Never judge a book by its cover in the Corners of Khorvaire.
Marketplace is an aptly named town. It is the place where the austere Thranians meet the ostentatious Aundairans to trade their wares. Caravans from Passage stop here, hoping to sell off a small portion of their loads before continuing on to Starilaskur or Wroat.
As I made my way through the various stands that give this town its name, I followed my nose in the hopes of finding a decent lunch. Instead, I found myself in front of the pungent works of a seamstress dying thread in baths of vinegar and other concoctions to yield bright, Aundairan colors.
As I expressed my admiration of her wares and purchased a skein in my favorite color (aubergine), I asked her about her work.
In addition to dyeing and selling thread, Amijean Fruscan also offers her services to perform custom embroidery. When I asked if I could see an example of her work, she brought out a plain, in fact, rather severely unadorned gray cloak. When she noted my doubtful expression, she laughed and turned the cloak inside-out. To my surprise, the interior of the cloak was decorated with her work in a beautiful flame motif. Warm reds and oranges blossomed into yellows, blues and white. The edges were finally ornamented by the most delicate silver threads, quite precious and no-doubt time consuming in its intricacy.
"A bishop of the Silver Flame commissioned this," Amijean told me. "She wanted it to represent her Church's dedication to outward humility and their puritanical nature, while also showing her inner warmth and the beauty of the flame that she believes burns in all out hearts."
If you happen to find yourself in Marketplace, dear reader, I highly recommend her creations. The colors on display are well worth a late lunch.
You can never guess what lies beneath the surface of the Corners of Khorvaire.
Genbo Santor d'Sivis
