Se Riddermarket of Sweltering Summer - CLOSED

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

Golde ge Eorcanstan: NPC: Sheemie Rheus

Sheemie glared as Beda made her escape. There she goes leaving Sheemie in a right pickle: M-O-O-N that spells BIND, anybody knowed it! The promise of lunch settled his anger though, and the appearance of a young lad (Calimir) with pampier and potlooden made him less nervous about the troublesome F letter. If the m’lady (Gwai) drawed it nicely, he was sure he could make something for her with the silver Beda had found.

Sheemie smiled back at the lad. “Would you folks like a cup of tea while youse working,” he asked. “I’ve only got nettle, but it's quiet good with a drop of honey!”

Without waiting for an answer he shambled into the back room and put a kettle on the inglenook. He collected three mugs, added a good measure of nettle to each, and found the honey jar while he waited for the water to boil.

“Here you go,” he tooted, returning to the shop front a short while later. “Adds your own honey the way you like it!” Sheemie plonked a tray on the shop counter and leaned in to see how far the m’lady had got with the drawing.

--
@Calimir @Gwai

[Thalionwen Hunigfolm]

Thalionwen with Pele, Lail and Allacan
CweÞ Ciese

"I'm sure it's water under the bridge," Thali said firmly, directing the comment towards Allacan as Pele expressed remorse over all that had happened at Campian. "The knife's in my bag, Alla, you can take it out. Pele, I'm cleaning your wound now, deep breaths."

Exposing the Gondorian's lower back and side, Thali made no comment on the scars and old burn marks that became visible. Focusing on the new wound instead, she dabbed away a last bit of sluggish blood with her gauze, before uncorking the bottle of spirits she always carried, and pouring a quick stream over the open wound. The sharp, antiseptic smell of alcohol filled the air. Removing a clean, already-threaded needle from a leather pouch, Thali immediately set to work stitching. Best to get it over with quickly, in her experience, and she worked deftly, knowing the momentary pain of having a wound properly cared for was far outweighed by the benefits of having it heal well, and without infection.

"Will you be taking this matter to the Marshals, Allacan?" Thali asked as she stitched. "If people are being targeted in Edoras in broad daylight, the Cavalry ought to know."

[Lail]

CweÞ Ciese
with Pele, Thali and Allacan

Lailyn knelt by Pele ready to provide a comforting hand or words if needed. Her head snapped up in surprise when Allacan entered, but she remained silent while Pele explained the incident.

"Yes, whatever happened in the Campian, I'm sure it is fine. Its not meant to be taken seriously enough to warrant an attempt on your life..." Lail assured Pele, though she was unaware of whatever incident she referred to. Many of the details of the Campian hadn't made it into the version of events Lail had heard secondhand.

“If you need a hand to hold, and there’s no shame in it, I’m here,” Lail offered in a gentle voice to Pele as Thali began tending the wound. She let her hand fall near the other woman's in case she decided to take her up on the offer. Pele was showing remarkable strength so far, not only toward her injuries but to the fact that someone had just tried to kill her.

When she saw Pele’s scarred back, she realised this woman was no stranger to pain. Lail winced inwardly as the alcohol was applied and averted her gaze slightly off to the side when the stitching began.

“Yes, I’m certain the Cavalry would want to know,” she echoed Thali’s words, though Lail felt certain it went without saying and Allacan would raise the matter to appropriate authorities. “And if you’re already investigating, Allacan, then surely the matter will be swiftly resolved.” She raised her gaze to Allacan and gave her a hopeful and expectant look as if to say, ‘isn’t that right?’

Recalling the stern woman she first met at the stables, Lail was sure anyone who crossed her would be sorry.

(OOC: Oh glad to be of help @Allafyrefleorhtlig! A scream was requested so here I am.)

[Veowyn]

Caddrick Halwende
Treowwyrhta then Holt Leod

The teen gave a crooked smile when Æric mentioned that his Ma shouldn't have sent the gift of food and the ribbon. He would have defended the offering, or suggested that he trying tell her himself. It was just the way his ma was. She liked to feed people, and the ribbon was merely a result of her favorite hobby. However, before the words could leave his mouth, the little Edda presented herself. The interaction between father and daughter was adorable. It reminded him of the way he and his Ma interacted when he was little like that, or the way Rhys, or any of the Ellenweorc's really, did with Ailura. "Lord" Caddrick grinned, winked, and gave the small Queen an exaggerated bow as she thanked him and darted back into the shop. "Enjoy."

"She is cute. Similar fire red hair and sass to my little sister. She is a little older, but I am sure that they'd have fun together, if my sister comes down this way." Caddrick suddenly realized he was talking too much. "I will go then. Thank you." He turned to rush into his shop. 

However he stopped short, when he came closer to the door. There was someone standing in front of it, Walpurga. It took a moment, but he recognized her from the party. This was the girl he had found sitting with Éomund. He had never gotten her name, they had been summoned for their little performance before she had replied. She was stopped in front of his shop. "Westu hal." He greeted her. "I think we met at the Summer Festival party. RIght?" Caddrick flashed her a smile. "Last time I saw you, you had a pink beard." He chuckled. "I never did catch your name, though." He then motioned to the shop, and moved to open the door. "Would you like to have a look inside?"

He led the way inside, hoping she would join him. He then set his tool box down on the counter, carefully taking the two meat pockets he had snatched from the basket before giving it to Æric, and setting them on his handkerchief. He then looked about the shop, with a satisfied sigh. Over the past few days before opening, he had come to the shop and been fixing things and setting up. On the shelves were a few toys. A little wooden duck with wheels, and a pull string, with fresh yellow paint, little figures of people and animals including wooden horses of various realistic colors and styles. He already has some instruments out, as well. Harmonicas, drums, flutes, and a lute. He was not sure it was exactly right, after deconstructing one that had been left for years at the inn. However, it sounded lovely when played, so even if it was not exact, he was proud of it. 


Jakiewyn and Ailura
Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica

"See, she is coming." Jakie assured her daughter, when she could hear footsteps inside. They had heard commotion and fuss in another part of the market. Ailura had been trying to go investigate, but Jakie had kept her here, telling the girl to focus. The mother grabbed her nosey child's arm, encouraging her to stay put. They both looked up when Taethowen opened up her door. "Good morning, Ms. Taethowen. We brought that order of green linen you requested." Jakie smiled at the proprietress. 

"How have things been, since you took over the shop?" Jakie asked, hoping that business had been well for Taethowen. Sometimes customers did not take well to an owner change, a change in how things were conducted. Jakie had found that it had been fine. More precise requests made her job easier too. "After the festival, I am sure you have had lots of different style requests, too." She giggled thinking about the festival. "Do you have any other orders?" 

"And what is happening down there?!" Ailura was still looking about them, wanting to know what all the fuss down the street was. "Ailura!" Jakie glared at her daughter, who just shrugged. "What? Don't tell me you both are not curious." She was only 9, Jakie reminded herself while taking in her daughter's sass. The girl then swiped at the white strand of her hair that liked to fall in the front, and tucked it behind her ear. She wished it would be nice, like the rest of the red strands, but right now the Ellenweorc strange white strand was a great distraction from her mother's look. 

[Allacan ob Burzum]

Allacan (human, she/her) CweÞ Ciese with @Pele Alarion, @Thalionwen Hunigfolm @Lailorn, leaving to take up the chase.

Allacan listened with a sober expression on her face, shaking her head dismissively at Pele’s apologies. “Don’t waste your breath on unnecessary apologies Pele!” she said somewhat bluntly. “Whatever madness overcame you in Campian, you have already apologised for it once and that’s enough for me. You are forgiven. And no matter how foolish your actions in the tournament might have be, you never deserved this. I promise you I will do what I can to find the culprit and bring them to justice.” She hoped the words might put at ease whatever guilt clearly still plagued the Gondorian, and in doing so relax the woman so that Thali could deal with the necessary ministrations.

She reached for the healand’s bag and pulled it across the floor, opening it up to glance inside, her face an expression of cold stone as her worst suspicions were confirmed. She glanced about and, taking one of the loose cheese-cloths from the counter, reached into the bag to lift out the knife and wrap it carefully so the bloody blade was out of sight. She then slid the bag back to Thali so it was within reach of the healer if she needed quick access to any of her supplies.

