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“Yes, of course. I would like to see what sorts of wares are sold within your street markets. Lead the way, Lady Ayala,” Cortés said. After clearing his throat, his eyes lingering on her, he gestured for her to guide him.
Ayala gracefully took Lord Eiotan’s arm and started walking in the general directions of the market.
“Lord Cortés, are you looking for anything in particular at the markets?” she asked, careful to keep her curiosity quelled to a minimum.
“Well,” he pondered. “I would like to look upon all sorts of jewelry and gold that is for sale. I want to see what kinds of weapons the common folk have, and I would love to see clothes and leathers, so that I might adorn some of the native wares.”
“Our markets have the finest goods for many, many miles, my lord,” she responded.
“She’s right,” Lord Eiotan said. “Our wares are most definitely the most grand in the land of Mexico. You will enjoy yourself.”
The market was very close to the palace, so the three made it there in short time. The market square was bustling with people. Sellers were calling out their wares, buyers were buying, and children were running and playing. It was the center of Aztec life.
Cortés’ eyes grew large as he took everything in, watching the people and checking out all the goods for sale. He quickly narrowed in on a table adorned with silver and gold. There was jewelry and silverware, along with silver plates and goblets. His fingers traced the precious metal and a hungry look came over him.
“How common is gold and silver here, Lord Eiotan?” he asked nonchalantly, a finger hesitantly touching a heavy gold necklace.
“Fairly commonplace. You can always find it at the market, Lord Cortés,” he responded.
“Would you agree, seller?” Cortés questioned.
The man selling the goods nodded, his eyes flicking back and forth between Cortés and Eiotan. He had long dark hair, deep brown eyes, and a small frame. His skin was dark and a bit leathery, like he had spent most of his youth working out in the sun. Ayala guessed he was about middle-aged. Her eyes carefully watched all three men.
“I would agree, sir. But I know where to find the best gold, the best mines for silver too. I know the best people, therefore, I sell the best gold and silver,” the seller said confidently. Cortés observed the man rather coldly.
“Lord Cortés, let me pick out a piece for you, as a gift from Lady Ayala and me. Anything on the table. It would be my pleasure,” Lord Eiotan insisted, positioning himself closer to the table in order to get a better look at the goods being sold. He began to point out a few things.
“Why, thank you, Eiotan,” Cortés responded. “Seller,” he paused, “which piece is your favorite? Most representative of your culture, you’d say?”
The seller’s eyes grew large as he focused on the table, his gaze roaming over his goods. He lifted his hand and settled it on an ornate gold necklace with a golden pendant engraved with Moctezuma’s portrait.
“This one here, sir. It showcases our king. And on the back of the pendant, our great holy temple is carved into it.”
Lord Eiotan bought the piece for Cortés after a bit of haggling, and he put the heavy gold chain over his neck. He picked up the pendant and admired it.
“Thank you, Lord Eiotan, Lady Ayala. I will remember this.” Cortés said gratefully.
They passed the next few hours looking at various vendors. Cortés and Eiotan both picked up a few things, and they together picked out a pretty lavender-colored fabric in order to make an elegant dress for Ayala.
The last stop for the group of three was a leathers table. Big pieces of leather hides adorned the table, and there were smaller pieces, which Ayala figured were pieces of clothing, such as loincloths, and capes to keep a person warm at night.
A small, thin strap, used for sharpening knives and razors, caught Lord Eiotan’s attention and he reached out to touch the soft leather. Cortés noticed this, and asked him if he needed to sharpen some knives, casting a suggestive glance in Ayala’s direction. Lord Eiotan smirked.
“I always have knives in need of sharpening, Cortés; it’s amazing how dull they get so quickly,” he said while holding Ayala’s gaze. She paled as he took it into his hands, snapping it against his thigh.
Ayala knew better than to say a word, so she stayed silent. If she argued with him now, the likelihood that he would spank her in the market again was extremely high. She tried to look interested in the other pieces of hide on the table, nervously peeking at the men chatting beside her. Butterflies twirled around in her belly as she realized money was exchanging hands.
Lord Eiotan and Cortés were murmuring in hushed tones, when Cortés called her over to them. He asked her to hold out her hands, and when she complied, he placed the strap in them.
“Lady Ayala, this is my gift to you. May it be used to sharpen knives regularly, more than it must be used to redden your naughty backside,” he said devilishly.
Lord Eiotan had laughter in his eyes as he watched a deep blush rise from her chest to the cheeks of her face. Her mouth opened slightly, speechless. He walked over to her and closed her fingers around the strap.
“The correct answer is thank you, Ayala,” he said gently.
“Thank you, sir,” she whispered, barely audible.
Cortés laughed heartily and clapped Lord Eiotan on the back. “Come, I’ve had enough shopping for a while! Let us go watch the games,” he said excitedly.
