He glanced toward her once more when she said she'd hear the story later. Nosy woman. "We'll see." Was his only comment about his feet. 
As they walked along, his eyes remained moving, out of habit to look for any sign of trouble, and, admittedly, to take it all in. They were preparing for something, banners, paper lanterns, posting colourful signs outside their shop doors declaring discounts, deals, and sales. It was busier than Ziad ever was. In the desert, people kept mostly to the shade, albeit impossible during the midday hour, only wandering the streets if necessary. They never idled and gawked, not unless they were used to the heat, as he was, and could stand it. 
Here, people wandered at slow speeds in numerous groups, arms linked with female companions, pointing at windows as they passed before deciding to amble inside for a look. 

As busy as it was, it was almost relaxing. No one bustled by in a hurry. No one shooed customers from the doorways because they had too many people inside and it was growing too warm inside. 

Ruli furrowed his brow, curious. "Hm." He said thoughtfully. "I see signs for sales, and one back there mentioned a feast. So. Feast?" He wondered. As they passed by another shop, its bright pink paper advertised "[i]Cordon's Heart Festival; Flowers sold here for your true love![/i]"
He reached out and nudged Kire with the back of his hand before pointing. "Heart Festival." He informed her. "I'm not sure what that is, though. Ziad never held festivals. But if there's free food somewhere?" He turned toward her; whether or not he was smiling was lost behind his face cover.

Trying not to get too off course before achieving what they'd come for, Ruli and Kire wandered down the street together, and he struggled to keep his eyes forward to avoid being sidetracked. He paused to ask a shop keeper for hints as to where they could purchase lumber, and were directed toward the docks. Looking upward, Ruli could see dark clouds in the distant, but thought little of it. 
And then, as they rounded a corner, they saw the ocean. 

Ruli stopped dead in his tracks, staring ahead. It spread out before them, a soft grey-green that went on and on until it ended on the horizon, disappearing in the dark clouds above it. He pulled his face cover down, exposing his face, and he inhaled. Fish, salt, algae, so much out of one body of water. It looked so calm, yet so vicious and dangerous, both beckoning and warning him. He moved again, moving to the side of the wooden walkway upon which they stood, to peer downward. It lapped the shore, foaming white and leaving streaks along the shore. 

"I've never been out of the desert." Ruli clarified for the nosy woman. "This is the first time I've seen any body of water besides that oasis. I─" He faltered, staring. "Its huge."