“Yes, the Marshals absolutely need to know, but I don’t want the trail to go cold and I don’t intend to stop looking until I have found the culprit.” she answered both the women, her face impassive at Lailyn’s querulous look that answered her silent question more by its lack of response. “Can I trust you both to see to Pele and then report what has happened to the Marshals as soon as you can? It will take more time that I can afford to waste to do so myself; if I am to catch this person quickly before they can get too far from here...” she hesitated only long enough for one or both of them to offer an affirmative then headed for the door, the cloth-wrapped knife in hand.

The Streets @Frostbite

As soon as she stepped outside, she glanced around for anyone wandering the streets and her eyes fell on a familiar figure only a short distance away; the general vicinity otherwise appeared sparse of shoppers at this early hour.

“Hail! Walpurga!” she shouted aloud to her fellow performer from the After-Party only the night before. “Someone has been attacked, Healand Thali is inside with them seeing to their wounds. Run, quickly! Go to Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica and tell Taeth she is needed in CweÞ Ciese urgently. Cavalry business. Oh, and also...” she added as an afterthought, pulling up the eager new cavalry recruit just as she was about to acquiesce. “...tell her Allacan is sorry she had to rush off so suddenly but... duty calls.” she finished with an apologetic shrug, then barked harshly to spur the young woman into action “Now GO!”

She turned her back on the younger rider, fully expecting her to comply, and shifted her focus to the street while evaluating what she knew of the attacker. They were small, short and weaker than a Gondorian warrior, so possibly a child or a woman. They were wearing skirts or a dress. And they were either very cunning, or very foolish. Despite Pele’s assertions, Allacan did not agree that this was intended to be a lethal attack; anyone who intended to kill their target would not have attempted to do so with the weapon she currently carried wrapped in a cheese-cloth, especially not in broad daylight in Edoras’ busiest street, even if it was at present empty but for Allacan.

This was a set-up, taking advantage of events that had transpired during Campian yesterday to ensure another person took the fall; but why?! And why *her*? Despite all the evidence that might have implicated that particular woman, Allacan was certain beyond any doubt that this incident was not of her devising, for two reasons.

One; because that particular woman had managed to hide her skills for 15 years and had thus demonstrated infinite patience and wisdom; she would not be someone foolish enough to engage in a rash act like this in the manner it has been conducted in as she would be well aware that doing so would make her the obvious prime suspect.

And two; if the person Allacan had watched decimate half the field in the tournament the day before had intended someone dead, and had managed to catch such a person as unprepared as Pele had apparently been, then there would have been no witnesses and Pele would not have walked away alive.

Someone was trying to be very clever, but had underestimated those who take up the chase.

Thus aligned to the mind-frame of her prey, she re-assessed the Riddermarket for potential bolt-holes, exit points and hiding places. There were far too many empty shops and cluttered alleyways for her liking, so she went with her instinct and settled on investigating a nearby empty shop which looked particularly derelict and run down, drawing out the knife she kept sheathed to her left forearm under her sleeve as she did so. She crept quietly towards the building, trying not to make her presence obvious to anyone without or within, while all the while mindfully aware of the sights and sounds around her, wary of leaving herself open to a knife in *her* back.

[Pele Alarion]

Pele with Thali, Lail, Alla
CweÞ Ciese

Pele would have preferred different circumstances to make any official apologies, but this was a good chance, and confirmation from all three women no less that her silliness has been forgiven was very important to her. The knowledge set her at ease, and she let out a soft sigh of relief. It might have not been a big matter, yet it somehow had a way of troubling her until now.

Catching the attacker was no longer her business though, and she trusted that Allacan, and the Marshals when notified, would have it in hand properly. However, she could not help wonder whether it was really connected to the above-mentioned incident at all; yet it seemed clear to her that someone had to be using it as means of attacking her for one reason or another.

Pele did her best trying to breathe through the pain of alcohol touching the raw wound, and the stitching as instructed by Thalionwen. Clenching her teeth and closing her eyes tightly, she quietly suffered through the worst of it, and then looked at Lailyn. "Thank you..." she half-whispered her gratitude for the offered support, and managed a small smile. She did not dare take the woman's hand lest she squeeze it too tight unwittingly causing pain.

[Gwai]

Golde ge Eorcanstan

Gwai gratefully accepted the parchment Cal offered as he introduced himself. "Westu Cal hal," she returned the greeting with a smile, impressed with his knowledge of the language of the Rohirrim, although she speculated he likely need a grasp of many languages in his work as a messenger. "Thank you for the use of your supplies!" she said, selecting a short charcoal pencil and a piece of parchment.

Beda offered her goodbyes as she left to go open her own shop for the morning. "Good day, Beda!" Gwai waved goodbye. "I will most definitely be coming by probably later this week, I am always in need of more candles! It's as if they burn themselves while I'm gone," she said with a rueful laugh.

Sheemie ducked to the back of the shop with an offer to make tea, and Gwai hesitated, trying to think what the letter should look like on the bridle her customer Bereth had requested. She was no artist, by any stretch of imagination. Putting the pencil to the parchment, she quickly sketched what she thought the letter should look like.

Gwai gratefully accepted one of the mugs from the tray Sheemie soon returned with, and added a generous spoonful of honey. Breathing in the warm steam, she blew gently before taking a sip. Nettle was an interesting flavor, but she enjoyed it.

She pushed the parchment toward Sheemie. "I am thinking it should look something like this, with a small loop on the back side at the top and bottom so I can attach it to the headstall," she explained. "Even if it doesn't look exactly like this, something close would still serve the purpose well!" she said, hopeful he would be able to make it.

[Eldrith]

NPC post Aegwarth

streets of the riddermarket

*He had not known it would feel this way. He'd worked up to this moment for years. From grunt work and messages to thefts, but everyone knew only the men did the killing. And now he was one of them. Why did he feel like he would puke every moment. He'd seen killing before. He'd held the look out on an alley in Gondor almost two years ago. He'd blocked the way out. And yet it had been unexpected. It was strange how it.. felt. He'd been trained. They all had. Pig carcasses mostly. Which had later been made into meals. Waste not, want not.
And now.. now he'd done it. He had stopped running. Running made you look suspicious. And right now there was no way to connect him to the crime. He'd been careful to check that there had been no blood on his boots, no footsteps to follow. He'd gotten rid of the skirt and the hood. No. He was fine. Fine. Why was his heart racing this way then? Why did he feel like he could puke? He had done what needed to be done. He would be rewarded. This was the way forward. The litany ran in his head even as he tried to stop his feet from following his racing thoughts. Instructions were clear. He would need to stay a while. Make sure he had not been seen. And make sure he could not be followed. It isolated the risk. Just needed to find his breath, that was all.*

[Allacan ob Burzum]

Allacan (human, she/her) moving from the main street to the back-alley. On the chase.

Allacan no longer regarded the area around her as main road, a market-place, or an urban district. It was the hunting grounds, and every shadowy corner had become the hiding place or bolt hole her prey might have taken refuge in. More than prey, for she was not one to under-estimate her quarry. In the nation that had trained her in these particular skills, underestimating your target was sure to get you killed. And if she were lucky enough to find herself cornering the reckless creature who had assaulted an esteemed Gondorian warrior in an open street, they were sure to be aggressive in their attempts to escape.

She approached each door and window from the shadows and peered in, searching the rooms and doors for any sign of them being disturbed, if anyone had forced entry recently, or for any tracks of someone entering or leaving by less nefarious means. As best she could, she avoided making herself visible; she did not want her target knowing they were being pursued until she was upon them. She slipped silently from alley to gulley, keeping off the main open boulevard in preference to the more cluttered cover of the back-access routes. She took her time; she did not want to miss any clues, and eventually her thoroughness paid off.

In a tumbled pile of half-rotten, abandoned crates behind an empty store she spotted an unusual change in the discolouration of the wood on one of the outer boxes; a section of one panel-edge along the top had only recently been exposed to the sun and contrasted harshly to the bleached wood only a few inches away. She approached cautiously, treading softly, her breath controlled and low so even that did not give away her position. Now she was closer, she could see the reason for the variance in discolouration; one of the abandoned crates had recently had its lid forced open. She prowled towards it and, glancing about her on each side, ahead and above to ensure this was not a trap, with one hand holding the knife ahead of her ready to strike, she swiftly lifted the lid up to reveal...

Nothing dived out from with the box, and it seemed there was nothing living within the tumbled debris except a small rat that startled at the sudden sound of wood being lifted above it and scattered out over her feet and away elsewhere. But that did not mean it was a fruitless search, for there was something of note within the box. She reached in to lift it out, and the material cascaded in her hand and flowed, awkwardly catching on splintered corners. A skirt. And, a hood. They were - she realised as she squeezed the materials between her fingers and peered again both ways down the alleyway warily - still warm to the touch. Her target was close by. And if she had not spotted sign of them crossing the street or in any of the side-gulleys or the long alleyway behind her, that suggested they were somewhere up ahead.

