As they walked the streets seemed to be less crowded than before. Looking around more and more seemed to be slipping away down alleys or into the various stores that Valkardian had said were selling tea, coffee or other cool drinks. With this came a warning that if she wandered off to avoid the opium den's with their white misty air hanging heavily in the rooms.

"Why are they all leaving? Is the bazaar and shops closing down for the day?" Concern marked her voice as various merchants were closing up their stands one by one while customers wandered away. Skirting around the bazaar he led her towards a cluster of buildings that lined the eastern street adorned with brightly colored signs.

"If one is wise they pack up for the hottest part of the day and wait until it cools. It would be most unwise to give yourself heatstroke just to sell one more pot. Heed this lesson well Shadow, there are times of the day best spent indoors."

"So they will open up again later?"

"Most will. Do not worry we will be spending a few days here before going down the coast then up the great river. If you are that worried about it though..."

Stepping left quickly and slipping around various Arabians and zebra's Valkardian walked up to a line of stalls that were still open and the merchants were showing no sign of closing up just yet. Shadow looked up and down the line of tables and blankets thrown out on the ground displaying a wide variety of items from pots and pans to necklaces and other jewelry.

"Avoid the jewelry here... Looks rather... Cheap. Should be some other's around here tomorrow that will be selling plenty of better pieces to choose from." He gestured down the row to her and stepped back a little "have fun."

Most of what was being sold held little to no interest to her. Scanning down the row a tall zebra mare was sitting on a mat with a wide variety of pots, bowls and cups laid out. Wandering over and taking a closer look at her wares Shadow had to admit this mare had a little something for everypony. Most was simple and probably for everyday use but some were finely glazed and even decorated quite well.

As Shadow kept looking over the pots the mare picked up one and held it out and started to speak but she had no idea what the words meant. What was clear however was the intent for her to buy something and the mare was trying to impress upon her the quality of the goods as she thumped on the pots and showed their storage capacity. Before she could look for Valkardian to ask for help he was already standing beside her and talking to the mare quietly. They bantered back and for for a minute before they finally stopped.

"I told her I doubt you are looking for cooking or food storage pots and she wants to know if you wish to see her better stock of decorative ones."

Nodding to the mare the zebra scooted back a bit and tugged a box open retrieving several pots that were masterfully crafted and decorated with bright colors, symbols and glazed. Shadow's eyes lit up and the mare just smiled as she passed them forward and even Valkardian took one and began examining.

"How much?" Shadow had taken a great liking to two of the pots and the mare did not need to speak her language to understand her question. Valkardian however took some exception to whatever the mare said and they went back and forth for a bit before he nodded slowly to her and dropped silver and gold coins into the mares waiting hand. Smiling the mare spoke what Shadow assumed to be "have a nice day" before they continued on their way.

"So you bought these for me?"

"Technically I have bought you everything since I am the one who gave you that bag of money to begin with. I wanted this one however so I argued that if we bought all three we should get a better price. Zafi agreed."

"Zafi?"

"Yes the zebra. Zafi. I asked."

"Oh... So you understand them or is this one of those magical language things?"

"Magical but also a degree of understanding symbology."

"Whats symbology?"

Leading the way onward into the sweet and spicy air of the restaurant packed street Valkardian stopped and pointed to a sign. "There is a good example. Much like ponies the Arabian and Zebrican's use symbols to get points across. Tell me, what is that store there?"

The sign was in that strange script but a clear symbol of a steaming cup was at the top. "Cafe?" Valkardian nodded and pointed to another with a stranger symbol of peppers and a dancing Arabian mare. "Umm..." Looking at him waiting on an explanation he let her mull it over for a minute before answering.

"That Shadow is a restaurant with dancers. Spicy Seduction. We will not be going there."

"So a whore house?" Two words she learned thanks to him but it was a fair question and the idea of such a place crammed into such a crowded place where foals and fillies ran around was unthinkable.

