Kanushin (Starweaver's Tapestry #1)

Chapter 9: Panic Station

"800 Quintels for a piece of fabric?" Diah exclaimed while Sky twiddled her thumbs sheepishly beside her.

"It's a really nice piece of fabric?" Sky offered in an attempt to sway the bewildered Chyl.

"Sky, you really pay this much for these dresses? I pay half that for ceremonial robes back home!"

"Not to interrupt the conversation regarding Chyl opulency versus Sky's extravagant tastes, but we should probably hurry," Zaius interjected. His expression had been stoic for a while and he seemed lost in thought. 

Diah nodded in agreement and Sky puffed her cheeks in a pout. Zaius flicked her in the shoulder and moved back towards the door of the shop. Other shoppers flowed constantly in and around them.

Diah had recommended the group change into clothing more befitting of a royal party and Sky leapt at the chance to go shopping. It was a way for her to decompress and keep her mind occupied after the loss of Gen. She had told them about her favorite shop in the Underside, one she frequented for her stage attire, and led the way through bustling crowds.

Diah knew that Sky was working her way through her emotions as best as she could, opting to defer feelings instead of facing them head on. She understood as she was guilty of building walls herself, but what really weighed on her mind was Zaius' behavior. He had been relatively quiet the whole time, and definitely not as carefree as he had been since they met. She pondered how he would react if she just reached out and hugged him.

'Is that even an appropriate thing to do right now?' She questioned in her mind.

Wyrna wasn't the most affectionate mother and never really had been. Diah thought about all the times she just wanted to be held or have her head patted and be told that things would be okay. It never happened. Any kindness she had received came from Gallard, but that could only make up for so much. It didn't help that her lack of love growing up meant she wasn't sure on how to care for others in times of need. Especially Iva.

'Stop.' Diah commanded herself as she wandered down the dark mental road. 'Not here and definitely not now.'

She glanced and caught Zaius watching her mental anguish. He gave her a tired smile.  

"You alright?" Zaius asked her. He had leaned back against the shop's wall to avoid the people around them. A white hooded jacket with green edges and sleeves had been rolled up in his arms. It had been Diah's personal selection for him.

Diah nodded twice and turned towards the patter of feet in the corner. She watched as Sky fluttered around the store, her hand waving over various articles of clothing to check their price. A dejected look slowly grew across her face.

"I think I may just have expensive tastes," Sky muttered as she walked back toward Diah in defeat.

Zaius let out a huff from behind and pushed himself off the wall, waving at Sky to follow. As Diah watched the two dig through piles of clothing, she couldn't help but think they really did seem like siblings. Though Gen was gone, they at least had each other.

'You don't have anyone,' Wyrna's voice hissed from a hidden corner of Diah's mind. 'You've been nothing but a burden to them. You've brought nothing but death everywhere you've gone.'

Diah tried her best to ignore the voice but some days were harder than others. It preyed upon her delicious insecurities. She forced her attention forward and focused on the first thing that fell in her sight.

The dress Sky had shown her twinkled in the store light. The long ivory fabric flowed downward into a tulle maxi skirt and electric blue lines swirled up the side like twisted vines of lightning. Diah moved toward the register.