She deposited the material back where she had found it and, adding the cheese-cloth wrapped bloodied knife into the box, carefully slid the lid back into place and even forced the nails back into their old holes so the wood discolouration would not attract the attention of someone as keen-eyed as she. She could collect them for inspection later, right now she wanted both her hands free.

She reached down to her left boot and drew out a secondary blade, tucking it back along her wrist so it’s steel would not reflect what bright sunlight managed to infiltrate the shadowy alley. Ears listening sharply for any sound of shifting, or breathing, or scraping that might reveal the location of another person, she crept slowly forward along the back-supply-alley inch by inch, keeping close to the back wall of the store, half crouched in the manner of a hunter. As she reached the next corner she placed her back to the wall and dropped a little low to the ground so she was below head-height, tilting her head slowly around her very edge corner of the wall so she could look down the gap between stores with only one eye, not making the online of her face obvious against the line of the building. She peered past more detritus and debris of city-life, searching for a glimpse of her quarry.

[Taethowen]

Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica
With Jakiewyn and Ailure (@Veowyn)

Taethowen
human, she/her

Taeth smiled as Jakie mentioned the green linen. "Please, come in," she opened the door wide. "Business has been going well. In truth, I'm the original owner of Awesnis, so finding another seamstress here running it was a bit of a shock, and I do hope she didn't cheat you out of much. She kept terrible records, and her the work she left behind was... mediocre at best."

She laughed as Jakie mentioned the festival. What fun it had been, at least the competition if she discounted all the other drama and mayhem that had followed on its heels... except Frost. Frost had been a welcome part of all that, and one she would rather not forget. "Despite the... strangeness of Silendris, their outfit with the bumflap has been quite popular. And I'm waiting on some patterns and designs from the lady-dwarf, Amethyst Copperpick, as well.

"I don't have any more dye orders yet, though some of the fabrics I'll be having imported aren't available in as many colors as I'd like. I'm sure most of what you have experience with is linen, wool, and cotton, but if I were to acquire some swatches of, say... Haradrim silk, would you be willing to see if you could get some colors to take?"

Jakie's daughter, Ailura if Taeth recalled correctly, was still standing in the doorway, watching curiously in the direction of Thali's shop, then commenting about some sort of disturbance, apparently. "What? Don't tell me you both are not curious," Ailura shrugged.

"I've been at the back of the shop," Taeth confessed. "I didn't realize there was something happening. Where is the commotion at?"

[Thalionwen Hunigfolm]

Thalionwen with Pele and Lail
CweÞ Ciese

"I'm putting a bit of honey and a mix of herbs I make down at my Infirmary on your wound now," Thalionwen explained to Pele as Allacan hurried off. "It'll help stave off infection--what with me happening upon you when I did, you should heal up so nicely you hardly even have new scar to add to that collection of yours. It's nearly magic, this honey--Lail here tends the bees that make it and harvests every jar herself."

As she carried on speaking, Thali bandaged the wound tidily.

"There," she said at last, rocking back on her heels. little breathlessly. "That's much better. Take this and chew on it--it's a strip of willow bark, to dull your pain. Those stitches will have to come out in a week--you could have another healer do it, if you're on your way out of Edoras, but if you'll be staying, I can see to it either here or at the Infirmary."

Drawing Lail aside, Thali lowered her voice. "Lail, could you see if Taethowen's about? One of the Marshals should know about this, and her shop's closest to mine. If she's there already, will you ask her to come over here? Discreetly, though--the last thing we need is a panic over a would-be murderer roaming the Riddermarket. Taeth will know what to do--whether we should shut down for the day and tell everyone to keep safe at home, or if it's alright to carry on as usual."

Returning to Pele, Thali crouched by her side once more.

"How about a bit of a lie down before you go on your way?" she asked cheerfully. "I've got a cot in my storeroom, and I can fix you an early morning toddy, heavy on the spirits for your pain. Best for you to stay safe here until this is sorted, I think."

[Calimir]

Golde ge Eorcanstan: @Aodh Hammerhelm @Gwai

"That's no problem," Cal's said to the lady <Gwai>, then to the big lad <Sheemie> : "Thanks for the tea." He plopped a good drop of honey in his mug and watched the lady sketching. The drawing took shape and Cal' saw the letter was quite fancy. He wondered if the lad had ever made anything so complicated.

"I can help you with the making of the F," he said to Sheemie. "At least I think I can, if you are stuck. My name's Cal', Calimir from Gondor. What's yours? If I am going to help you we should know each other as friends, shouldn't we?"

[The Good Hunter]

Walpurga, Human (she/her)
The Streets and Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica

Walpurga stood, eyes wide and a grin on her face, in front of the store looking through the window at all the instruments and figurines on display. It was fascinating! There were so many intricate workings in woodwork, the attention to detail was incredible. She had never seen work this beautiful in Benton. Everything there had been create for function over beauty, it was all plain and unadorned. This though, this was fantastic. She followed the knotwork as best she could, getting lost over and over in the pattern until she felt dizzy. She grinned, her cheeks dimpling. Without realizing it, she and nearly smooshed her face up against the glass trying to trace the pattern. She giggled as her breath fogged on the glass.

She reverie was shattered then, by the sound of her name being called. There was an urgency in the call as well. For an instant, she was rushed back to her home of Benton with her mother shouting to her to finish slopping out the pig sty and come help her with the linens. The momentary vision was so strong, she could smell the pig sty again, the mud, muck and assorted left over bits of vegetable matter. It passed though, like a sane through fingers, and Walpurga was back in the Riddermarket, with someone shouting her name. She jumped, startled. The sound came from all over, she looked back down the street and saw a very impressively build figure dashing toward her. It was Allacan, the woman that had roped she and Éomund into that ridiculous (but fun) dance number! She seemed in a very, very big hurry now though, all traces of the joviality she had seen the day before was gone. For a moment, Walpurga didn’t know what to do. She considered smooshing herself up against the store front so Allacan could pass but realized that that was a ridiculous thing to do when someone was calling her name. She waved tentatively, smiling in a very awkward fashion.

The words Allacan yelled to her, made her freeze. There had been a stabbing! Fear gripped her stomach again but she forced it back. She was a member of the Cavalry now and she shouldn’t be fretting like a farm girl over a dead sheep. It sounded serious. Walpurga felt her mouth go dry. Go to someone named Taeth at Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica (that was certainly a mouthful) and tell her to go to CweÞ Ciese (another mouthful) about Cavalry business. Then she added something that flew through Walpurga’s mind live water through a sieve, something about running off and duty calls, Walpurga was suddenly distracted by the very, very close Allacan. She could see her arms bulging, her cheeks were ruddy from running and… pay attention girl! Walpurga chided herself, licked her lips nervously and had enough presence of mind to nod in acknowledgement. Allacan, however didn’t see this because as soon as she said this, she was off again, running through the streets.

For a moment, Walpurga didn’t know what to do. Allacan and thrown half a dozen words at her that without context had no meaning whatsoever. She wondered if it was a joke the woman was playing (this was the same woman that made her wear a pink sequined beard and dance around on tables) but the utter seriousness with which she was carrying precluded that possibility. Right. Walpurga squared her shoulders and began half running… where? In the excitement she had not had a chance to ask Allacan… where Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica was or who Taeth was. She stopped. Had she seen the shop this morning? She wasn’t sure. The name didn’t ring a bell. She chewed her lip, lost in thought. She began walking again, moving a brisk pace so that even if she had no idea where she was going, she’d get there faster. She passed store after store, not seeing any name that sounded familiar. Until finally, when she was considering turning around, she saw it.

Without ceremony or regards to formality, Walpurga burst into the shop. Mearas blessing! It was busy. She looked around at the individuals inside and… having no idea which of them might be a Taeth (likely not the child) she announced. “I have a message from Allacan. She said to come to CweÞ Ciese at once. It’s Cavalry business. Someone’s been attacked.” she took a deep breath, “and also she says she’s sorry for running off early that duty called.” Walpurga stared into the room, wide eyed and out of breath. She had no idea of the woman she had just spoken to was this Taeth but she hoped she was.

OOC: @Veowyn I promise I will get back to Caddrick at Holt Leod as soon as I can, the continuity went a little wonky. I’m sorry!