"No. Dancers. Belly dancers. I imagine the whore houses with the ones who do more than just dance are secreted away somewhere other than one of the main streets. Whores are looked down upon deeply here along the coast unless that changed since I was last here..."

"Whats a belly dancer?"

He stopped dead and turned looking Shadow in the eyes. "Remember that skimpy outfit you wore when you first arrived? That is a belly dancers outfit. Now imagine a mare wearing that and doing elaborate dance moves swaying to music and using her hips and "belly" to emphasize the dance. Also your outfit did not have any bells or whistles on it, more stripped down for a... Stripper."

"You had me wear a strippers outfit?"

"It was all I had at the time short of making you wear a bedsheet."

"Can I see them dance?"

"That might cause a riot."

"Why?"

*Sigh* Shadow that place is meant for men not women... Mares. You going in there for anything other than a delivery or dragging out a drunk husband would result in them throwing a fit, the rough equivalent would be you walking in on your parents making babies though still not the same. I hope you get the idea."

"I still want to see them dance. I did not come half way around the world to just pass up seeing something like this especially since I spent several weeks dressed as one!"

*Egh...* "Alright. I have an idea but it will have to wait until tomorrow. Now lets get lunch then find you some clothes."

She had to admit getting some better clothes was a good idea as the sun beat down on their uncovered heads. Her wings stung a little from the burning rays that assaulted her and looking around she noted that most wore robes or cloaks to stay out of the sun. Others wore strange cloth wraps around their heads that covered their ears and muzzles under light wispy cloth. Valkardian when asked called them "turbans" and shawls which were indeed meant to keep the sun off the face, neck and ears. Shadow also noted the ones who seemed to care the least about the sun were the zebra's who went more as "nature intended" preferring to wear enough to keep parts out of sight with the odd exception who wore more.

Perhaps the jewelry and clothing was a sign of status here as much as it was back in Equestria. Such thoughts were banished as they entered a bustling little restaurant and walked to a back wall sitting themselves with their backs to the wall at a small table. Having sat at a table using chairs all her life this sudden change of bending her legs around to sit on the cushions provided was... Different. Valkardian paid it little mind as he stretched out and leaned back against he wall after moving a few cushions around to support his back.

An Arabian stallion hustled over not long after and began to speak. After listening for a minute Valkardian began to sling out questions and the two went back and forth for a bit the plainly dressed serving stallion nodding or shaking his head every now and then. Satisfied with the others response after a minute Valkardian spoke a clear chain of words she assumed was their order and the stallion nodded and headed off quickly.

"So what did you order?"

"You will see. Oh. I should warn you now that the cuisine here is... Alien compared to what you are used too. When they bring the food you will understand but whatever you do..." He leaned towards her. "Do not turn up your nose or cough anything out, be polite and just smile. Do not offend them. We are their guests as much as we are customers. Now the street vendors are another matter but this is a more... "Posh" place to dine run by a family."

A finger extended out and pointed to the back where other servers talked quietly and Shadow quickly gathered just by looking that they were either family or very close friends especially if their similar features were anything to go by. One thing she had learned from him was that with a little quiet observation one could find out just about anything.

Looking back at Valkardian her eyes narrowed. "You asked them didn't you, your bullshitting me."

A small, short laugh escaped him as he sat back with his eyes closed and nodded. "You catch on quickly, better to be sure of whom you are dealing with than to make a mistake. Besides, showing some kindness and curtousy towards the host is good manners compared to being a snobbish bastard who gets their food spat in."

"True enough" she thought as a mare brought a large pitcher and two glasses over setting them down at the table and pouring them a minty smelling tea. Lifting her glass and taking a sip Shadow had to admit she enjoyed the flavor quite a bit and smiled at the mare. She smiled back and left the pitcher at Valkardians request and was on her way while they sat sipping their cool tea. It was refreshing and as Shadow examined her surroundings it made sense now to get inside out of the sun for a while till it cooled off outside.

