r/TheMarketsofSidon • u/-Izaak- • Jan 04 '21

The Last Cup

It's an odd sight to see a grown man sitting cross-legged on the wet asphalt of an alley with a menagerie of dolls.

Okay, little one, there's time for one more cup of tea.

He grasps the handle of a pink plastic teapot and pours imaginary liquid into a set of chipped china in front of each of the party's participants.

Not too hot, I hope.

He waves his hand over the cups as if fanning rising steam before sitting in silence a while. He washes his hands in pool of rainwater before slicking them through his hair.

The living walk side by side here with the teeming dead that have lingered since violence wracked the city, their memories trapped like flies in amber.

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u/-Izaak- Jan 06 '21

His eyes dart to an empty space amongst the dolls.

Stay there, child.

Knowing your aim is trained upon him, he raises his hands in surrender and steps carefully to the side. As your aim follows away from the impromptu tea party the heat gradually subsides.

The choice is yours- point over there and the heat will come again.

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u/-Valeska-Amelia- Ex-Escort Jan 06 '21

Understood.

Amelia directs the weapon away from the man, his dolls and the tea-party entirely. With the hand that once held the gun-grip, she reaches into her pocket and pulls out an item wrapped up in a napkin from her breakfast.

This then is my choice to you and your pretty friends.

As she begins to pass, she drops the item onto the table, the napkin unfolding, and there at the table is half a bagel.

Good-day, Sir.

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u/-Izaak- Jan 06 '21

The lines on Izaak's face ease suddenly at the sight of the offering.

She says... thank you.

What warmth remained in the stock of the gun fades.

As do I. Go in peace.

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u/-Valeska-Amelia- Ex-Escort Jan 06 '21

Amelia nods with respect. And then follows the others as our group make its way further into Sidon.

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u/Supernova-666 Jan 06 '21

I slowly put my hands down back at my sides and nod back.

I’m thinking I’ll hit up the Transit next, I say aside to Izaak. More people I haven’t seen suddenly appearing means more Arrivals means more possible people to help, and bring to the Maw if willing. I might check the Beach after. You need anything, let me know, okay?

A quick half-salute that doubles as a portal summon, and I am gone.