[Winddancer]

Se Hæland Æ
Sigrid

"There.. all done.." Stepping back the young woman placed her hands on her hips, one holding the rag she had been using and eyed all the bottles and jars of herbs and salves neatly stacked on several shelves. It was by no means a large store, in fact it was probably the smallest one in the market, but she did not care. The store was long and narrow, long dark floor-to-ceiling wooden shelves on both sides. She had commisioned them especially from the new carpenter in town and he had made them expertly, even adding closed cupboards at the top so that there was no wasted space, but also so she could keep the surplus stock there as she had no back room. The front was just the door and the shuttered window and the back had a long dark wood counter, one end hinged so that it could be lifted up and she could come out easier. Another commision that had blown her away as she had not even thought that something like that was even possible. The man was clearly a genius.

Her flushed face beamed as she took stock of what she had managed to accomplish, now that all her money did not need to go towards travelling around to search for the children. For a long moment her smile faded as she recalled receiving the devastating news, though again had to remind herself that she had done everything she possibly could. Sighing deeply, she raised a hand and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. This was not a day to wallow she chided herself. "You are allowed some happisness too you know.." she muttered under her breath.

It was already getting hot in the small shop and deciding that she was ready to open she headed to the front door and unlocked it. Opening it up, she secured the door to the wall so it would not bang shut and then opened the window shutter, enjoying the little bit of breeze that brought. With the smile returning, she adjusted the sign that hung on the door that displayed the days and times that she would be in and directions to the Infirmary should the store be closed. Turning her back on the front door, she eyed the shop yet again, still finding it hard to believe all this was hers now.

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

Golde ge Eorcanstan: NPC: Sheemie Rheus

If Sheemie had thought he was out of his depth earlier, he knew it for certain now. His eyes goggled as the m’lady (Gwai) finished her drawing, and he cussed the Beda-sweoster loudly in his head.

The F wasn’t just any ordinary old F - lawks no! – it was a very tricky looking thing. Sheemie had imagined three simple strokes of a pen, something he might be able to copy by snipping three pieces of silver and soldiering (was that the word?) them together. This F was nothing like that. It was complicated - all slinky and twisting. What was he to do?

“How do,” he tooted at Cal’, hope flaring in his eyes. “My name’s Sheemie, pleased to meetcha! Do you really think you can help?”

Sheemie cast a nervous look at the m’lady. “Yes, we can get this done for you ma’am, but not till tomorrow morning. Will that be all right? I hope so..?”

--
@Calimir @Gwai

[Lail]

CweÞ Ciese
Lailyn with Pele and Thali
“No thanks necessary,” she told Pele. “I’m happy to help.”

After Thali finished neatly bandaging the wound, Lail stood beside her. She nodded and replied in a quiet voice. “Yes. I will go right away. I’ll do my best to avoid starting any panic.”

Before she left the shop, she turned to Thali with a furrowed brow. “Please lock your doors after I go…and be careful.” She didn’t think the culprit would come back to finish the job, but then again, she didn’t think she’d find a stabbed Gondorian in the market that morning, either.

The Streets
Lailyn closed the shop door behind her and resisted the urge to look back inside with a worried glance. Trying to appear calm, Lail smoothed the front of her dress with both hands and felt a wet patch near her hip. It must have been from carrying Pele into Thali’s shop. She adjusted her satchel so it covered the spot of blood and set off toward Taethowen's shop to relay the dreadful news.

[Veowyn]

Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica
Jakiewyn and Ailura
@Taethowen

Jakiewyn and Ailura entered, and Jakie set down the green linen on a counter inside. "To be fair," She started about the other seamstress. "I think she was originally just someone filling a need, while you were away." She shrugged her shoulders. "She took me on to dye fabrics, when she saw that I had asked her to repatch something, after my early attempts at sewing came loose during the dye process." She giggled at the memory. "When I moved to Rohan, I had a lot of basic skills to learn. And that seamstress' work was better than mine at the time. I enjoy the dyes though. It brought more colors to Edoras, and it was wonderful to see! And my sewing has improved as well."

Ailura had been hoping her eyes could spot what was going on, while her mother chattered about the past. "I think it's the cheese shop." She said, passively, without even looking back at Taethowen. Her eyes were set on the young woman running toward them. She darted out of the way, as Walpurga burst in. She looked from her Ma to Taethowen as the young woman ran her message to them. Something WAS going down at the Cheese shop! 

Jakie moved, even as the wheels in her daughter's brain were turning. She grabbed Ailura's arm, and looped it in her own. "Taethowen. I am not Cavalry, So I assume that was for you. Ailura and I can hold down the shop for you, until you return." The girl started to object, but the look of worry on her mother's face caused her to shut her lips. Jakie hated the words as they tumbled out of her mouth. She really wanted to go check on her family. Were the Ellenweorcs in their shops? Had Caddrick made it to his? However, she knew that staying put was the right thing to do for now. And she did not want Taethowen to have to worry about not locking up in an emergency, with the possibility of some fiend on the loose. 

OOC @Frostbite No worries. Caddrick is not going anywhere.

[Gwai]

Golde ge Eorcanstan

Gwai winced as she read Sheemie's impression as she passed the 'F' she had envisioned in her head. "My apologies, Sheemie," she explained ruefully, "My pen went away with me! A more simple design will suffice just as well! It is not for me, but for a customer, and whatever design you come up with will be absolutely perfect," she said earnestly. Cal offered to help, which was quite a kind offer.

"Tomorrow will be more than sufficient," Gwai nodded to Sheemie's request for time. "I apologize for coming with such a strange request! Would you prefer the payment today, or tomorrow when it is completed?" She looked at her purse thoughtfully, hoping she had enough with her. She had more coins in her shop if needed, and could return quickly.

@Calimir @Aodh Hammerhelm

[Lirimaer]

Laewyn

Pen and Ink, with Aethelu

All of her shopping items were laid out on the counter, the inks in their boxes, the brushes and pens in their pouch, and the notebooks. Laewyn would need to reorganise her satchel, or purchase a new one, to store everything away neatly.

"In total, it will be 25 silver coins please," Aethelu said politely.

"very fair," Laewyn nodded. "Here, let me get the monies." She took out her coinpurse and glanced inside the small pouch before putting it away. Then she unstrapped the thick leather belt from her waist and laid it on the counter; unfolding it twice to reveal a strip of silver coins inside the long leather, she counted out 25 coins from the tight little pockets and refastened her belt anew.

"Thank you very much for your help," she said, putting the pouch and boxes into her satchel and picking up the books. "I am excited to go make good use of these now!"

[Taethowen]

Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica
with Jakie & Ailura (@Veowyn) and Walpurga (@Frostbite)

Taethowen
human, she/her

"I'm glad the prior seamstress was at least somewhat helpful then," Taeth smiled as Jakiewyn told some of her story. "Even if her work was not up to the standards I established for Awesnis. She would have barely been accepted as an apprentice were I here when she came in."

Taeth heard Ailura respond to her question about the commotion outside, but when the girl said that it seemed to be the cheese shop, her demeanor changed instantly. Her shoulders straightened and she stood infinitesimally taller, eyes sharpening. No longer was she just the seamstress-owner of Awesnis. Thalionwen was her friend, yes, but Thali didn't cause commotions that were accompanied by a sense of danger. And while the promotion ceremony hadn't happened yet, Taeth had been informed by a Cavalry messenger at the crack of dawn that she was, for all intents and purposes, now the Second Marshal, and Gwai the Third Marshal.

At that moment, an unfamiliar black-haired woman darted inside the shop, looking between Taeth and Jakie with a little confusion on her face, but it was her words that spurred Taeth into action. "I have a message from Allacan. She said to come to CweÞ Ciese at once. It's Cavalry business. Someone's been attacked...and also she says she's sorry for running off early, that duty called."

As Jakie pulled her daughter inside the shop, Taethowen quickly stepped forward and shut and locked the door again, flipping the sign back to closed. "Taethowen," Jakie said, "I am not Cavalry, so I assume that was for you. Ailura and I can hold down the shop for you, until you return."

Taeth nodded and asked, "Are you armed?" But even as she listened for Jakie's response, she was moving. She hadn't realized that Allacan wasn't waiting at the back door for her anymore. The shop wasn't so large that she couldn't still hear the others, though. The tray of food and drink were still on the back step, though some of it had been spilled. Taeth pulled them inside, and closed and locked the backdoor before heading back to the front of the shop.

"You," Taeth spoke to the black-haired girl. "Are you Cavalry, or just a passerby?"

"I just joined the Cavalry," the girl answered. "But I've not had any training yet."