Quiet, hushed conversations pervaded the large room while the sounds that drifted through the elaborately decorated windows died off as more and more left the streets and sun to find shelter from the pounding rays. One thing Shadow noticed that varied to the extreme from Equestria was that just about every single stallion and mare in the room, even the servants had a weapon of some kind. Most carried a small dagger on their waist either at the side or slung in front with ornate handles and sheaths.

What grabbed her attention was the myriad of sabres that adorned some while others had spears leaned against the wall. "Why does everypony here carry a weapon? Is it that dangerous?"

Valkardian barked out a laugh before shaking his head. "No, it is custom. Those daggers are a sign that they are no longer children but adults while others carry spears and sabres as a sign they are able to protect themselves and intend too. Be wary of the ones who carry only a dagger but are flanked by those carrying arms."

He stopped to look around the room and began to point. "Note the difference in head dress and clothing, in this region how one wears clothing is an indication of where they are from be it tribe, clan or family. Headbands are another symbol and that one there dressed rather plainly? She is a guest of another tribe."

Pointing out a group of zebra's he continued. "That little group are probably merchants, their garb is from the West of here. Remember Zifa who sold us the pots? They are dressed the same. Another sign they are not from here is their weapons, Zifa had a kopesh and they carry weapons not unique to this region. You would only see them in quantity if one traveled a couple of days away from here."

"So I could start a war depending on what I wore?"

"No, maybe... It depends on whom you offend and where. As a foreigner however it would probably only raise eyebrows and nothing more. However... If you dressed like that mare and strutted down the street you would probably have a fight on your hands in moments."

Shadow looked at the one he was pointing at. The Arabian mare was dressed somewhat plainly but with an elaborate sash hanging around her neck that went down to her waist. Whoever she was the mare was important judging from the company that sat around her table keeping a respective distance.

"So what is she?"

"Priestess."

"Ah. How hard is it to offend them?"

"Rather hard actually. So long as you stay out of their business and do not insult anyone it is extremely unlikely anyone will take exception. They on the other hand can start a feud in the drop of a hat."

She remembered an important question that had slipped from her after seeing the pottery. "I forgot to ask but can I send any of the things I buy to my family?"

"Yes."

"Well... How?"

"When we get back I will provide you some boxes, just pack whatever you want and after I examine the contents it will be sent off."

"Still dont trust me to not try and warn the world yet?"

"Yet? Are you trying to earn my trust then Shadow? But no. More that I do not care for whatever you send off to arrive in pieces. It would not be polite."

A large platter was brought to their table carried by two servants who knelt down and began to unload the various dishes. There was a myriad of delicasies to choose from including fruits, flat bread and many things she could not readily identify. Smiling at them and thanking them the two servers smiled back and left them alone to their lunch.

Wasting no time Valkardian took a small plate and began to drop various bits and pieces onto it before sitting back and eating. Choosing was not easy for her as the smells that rose up were both enticing and confusing.

"Any suggestions...?"

"Start simple, try the fruit first then have some of the olives and cheese. If you feel up for it..." He leaned forward and pointed to a deep bowl in the center. "Take some of the pita and use it to dip up the hummus there in the center." He sat back after taking a few more items. "It never ceases to amaze me at how they have mixed and matched foods from so many different regions."

"What do you mean?" Shadow had put various fruits on her plate and had begun to eat as she watched him. It never ceased to amaze her that something that lived so deep underground and generally speaking could be called and evil, wrathful bastard could take such delight in simple things like food, wine or travel.

"Where I came from all of this would be spread out over a thousand miles not all jumbled together in one location. Yet through trade they have brought it all together in one large, elaborate and delectable spread for us to enjoy. That is why I started us here not far to the Southwest. This city is a trade hub for this whole region taking the best from all the passing merchants be they from the sea or land."

Shadow could only mumble over her mouth which was crammed with food. It was delicious but also so different. Spiced, roasted vegetables and oils had become her favorite over the hummus while the salty, crumbly cheese was perfect with fruit or the vegetables. Something that took a great deal of getting used too however was using her fingers or that "pita" to grab things with. Valkardian had offered her a fork he had sequestered away somewhere in his robes which made things easier. According to him this was considered "finger food" to the locals so getting dining implements was only possible on request.

