. About an hour, we will come across the Bay of Wartis, known for it's trade and culture, that likely influenced that of Kashil. 'Are there people living by the Bay?' I ask out of curiosity. She smiles, maybe because I finally accept her to be better than me, or at my slip of tongue, due to my keenness. 

'It is unlikely so. After the Revolts by the natives, it's glory diminished and it's no more that an exploitation Centre and pleasure district.' I consider this. Maybe so, but I certainly don't want to go there after hearing that. 'But I believe that it's economy is held by its ruby deposits, that are shipped to all other regions except Qashzil.' 

'But it is not their economy. That is just the law passed a few years ago by a royalty of the Kashil House, addressing that all ruby reserves will be under the custody of the state-- Kashil' I contradict. I might have said more, but it was certain that she was not listening. All the way, she kept remarking like 'Hm..' or 'I see.' and 'Is that so?' but kept her eyes on the trail we were following. She abruptly stopped and I bumped into her. 

'Say, what do you feel about dresses?' she asks, staring straight ahead. Dresses? I never thought much of them till now. Till now. Wait, this is not a place to remember this! 'Are you even sane? I thought you were thinking about how to pass the borders of Wartis. All women are the same.' I remark. She glares, or I think she does. There is venom on her tongue, waiting to be unleashed. 

'Have you even used that small brain of yours all this time we were here?' She snaps. 'Why do you think we left Daemesworth through Qashzil? The long way around? Why do you think I want to go to the Bay?' 

'Because.. You have business. In Wartis.' I say, stating the obvious. She breathes, to calm down. 'Yes. And a dress is an important part of a plan.' Dress? Important? I could say a lot more but keep mum for my own sake. She could slit my throat if she wanted to. 

'So, let's go to Wartis and find a dress' I say instead.