Damn it all, only a new recruit, Taeth thought to herself, but just gave a curt nod. "Wait here with Jakie and Ailura, then. I need to find out what's going on before I make any further decisions."

Taeth unlocked the front door again. "Please lock it behind me," she asked Jakiewyn. "I'll be back as soon as I can, or I'll send someone with news."


The Streets, heading toward CweÞ Ciese
with Lailyn (@Lailorn)

She stepped outside, waited to see that Jakie was able to secure the door, and set off toward CweÞ Ciese. A few moments later, Taeth was surprised to see Lailyn heading toward her. The Marshal looked the woman up and down, and noted that there were some red smears on her hands, and as Lail's satchel shifted, she saw a bright red stain on her dress.

Taeth hastened her steps and intercepted her friend. "Were you the one attacked?" she asked, pulling Lail to the side of the street. "What's going on?"

[Pele Alarion]

Pele, eventually left with Thali
CweÞ Ciese

"Would guess the honey is as good for eating as for treating wounds," Pele said, thinking that perhaps she should get some of the delicacies like this to take back home, once this is all over. Supposing she did not end up killed; thought even if the attacker decided to come after her again, she'd be more prepared. Apparently she could not relax anywhere, neither here, nor home, in Minas Tirith.

The thought of not having a new scar was somewhat comforting, as this was not gained in battle, and she really did have a collection already, of which she was not that proud. If she had such a possibility, she would have erased each one of those in an attempt to escape the memories they brought back to her. Some time had passed, and yet she was not fully ready to face those memories.

Patiently she committed herself to treatment and bandaging and accepted the willow bark. Pele tried not to listen to the quiet conversation between the two Rohirrim, yet she could not help overhearing some of it.

"Don't think the attacker would be interested in harming others at the moment," she guessed, when Thali returned to her. "But suppose extra security measures can always be useful... And also I suppose I could just accept your kind offer of a cot. A moment to recover would be nice." Perhaps going out would not be that dangerous, as it seemed that the event had caused some commotion in the market, and the attacker might not want to be seen. However, a bit of rest sounded good. "I wonder if any of my comrades are still here in Edoras..." she wondered out loud.

[Calimir]

Golde ge Eorcanstan: @Aodh Hammerhelm @Gwai

"Yes," Cal' said to Sheemie. "I can definitely help with making this letter. Don't worry we will have it ready by tomorrow morning."

How they would do this Cal' wasn't sure, he hadn't had a look at what equipment and tools Sheemie had, but he was sure a jeweller worth their weight in gold would surely have the right stuff to do the job. The lady <Gwai> mentioned a price for the work. Cal could see more trouble coming Sheemie's way. If the lad had trouble reading and writing would he be able to work out how much to charge?

"Sheemie normally takes a deposit," he said to the customer, hoping the lad wouldn't get angry at his meddling. "We'll weigh the silver he's going to use and see how much its worth. Do you have silver coin handy, ma'am? We can weigh that too so we can work out the cost of the deposit."

[Lail]

The Streets
Lailyn with Taethowen

Some things in Rohan might have changed in Lail's perspective, but it seemed news still traveled fast. She didn't know how Taethowen heard, but she suspected Allacan had something to do with it. It only sunk in then that Thali had said Taeth was a Marshal now. It was news to Lailyn, but she approved of the keen-eyed Paethfindian taking up her old mantle again.

"No, I'm fine." She shook her head and spoke in a quiet voice. "I'm glad you've already heard." The relief was evident in her voice. It would make her job that much easier. "A Gondorian woman was stabbed. I found her and Thali not far from Crete Lið. The bloody knife caught my attention so I went to see if I could help...we brought her into the shop and Thali's looking after her now." She opted to leave out the part where the sight of a bloody knife startled her and tried to keep it brief. Just the facts and Taeth could be on her way.

"Is there anything more I can do?" she asked. Though she was no longer in the Cavalry, as something of a witness, she was willing to do whatever was needed to help.

[Taethowen]

The Streets
Taethowen with Lailyn

Taeth felt relief when Lailyn explained that she was fine, but worry washed through her when she heard that a Gondorian woman had been stabbed. And of course Thali had found her and hauled her into CweÞ Ciese.

"I assume the woman's alive?" Lailyn nodded.

Thank Bema, Taeth thought, as Lailyn asked if there was anything else she could do to help.

"Just stay available, in case we need to get more information from you later," Taeth answered, her voice low as she turned to peruse the street and the nearby alley openings. "But since you're not Cavalry and you don't seem to be armed, for now you should probably find a safe spot somewhere. You're welcome to shelter in my shop, Awesnis. Jakiewyn and her daughter and a new Cavalry recruit are already there. I don't want to sound an alarm yet. Allacan's probably already on the attacker's tail, and I don't want to do anything to spook them.

"Thank you for your help, Lail," Taeth reached over and gave a gentle squeeze to the woman's arm. "I best be off to CweÞ Ciese now. Oh! Do you know @Gwai, though? If you see her by chance, send her on to CweÞ Ciese as well. She's the Meduseld marshal now, so this is more her jurisdiction."


CweÞ Ciese
with @Thalionwen Hunigfolm and @Pele Alarion

"Thalionwen?" Taeth called as she stepped inside CweÞ Ciese, and then spotted her friend with the injured woman. She latched the door behind her, and crossed the shop to crouch down next to them.

Taeth turned her attention to the injured woman (Pele), relieved to see she was conscience. "My name is Taethowen," she introduced herself. "I'm the Second Marshal. Can you tell me what happened?"

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

Golde ge Eorcanstan: NPC: Sheemie Rheus

Sheemie’s eyes lit up at Cal’s idea of weighing to fix a price for the silver F. Of course, that’s what he’d seen Arthur do many times! The gangling lad gave Cal’ a thumbs up and motioned him to join him behind the counter.

Hoping his new friend would keep the m’lady (Gwai) busy with chitter-chatter, Sheemie hurried over to the bureau that Beda had found the silver filigree in. On top of the oak cabinet he spied several tools and devices. He picked up a set of brass scales gingerly, so as not to send the little weighing dishes flying, and returned to his customer.

Sheemie placed the scales on the counter-top and waited for them to settle. Tick-tock! Tock-tick! Tick-tock... The shiny apparatus reminded him of a teeter-board, albeit a very sparkly one.

At last the scales found their balance: Sheemie placed the three pieces of silver needed to make the m’lady’s decoration into the closest bowl. The dish dropped onto the scales' stand with a satisfying clunk.

“If you put a silver coin in the empty bowl one at a time,” Sheemie said confidently to the m’lady. “We’ll see how many of your monies we’ll need for a deposit. That will cover the cost of materials, kennit?

I’m not sure about how much the labour will be… I think Arthur normally takes the same as the deposit for a job…”

--

OOC: @Gwai <Hope this allows you to calculate how much you want to spend on the silver letter?>
@Calimir

[The Good Hunter]

Walpurga, Human (she/her)
Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica

Rapidly, the surge of adrenaline that had pushed her to move, faded and Walpurga was left feeling suddenly exhausted and apprehensive. Where a moment ago she was able to make rapid fire decisions and move with what some might call grace and fluidity, now she felt like she was in a fog. As the woman she assumed was “Taeth" flew passed her and out the door, she didn't even get a good look at her face, just a blur of brunette hair. The store she was now locked into, came into focus. The sheer amount of fabrics and colors on display were dizzying. Walpurga had never seen so many different kinds in a single place. A rainbow had exploded in here.

Thank the galloping heavens though, that she didn't stare like the oblivious country girl she was, as she had just remembered she was not in the building alone. A wave of awkwardness came over her and suddenly it felt as if she had two left feet. Inwardly she cursed the shy nature she had inherited from her mother. Every second that went by without her saying anything increased the size of the knot in her stomach.

She reflected then, on the circumstances that brought her here. She had been minding her own business, admiring the craftwork through a window and suddenly she’d been swept up in some Cavalry business to what extent she did not quite understand. She had been so thrown off guard by Allacan's sudden appearance and demeanor that she didn't even stop to think about what was actually going on. There had been a stabbing! A chill ran through her. She could have been stabbed too. She clutched the tiny knife hilt that swayed at her hip. Would that have done anything? Likely not. What was she doing here? She was a country girl who helped raise pigs. How was she even here now except by dime wild dream and happenstance. She was here though, and she wad a member of the Cavalry, even if just a trainee and she had done her duty, she had followed orders and come here and now started here on more orders. She had no idea what she was meat to do here, but she'd stay until simmering be told her to go.

