To say that Luljeta was overwhelmed would have been an understatement. The people at her feet grabbed for her garb, hoping to touch her. There was an uncomfortable smile on her face that either went unnoticed, or was completely ignored. They were chanting her name. In her mind's eye Luljeta imagined them all as horrible creatures, clawing at her skin and monsters lips that spit at her with every babbling chant. They stole the air from her lungs, every breath was a battle, but still, that smile on her face didn't waver<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">"Excuse me."</span><br/><br/>A voice cut through the babble of the crowd and a hand took hold of her wrist. Luljeta turned, her gaze following the arm of the hand that held her. It belonged to Isaiah. He led her away from the crowd. She chanced a look back, afraid the twisted creatures would be following behind, but she saw only people looking back at her. Staring. By the time they made it outside, the music and laughter had picked up again, no doubt they had all gone back to enjoying themselves.<br/><br/>Luljeta gasped, her hand falling from Isaiah's grip. She felt as if she had been suffocating, but hadn't known it until the cool open air filled her lungs. Standing still, Luljeta stared at her wrist, her other hand where his had been. It had been warm..  She'd never been touched by a man before that wasn't training her. Luljeta frowned. It was nothing like the books she had read. In fact, it had been no different from any other person to have grabbed her for direction. The woman drew in another deep breath and made her way to one of many fountain edges. She sat on the lip and had the chance to study the man's body language.<br/><br/>"It was." The candle light reflected off his skin beautifully. "Thank you." Was he looking at his reflection to keep from looking at her? Luljeta dipped her fingers in the fountain's bubbling water. Orange fish darted about. She was afraid that was the case. Surely he pitied her. Those were the looks she had gotten lately. That, or indifference. Luljeta was unsure which was worse. The woman straightened her skirts, a soft<span style="font-style: italic">sshk sshk</span>coming from the contact. "What will you do with the money?" Was it rude to ask?