"Valkardian... Can I ask you a question?"

"You may. But swallow first."

Gulping down her food sheepishly she leaned forward and began to pluck a few more items from the trays. "If war is coming... What will happen to my family?"

"Be careful of those dates, you have to spit their pit out or you might break your teeth or choke, that or just break them open and remove the pit..." He popped an olive into his mouth and stared at her thoughtfully.

"I do not know yet. I know where they live and considering their isolation nothing but depending on what happens between now and the war breaking loose... Well it depends on how the lines of loyalty are drawn. Logic and instinct tells me Celestia has all but lost the war as it is. Then again if things go well for her... Your family lives far AWAY from the enemies approach, they might just ride it out without incident."

"But what if they dont? What will happen to my family if the lines are drawn differently or something else happens?"

"Anything can happen in war Shadow. Anything. The trick is to be able to bend with the eb and flow of events so they do not break you... I have no answer for you at this time, it is too soon." Grabbing a few more items he glanced over at her. "Do not fret over what is to come. There is no stopping this course of events. Enjoy your vacation and push such things from your mind, worrying will not change your families fate one way or another."

He was right of course, she had to admit that much. No amount of worry would change anything and even if she were to sneak a letter to them somehow it would do them no good since they would think it a prank or madness then dismiss the warning. Tossing a pit onto a plate Shadow leaned back and relaxed. There was a good six months before anything would happen so she leaned back and continued to enjoy her meal, she would cross that bridge when she came to it.

After paying and making their way back out into the street a while later she could things had not picked back up yet and the heat was still quite intense. Music drifted on the air from the various buildings as they walked back across the city looking for a tailor that was still open and most were. Passing most stores by and giving them sideways glances Valkardian continued down the street looking for what she did not know.

Whatever qualities he had been looking for were beyond her at first but after looking inside and seeing the finery inside it was clear why he picked this place: if one is going to dress it may as well be the most comfortable available. Inside the store was a myriad of colors and styles to choose from. Sending her off with a mare after a short talk with the owner he made his way off to one part while she was led to another.

Not understanding a single word made matters a little difficult but the mare did not need to understand her to get measurements and was soon scurrying about gathering various clothes for Shadow to try on. Some were too fancy for her tastes and she wanted something that would protect her wings as well which had been a little difficult to get across but the proprietress found a solution with a large cloak that could be worn over the clothing.

Putting on the last of her clothing then throwing the cloak over it all Shadow was impressed by how light and airy it was. From an outside look it made one think she would suffocate but it was actually quite nice. After dawning the entire ensemble and choosing a few more sets the mare folded it all up safe what she was wearing and brought it to a table in the front and began wrapping it up.

Valkardian on the other hand was dressed rather fancily with a wrap that covered his entire head leaving only the eyes peering out with a band to hold it down. Flowing robes that suited his character protected his arms and legs. Well he looked the part of being a wealthy local now she surmised. He too had several sets picked out and a stallion was busy folding them up.

Both of them stood at the front and he haggled out a price quickly. Once they were back under the blazing sun she had to admit it was less noticeable in her new clothes than the old shirt and pants. Not only that but her wings no longer tingled from the exposure now that they were nestled inside a cloak that was held by a silver clasp. At first the fear of being unable to use her wings had brought about a great deal of concern but the mare had shown her how to wear the cloak so a simple flick of her wings threw it back and out of the way allowing her to fly. As to how the mare knew this she could only guess but since this city was a major trade hub it made sense many would come looking for "unique" clothing to match their species.

"A random passerby would probably think we are a wealthy couple."

His head jerked down at her as they continued to walk randomly down the street. Shadow stopped and turned to look him up and down carefully while he did the same.

"Probably. You look good in blue by the way, the cloak is a nice touch to cover your wings."

"Thank you. But why tan?"

"Makes it easier to blend in and not stand out too much."

"Might be true if not for that sash around your waist..."