She sighed and ran her fingers through her raven black hair. Might as well make the most of it. “Hi,” she said with more assuredness than she felt, “I'm Walpurga. I'm new to Edoras.” She looked at both the mother and the child, making sure they knew she had spoken to them both, then looked worriedly into the mother's eyes, whose own reflected the same, “Does this sort of thing happen very often?”

Seeking a bit of comfort and stability she grabbed for her back… only to realize it wasn't there. She panicked, but kept her face as calm as she could. Where had she left It? Had she dropped it in front of the store where she met Allacan? Or somewhere else along the way? The knot in her stomach redoubled. With her pack missing, she had no money. How was she going to eat? How was she going to buy the flute for her mother or drop by the pet shop? How wad she going to afford another night at the inn?

[Lail]

The Streets
Lailyn with Taethowen
"I have business in the market, so I won't go far," Lailyn assured Taeth. "I'll send Gwai on if I do see her, but I think I'll go to your shop for now." Once, she might have gone looking for Gwai, but without a weapon, Lail felt better heading into the seamstress' shop.

Part of her felt cowardly to do so, but she reminded herself she was just another civilian now. No one expected her to fight anymore even if she felt pangs of guilt watching some of her old comrades don their uniforms and badges. Lail had vowed to put down weapons the day she resigned and she still held herself to that even if no one else did.

It was only after Taethowen walked away when Lailyn realized she hadn't told her anything about Allacan's pursuit, but she trusted Thali to fill in the missing information.

Outside Awesnis gærwe nædleprica
When she reached the shop, Lail tried the door, but it didn't budge. Of course, Taeth will have had them lock it. Peering into the windows, Lail saw three figures inside, but only recognised Jakiewyn from the M Meduseld contest. The other two were strangers, though obviously one was the daughter (Ailura) and the other, the Cavalry recruit (Walpurga). Lail knocked lightly on one of the glass panes hoping to be let inside.

[Gwai]

Golde ge Eorcanstan

Cal suggested weighing the silver piece, and using the weight as a basis for how much it was worth. An eminently reasonable plan, Gwai thought to herself. Sheemie agreed, and set about finding a scale to use.

"I'm curious, Cal," Gwai asked, as she finished the last of her tea, "How do you know so much about the making of jewelry?" she questioned, surprised a messenger would be skilled in jewelry making as well. Sheemie soon had the scale set up. Anticipating the purchase, Gwai had brought more coins than she usually carried, and soon measured out the full weight.

"The equal price for the labor sounds reasonable," she agreed to Sheemie's price, quite glad she was not having to struggle to make this herself, and equally glad she was not spending her own money, as she would be reimbursed by her own customer once the headstall was ready.

"If you gentlemen will excuse me, I will leave you to your work! I will return tomorrow, or sooner if you send me a message," she said with a laugh, looking at the messenger. "And I will bring the other half of the purchase price tomorrow as well. My thanks, once more, for being able to accommodate such a strange request!" she said gratefully to Sheemie.

Gwai turned to leave the store, and stood outside in the morning air for a moment, looking curiously down the street. Was that Lailyn down the street, knocking on the window of Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica? It seemed odd the store wasn't open yet on a normal shopping day.

@Aodh Hammerhelm @Calimir
@Lailorn

[Pele Alarion]

Pele Alarion
CweÞ Ciese

Her visit to Edoras had apparently not turned out the way Pele had imagined, besides now it also seemed that the whole market was almost in an uproar due to this. The Gondorian did not relish the feeling of being the centre of it and all the attention she attracted, but there was not much she could do about it. Besides, she there was a need for justice.

When Taethowen came and asked for explanations, Pele slowly and carefully shifted slightly to prop herself on the elbow.

"Westu Taethowen hal," she made her best attempt at Rohirric greeting and offered a shadow of a smile. "Well... I meant to do some shopping, but it was still early and the street was not busy. Someone had followed me and came up from behind me - stuck a knife in my back. I managed to turn somewhat, so the injury was not that serious. That was no robbery, as the person just stabbed and ran."

The more Pele retold the events, the more she was annoyed at her own lack of attentiveness. As a Ranger she should always be prepared to defend herself and others, and being caught off-guard like this was no good.

[Calimir]

Golde ge Eorcanstan: @Aodh Hammerhelm @Gwai

Sheemie did a great job with the scales, Cal' thought he might just have underestimated the burly lad. But was he any good at making things?

Cal' wriggled his feet as Gwai asked him how he knew about jewelry. Luckily she seemed in a hurry, so before he could start telling a story about his grand pa and his work in Minas Tirith, see was off out the shop.

"See you tomorrow," he called to her. He was pretty sure he wouldn't be making an early jewelry delivery though.

"How many coins did she leave you?" he said to Sheemie, "it looks like a good old pile. Now WE just have to make that silver F. That's if you need my help."

[Taethowen]

CweÞ Ciese
with @Pele Alarion and @Thalionwen Hunigfolm

Taethowen's brow furrowed at the Gondorian's words. If there was no robbery, then it meant it was a targeted attack. And while that didn't bode well for the woman, because if the attacker wasn't caught she could remain a target, it meant that there may not be a violent mugger on the loose in the Riddermarket, at least.

"What was your name?" Taeth asked. "Is there anyone we can contact for you? And did you see your attacker?"

It was terribly inconvenient that all of this had happened before the promotion ceremony for her and Gwai. Taeth wasn't sure if any random Cavalry troops passing by would be familiar with their faces yet, even if the news had already spread. And she had no insignia to prove her claim to Second Marshal yet.

She glanced over at Thalionwen. "Was Allacan here earlier? She managed to get a message to me at Awesnis."

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

Golde ge Eorcanstan : NPC: Sheemie Rheus

Sheemie nodded his head as the m’lady (Gwai) enquizzled his new friend. Laws, Sheemie would also love to know how @Calimir knew about jeweller things, and more importantly if he knowed how to make jewellery pieces. There was a difference, Sheemie knew, between thought and work. If Cal’ was only making empty promises they’d be in big trouble when the customer returned tomorrow. Any how’s, for now she was on her way, and maybe – just maybe! – he and Cal’ could do the silver F letter.

“Twelve!” Sheemie replied, when the shop door had closed behind the m’lady. “M-O-O-N that spells TWELVE, anybody knows that, Cal’… Lawks! That means she’ll give us 12 more if we can make her silver shiny-thing – that means we’ll have some monies for a big breakfast or nuncheon. Sheemie’s quite hungry actually; do you think we should eat summat before we start working? Mayhap that will make our minds and hands cunning and skilful? What do you think?”

As he waited for his friend to reply, Sheemie glanced over the top of the oak bureau; there were all sorts of tools and thing-a-me-bobs strewn across its top.

Yes, a quick bite seemed in order. Sheemie had a sudden notion he and Cal’ were going to be up all night!

[Thalionwen Hunigfolm]

CweÞ Ciese
with @Taethowen and @Pele Alarion

"Alla was here," Thali confirmed. "She took the knife Pele was stabbed with, and went to try and track down the attacker. I wouldn't like to be them, not if Allacan catches up. Can you help me get Pele on her feet and onto the cot I keep in the back room? I thought it would be for the best if she stays here for a little--lies low, and doesn't give whoever this was an opportunity to try and finish what they started. Maybe we ought to find a guard, though, if the market and the shops stay open? I just...I can't lose a day of business to lock up, not with the cost of running the Infirmary taking everything I've got right now."

[Taethowen]

CweÞ Ciese
with @Thalionwen Hunigfolm and @Pele Alarion

Taeth's mouth tightened into a grim line as Thali told her what had happened with Alla. It would definitely not do well for whoever the suspect was to be caught by her. Taeth was beginning to think she only had a vague idea of what Allacan was truly capable of.

Pele. So that was the woman's name. "Of course I can help you," Taeth answered. "Just tell me where to support her so I won't hurt her further."

When Thali mentioned the costs to keep the Infirmary running, though, her brow furrowed. "Thali?" she said quietly. "You know I'm not hurting for money... if there's some way I can make regular monetary contributions to help keep the place running, let me know. You know I don't have the patience for healing myself, but I owe much to healers in general... and that's a story I haven't had a chance to tell you yet, isn't it?" Taeth sighed. "Well, no matter right now. Let's get Pele moved. We'll have to make time to chat eventually."

[Pele Alarion]

Pele Alarion with Thali and Taeth
CweÞ Ciese

Pele did not answer Taethowen's questions for a while, as she did her best to prop herself up into something of a sitting position; she was aware that any movement would cause her pain while the wound is fresh, but she did not like the fact that she had to rely on others' help so much. Yet she knew that standing up might be very difficult indeed, if she attempted it alone, so she did not.

"Yes, my name is Pele Alarion," she eventually responded, once she could do it without the strain in her voice. "I did not see much of the attacker. I had not managed to turn enough to see when I was stabbed, and fell afterwards. All I managed to see was a distant figure disappearing behind the corner, dressed in some skirt, or perhaps a cloak, or something like that. At any rate the attacker was smaller and not strong enough to take a proper hold of me."

Pele shifted slightly hoping to find a slightly more comfortable position. "I am not the only Gondorian visiting, so perhaps if you could inform Arnyn, the one who won the Campian tournament... If she has not left already. I'd be very grateful."

[Calimir]

Golde ge Eorcanstan : @Aodh Hammerhelm @Eléowyn

"Yes," Cal' grinned at Sheemie, though he didn't quite see how MOON spelt TWELVE. "Twelve coins now means you'll get twelve more when the lady returns. But only if we manage to make what she's ordered. I do think we can do it, but you know it isn't going to be easy. We can't just bend a few bits of silver together or try and stick them together. If the ornament is going on a horse's headstall it will need to be quite chunky and strong, or it wont last."

The thought of breakfast before him and Sheemie started work was a good one, Cal' thought. After all he'd been out looking for bread and stuff, and that's why he'd landed up in the big lad's shop. The idea of spending money before they had made the lady's silver letter was not so good.

"Listen up, Sheemie," Cal' said. "I've got some coins on me. Let's use that to get something to eat. You know the Riddermarket better than me, why don't you go off and get us something and I'll have a look at what tools and things you have? Didn't the girl who left earlier... Beda? ... say she would have lunch ready for you?"

Cal's dropped a pile of bronze and silver coins on the counter.

"There's plenty there to get us something tasty." he smiled at Sheemie.

[Aethelu]

Pen and Ink, with Laewyn

Aethelu watched as Laewyn took out the money, feeling a strange sense of elation. Her first big sale, this was definitely something to celebrate.

"Thank you kindly," she smiled, putting the money away in a box on the counter. "I hope they are of use to you. If you should ever need anything more, do come back." She could only hope that she would have a repeat customer in this kind woman, or at least that she would tell others about the shop as well.

As Laewyn packed up her goods, Aethelu wandered over to the window. The marketplace seemed very quiet, almost too quiet if she was honest. It seemed very odd, especially on such a nice day. She had been considering going out to get herself a sweet treat, but something about the empty street made her feel strangely uneasy. Turning back to Laewyn as she finished packing up, she tried to smile but found her brow furrowing. "Safe travels home my friend." She said it in the hopes she was just being paranoid and could keep her voice light. She wasn't sure it was working.

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

Golde ge Eorcanstan : NPC: Sheemie Rheus

"Why, yes! That sounds like a real good idea, Cal'," Sheemie tooted at his new friend. "Are you sure you don't mind me spenting your monies? Sure-sure?! Okay, wait here and mind my shop, Sheemie will be right back."

The bulky lad scooted out from behind the counter and out onto the street. He headed straight towards Leoht Min Fyr, intent on finding Beda and cadging the lunch she'd promised. That way he could save Cal's monies and use it to buy some sweets for later. His sweoster's shop door was closed, so he made his way down the street towards the goods yard that lay beyond the fountain square.

Sheemie supposed he could have gone shopping at several shops, Cal' had given him enough pennies to buy almost anything, but he knew he could get all they wanted in the market sorting enclosure, and for half the price. Also shopping in one place would save time, and they needed time to get that pesky silver letter made.

"Hey-ho!" Sheemie called to the yard marshal. "Sheemie's here, Oswold and he's mighty hungry. He ain't got veggies and fruit to barter you today - laws no. Look here he's got shiny coins, lots of them... Can I have some bread, please? And cheese, a cooked fowl and maybe a pitcher of your apple juice?"

A few minutes later Sheemie was hurrying back up the street, a large sack and earthen pitcher in hand. He smiled happily as the sun found his face; the world was a beautiful place this morning, he'd made a new friend and soon they'd be sharing breakfast!

[Calimir]

Golde ge Eorcanstan @Aodh Hammerhelm

Cal' waited till he was sure Sheemie had left the shop and that he wouldn't be back for a while. Cal' wanted some time to check over all the jeweller's equipment and to think. He started by checking the oak chest of drawers, just in case Sheemie had missed a bunch of ready made silver letters. Of course there weren't any, only rings and bracelets, brooches and pendants, but none of them were shaped like the letter the lady wanted.

Next he looked over the work area. There was so much stuff scattered about that it made his head ache. Cal' began to tidy things into neat piles: wooden boxes (empty), small iron pots with little handles, files and small knives, antlers and pieces of wood, balls of hard wax, three bags of sand and a big crock sitting in a bucket of water.

He opened the crock and saw it was filled with clay, the smell was rich and the clay gooey. Well, that was the work area tidy, and he thought he knew what most of the things were for. Casting ornaments out of metal. But how?!

Cal' noticed a small oven in the far corner. It was much smaller than a kitchen oven, big enough though to hold a pot about the size of a small keg of beer. There were two places to make fire. One below and one above the oven door. The oven got narrower as it climbed upward, on its top was a plate with a hole and a little chimney at the back running up to the roof.

First things first, Cal said to himself. Make a fire and get the oven (kiln?) hot. Yes, that seemed a good idea. When that was done he would try to start cutting a shape to go in a clay mould.

[Thalionwen Hunigfolm]

CweÞ Ciese
with Taeth and Pele

Watching Pele shift in discomfort, Thali decided they'd had quite enough of hovering about behind the counter, with an injured woman sat on her shop floor.

"Here Taeth, support her under the arm, like this." Thali demonstrated, and together, she and the new Second Marshal helped Pele into the back storeroom and onto a small, tidy cot next to a row of shelving stacked with cheese cloth, brown paper, bales of twine, and wheels of wrapped cheeses.

"No, I will not take your money," Thali said under her breath to Taethowen. "Things are alright for the time being and I've got a plan to make sure the Infirmary stays very well-funded for a very long time. It's a good plan too, not a hare-brained one, though I don't know why I feel the need to point that out."

Ducking out to the front room for a moment and leaving Pele and Taethowen alone together, she kindled a fire on the shop's small hearth and set water to boil for tea. A brew of willowbark and comfrey would be best for the pain, she thought, with a bit of chamomile to calm and soothe and a generous spoonful of Lail's honey for sweetness. Thali hoped desperately that Lail had found a safe place to shelter--guilt gnawed at her as she thought of how she'd sent her friend out into the streets, and possibly into danger.

[Taethowen]

CweÞ Ciese
with @Thalionwen Hunigfolm and @Pele Alarion

As she and Thali settled Pele onto the cot, Taeth's mind whirled. She didn't think that the attempted murderer would still be in the Riddermarket. They were likely long gone by now, unless Allacan had managed to be close on their trail. And other than Jakiewyn, Lail, and the cavalry recruit (Walpurga) all at her shop, she doubted anyone else beyond those actually involved knew of what had occurred. It would be best for business to continue as usual.

"I met Arnyn last night at the Summer Festival after-party," Taeth answered. "I'll see if I can find out if she's still in Edoras or has already ridden for Gondor. Do you happen to know which inn she was staying at?"

When she finished with Pele, Taeth headed back out to the front, and watched quietly for a moment as Thali brewed something, presumably for Pele, and kept glancing out the window nervously.

"I don't think the suspect will be a further threat here in the Riddermarket," Taeth spoke as she crossed over to stand at Thali's side. "Don't worry. It was clearly a targeted attack, not something random, though I am concerned that whoever it was may return to make sure they properly finished the job. Make sure there's no trace of Pele's presence here, and keep the shop open as you usually would. If anything, a closed shop in the middle of a busy market day would be more suspicious."

Taeth turned to face Thali then, eyes narrowing just slightly. "As for the money issue," Taeth said, responding to Thali's earlier refusal, "it's not charity I'm offering. Whatever plan you do have, if it's going to take time to come to fruition, then let me be a benefactor in the interim. I fully intend to help cover the costs for Frost's care--it was my fault he was hurt at the Campian initially anyway--but as the Second Marshal, I do have a vested interest in making sure there is a functional infirmary for the people of Rohan too. So if you need help, if it becomes too much of a burden, please just tell me. I think we've had enough miscommunication between us lately."