"It goes with the rest of it and I like it."

Shadow smiled at him and adjusted her sword belt, she too had purchased a rather elaborate sash that caught her eye but wearing it and the sword belt was awkward but doable.

"So where are we going then?"

"I talked to the man while browsing and the gardens are still here and open to the public, figured it would give you a chance to see the local flora since you seem to love seeing new plants and animals so much. You will have to settle for birds though however I was told that just outside the city is a copse that is especially vibrant this time of year if you are interested."

"Very interested. But I dont have a journal to record all this with..."

"There are still several stores we can stop at along the way."

Turning away he continued his journey past stores only stopping at one which sold what she was looking for and after a quick purchase she had her journal and writing material in hand. A quick stop at the hotel to leave everything behind had been in order before they made their way to the city gardens.

Grand was hardly a suitable word for the abundance and variety of plant-life present throughout the gardens with its ornate stone walkways, fountains and small channels that ran water out and to the various parts of the garden irrigating the vast grounds. A massive effort must have been put in to make such a place with its opulent fountains and marble statues that were so lifelike they might just walk away.

His only remark had been to inform her that a grand library and university lines the gardens to the North before ushering her off into the gardens. He had some things to see to and she was free to enjoy all the sights and sounds freely. At first mention the library sounded fascinating but her inability to understand the local language would make it a fruitless en-devour.

"Wait! I cant understand a word being said or how to read their language! What should I do if I get lost or there's trouble?" Shadow had managed to run him down quickly enough when that epiphany came home to roost.

"Ah. Yes." Reaching a hand out quickly and muttering something he touched her ear leaving a tingling sensation. "There."

"So I can understand and speak to them now?"

"Speak yes. Read no. I would require some time to prepare a spell to share my knowledge of their written word and it is far from perfect but I get by."

Shadow could only nod as he turned and left her to explore the gardens and if she so desired the library. Weaving her way through the maze she came across several others either walking or sitting under the various trees and shaded cloths held up by poles. Most were studying scrolls or tomes. No doubt students and visitors to the library alike came her to read or study in peace and quiet with only the sounds of birds or the trickle of water.

Ah the birds. A mixture of small songbirds and the occasional larger bird that were no doubt coming up from the harbor. A single falcon sat among the branches of an acacia preening while the smaller birds splashed around in the shallow stone irrigation canals.

Picking out a shade tree of her own and sitting Shadow laid out her implements, opened her journal and began to sketch what she was seeing and writing descriptions. No doubt the library had a book on all the plant-life present but being unable to read it would not help her. Just about every kind of tree was present somewhere in her view including what she guessed were olive and tall date trees if what fruit they bore was any hint.

Time flew as she sketched away before going off to wander again to investigate the plethora of bright flowers that lined the walkways. During her wandering she almost crashed into an old stallion dressed in white robes. Begging his pardon for not paying attention to where she was going he simply waved her off before taking an interest in her journal. Explaining that she was writing down what was in the garden and doing sketches of the plant and animal life he hummed quietly and asked to see it flipping through and examining the pictures.

"You are not a student then if your language is... You must be Equestrian. Yes?"

"Sort of. But I am not a student."

"There are many books in the library that have the information you seek..."

"I know but I can not read your language so I am just sketching and describing the plants and birds."

The old stallion hummed to himself for a minute before smiling. "If you wish I can show you around the grounds and fill in the gaps for you should you wish it."

"Yes! Ah, yes that would be wonderful. Thank you."

He just smiled and made a short bow to her "Betu." She smiled back at him "Shadow Moon."

Their long slow walk through the gardens was nothing short of one of Valkardians lessons. Every plant was named as he walked even pointing out any medicinal values they held only to occasionally stop under a tree for shade so Shadow could get caught up in her furious writing while Betu just smiled adding little tidbits here and there as she kept writing.

They had taken a moment to sit under a large acacia tree so Betu could rest his weary old hooves and Shadow get caught up again when he had begun to question her.

"So you are not from Equestria but near to it... You know not its name and that the one you travel with is the only one who really knows... You are a mystery wrapped in an enigma little one."

"I suppose so. I was born and raised in Equestria though but anymore I just dont... See myself as Equestrian anymore after all I have seen and been."

"Hmm. Natural. Still if whoever this mysterious stallion is who you have traveled with garbs you so well and takes you around the world with him he must be something else indeed."

"I am not sure about that either."

"You are still very young so being uncertain about things is only natural. Perhaps in time you will have your answers but for now all I can tell you is your heart will give you the best answer." Shadow hummed at this and continued her writing.

"Ah! I have an idea! There is a bookstore in the university! If I recall they might just sell a book to help you understand our language if you are interested. It would be a shame for you to leave her to continue your journey without learning at least a little of our language."

"Where is the bookstore located and which part of the building is the university and the library?"

"Hah! Come along, I will show you."

Shadow followed Betu on the long walk to the tall building as he expertly navigated the corridors till they passed through large double doors into a great chamber packed with talking students and teachers. Leading her to a store he quickly pointed out a list of books to help her with the local plant and wildlife but had to ask and wait a while for the clerk to bring out some old dusty books. She never noticed the stares they were receiving or how conversations quieted at their passing.

Books written in Equus were very rare here but being a true university they were prepared none the less. Purchasing the entire pile which made Betu smile even more and led her back into the gardens so he could sit down again.

"Appreciate your tireless legs while you can Shadow, one day you will be like me. Old, worn and tired." Rubbing his joints he stared out across the gardens. "You like gardens then?"

She looked up from her browsing. "Yes, Valkardian has a wondrous garden of his own. I love how peaceful they are, the colors, variety of life..."

"Valkardian hmm? Interesting name but so is yours. It warms the old heart to see one so young enjoy the simple things in life."

The conversation drolled on for hours as he grilled her on everything she knew of the world and about everything she had learned from Valkardian. Leaving out a great number of details and large swaths of information he never pressed but just listened before posing a question. Halfway into their long hours Betu began to question her on philosophy and Shadow had to admit holding a conversation with somepony other than Valkardian who held such... Unique views was pleasant.

Betu had to leave sooner than he wished when a younger mare came searching for him and standing slowly he made a strange bow and wished her a long happy journey and followed the mare off. Valkardian arrived moments later and stood with her watching the old stallion walk away.

"Have a nice conversation?" His eyes roamed over her pile of books.

"Betu. He was very nice and helped me a lot with the plant life! We walked around and he showed me all the plants and told me their names and uses. Even helped me find books and a two on both Saddle Arabian and Zebra language, also a few history books."

"I see." His eyes never left Betu's fading form.

"We even talked about philosophy for a while before he had to leave. Must be nice being a professor here."

"That was no professor."

Shadow looked at Valkardian then at the distant form of Betu as he entered a building disappearing from view. "What do you mean?"

"Did you actually look him over?"

"No... Kind of got swept up in the flow of things..."

"Priests are good at that. Especially the high priests."

Shadow's head snapped back and forth mouth gaping. "High priest?"

"His sash and robes marked him as high priest of the local temple. He also wore a hood with gold fringe. So what did he say to you then before leaving?"

"Not much... He just made this... Weird bow." Shadow made a demonstration.

Valkardian raised an eyebrow before his eyes narrowed again. "You must have made an impression on him. You are making some high ranking friends Shadow."

He turned and walked away slowly taking in the gardens as she gathered things up quickly and following. She remembered letting his name slip and brought it up but he just ignored it saying it was no issue but his stride had faltered just a little. It was time for dinner and amongst his other busy work of getting her set up tomorrow with a school for belly dancers so she could watch and learn for a day he had also ordered their dinner to be brought to them at their room at the inn.

She had left a good impression on a high priest, purchased a large pile of books on history, language, flora and fauna. All in just one afternoon. Shadow had to wonder what tomorrow would bring if this kept up as they walked back to the inn, her arms loaded down with books and materials.