With that, Taeth made for the door, not giving Thali a chance to respond. She did turn back as she opened the door, though. "Thali?" she spoke, and waited till her friend looked at her again before she smiled. "I'm glad you're staying in Rohan, by the way. Truly, truly glad."

The Streets, then Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica
with Lailyn (@Lailorn), Jakiewyn & Ailura (@Veowyn), and Walpurga (@Frostbite)

Taeth had not been inside Thali's shop for overly long, but already the streets were becoming busier. She spotted Lail still outside her shop, looking a bit nervous. Taeth also thought she spotted Gwai up the street further, but she couldn't be quite certain.

"Have they not let you in yet?" Taeth asked as she approached Lail, fetching the key to her shop from her pocket. "Come, then."

As the two women slipped inside the shop, Taeth shut the door behind them, but did not lock it this time.

"Jakiewyn, I think you and your daughter will be fine to continue your day," Taeth said, and she retrieved two silver coins from her coin pouch and handed them to the cloth dyer. "I hope this is sufficient for the linen. Just stay alert, and if you see anyone suspicious, simply note their appearance. Don't draw attention to yourself."

Taeth turned to the Cavalry recruit (Walpurga) then, and took only slight pause at the... not common features of black hair and blue eyes in Rohan, and simply tucking it away for later pondering. "Thank you for delivering Allacan's message earlier. The streets should be safe enough now, so please feel free to continue on with your day."

When Jakie, Ailura, and Walpurga took their leave, Taeth turned back to Lailyn. "Last night at the after-party, the Gondorian Arnyn, who won the Campian tournament. Did you happen to hear which inn she might be staying at? The woman who was attacked asked for me to contact her, if possible."

OOC @ @Veowyn & @Frostbite Sorry for the tiny bit of godmodding!

OOC @Arnyn I don't think we've figured out how we're getting news to you about Pele's injury yet. If you wanted to wander through the Riddermarket conveniently before heading back to Gondor, that would be fantastic, but let me know if you'd like to figure out something else.

[Lail]

The Streets, then Awesnis Gærwe Nædleprica
Lailyn followed Taeth inside with obvious relief. While she didn't think there was a danger to her, she wasn't keen to be a sitting duck, either. When she saw Jakiewyn, she smiled and gave her a small wave of recognition. Under better circumstances, she might have engaged in a more cheerful conversation, but she didn't want to hold up Jakiewyn and her daughter from anywhere they needed to be right now.

She nodded at the Cavalry recruit (Walpurga) as a way of greeting. When Taeth thanked her for delivering Allacan's message, Lail felt assured that everything was well in hand.

After the others left, the newly-promoted Marshal turned to her. "Last night at the after-party, the Gondorian Arnyn, who won the Campian tournament. Did you happen to hear which inn she might be staying at? The woman who was attacked asked for me to contact her, if possible."

Lailyn sighed and shook her head. "No, I'm afraid I don't, though I wish I did. I'm sorry." A familiar face would be a great comfort for Pele, facing an attack and recovery with only strangers to help her. With no further useful information and her own errands to start, Lail politely excused herself from the shop to allow Taeth to do whatever came next in the investigation.

The streets to Treowwyrhta
Though she was probably not at risk of being attack by someone wielding a knife, Lailyn still took hurried steps toward the carpenter's shop. The sooner she got there, the sooner her day could get back to normal. But before she could make her way inside, she found herself faced with a broad, bare-chested man standing in the doorway (Æric).

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "Um, good morning." She could see sweat glistening on his skin, even though she tried not to let her eyes linger. It was quite unexpected, but she certainly didn't mind. It was a much nicer kind of unexpected than coming upon a stabbing victim in the market. Too polite to remark upon it, she smiled at him instead. "I'm looking for the Carpenter. Is he inside?" Lailyn glanced up at the sign which proclaimed 'No job too big or too small'. "Oh. I hope that's true," she added, biting her lip nervously, unaware she was already speaking to the carpenter himself.

[Winddancer]

Æric
Treowwyrhta

Æric shook his head and smiled as Caddrick rushed to his own store. He knew how important it was to the young lad to succeed, to prove to his family that he had the skills and he was a good kid, that being the main reason he had even taken him on in the first place as his initial thought had been to say no. But he had seen the desperate need to make something for himself in the lads eyes, a look he had held himself when he was that age and who was he to destroy someones hopes and dreams just because it might be a bit costly to have an apprentice. Sighing, he moved on to securing the shutter to the window again. It was quite a run down store that he had gotten, likely the reason it had been so cheap and affordable, but he did not mind having to fix it up a bit. It was cheaper than building one from scratch afterall.

The sun was relentless today, baking down on his muscular body. He was just tightening the last screw, giving it the last few hard twists before he was done with it. Replacing the screwdriver in the toolbelt, he swung the door a few times to see how it worked. Pleased with the result he was about to head inside when he heard the telltale sound of quick footsteps in the gravel behind him. His whole body tensed reflexively, his hand going to where his sword had once hung, though not finding it there anymore as he quickly turned.

He was somewhat taken aback to see a woman standing there, forcing himself to relax and not look like he was about to attack her. Drawing out his handkerchief, he wiped his brow trying not to scowl at her, though the sun was in his eyes and not cooperating in smoothing his features. "I am he. How can I help?" Again, a man of few words. He knew he should say more as he did not want to scare her off, he did need all the paid work he could get. However try as he might, he could not think of anything more to say and realised too much time had now passed and it would come out weird if he added more now, so he left it at that.

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

The Streets to Meduseld: NPC: Sheemie Rheus

Sheemie wandered along in a funk, and his feet led him away from, rather than toward, Golde ge Eorcanstan. The pressing issues of jewel making and brêkfis had slipped from his head, his thoughts were concerned with Cal’ (where had he seen the boy before?) and following closely behind, The Brak Man.

“Hoo-boy!” he tooted, as he realised he stood at the foot of the stairs to the Golden Hall. He supposed he better get up the steps and go and see the Big M’Lord and Lady. Brekkie and silver letters would have to wait. The King and his sister should be told about the danger Sheemie felt in his head.

He tucked the bag of food and the drink pitcher in the shade of a wall that bounded the chuckling stream, and set off up the stairs to Meduseld…

OOC: @Calimir < Sheemie ain’t forgot you… Laws, no, he’ll be back soon to help you >

[Lail]

Treowwyrhta (well, just outside the door)
Lailyn with Æric

Oh. Of course, the carpenter would be shirtless outside his own shop. It would be strange if it were anyone else, wouldn’t it? Lailyn felt her cheeks warm slightly, unsure if it was from the heat or her own foolishness.

Æric's reaction to her was rather abrupt and she was momentarily torn between wanting to take a step back and staying exactly where she was as he mopped the sweat from his forehead. Staying won out. She needed his help and she couldn’t very well ask for the carpenter and then walk away.

“Yes,” she said, then realised that didn’t answer his question. “I mean, I need help. I’ve got a new house...well it’s new to me, but it’s not really new although it is in New Town...” Her palms felt sweaty and she realised she had stumbled over her words rather clumsily. How many times had she just said new? She paused to collect her thoughts. “The house needs some attention.”

Her words were generous. Others might have described it as run-down, derelict or falling apart. But Lailyn only looked at it and saw potential. And an affordable price. “I’m Lailyn, by the way,” she told him, hoping to put herself at ease as much as him by introducing herself.

“Might we go inside and get out of the sun to discuss further?” She asked for her own comfort as well as his, but mostly she didn’t want to linger in the street given the circumstances.

[Winddancer]

Æric and Edda with Lailyn
Treowwyrhta

Blast! Where was his manners? He was never going to get any customers this way. Obviously he was scaring this woman, this potential customer, with his abrasive attitude. Drawing in a deep breath, he shook his head slightly, apologetically even as he extended his hand towards the door as an invitation for the woman to head on in. "My apologies Ma'am, of course, let us get out of this heat. We can discuss what you need doing to your house inside. Oh.. yes my name is Æric."

He waited for her to head in first, yanking his shirt down from the door handle as he passed it behind her and quickly slipped it on, fidgeting a bit as it stuck on his sweaty skin in odd places. It was by no means a large store, but it was bigger than most, the only reason he had gotten something this size so cheap was the location was a little bit outside the actual market and it was quite rundown. The main room that they stepped into was one big room and in it was a huge high table, with lots of scrolls and big pieces of paper with drawings on. A few rulers and pencils were scattered around as well as one corner where it seemed an area had been delibarately made for someone to sit and draw, though the drawings were clearly made by a toddler or young child. There were 3 stools located around this table, none occupied at the moment. A door on the back wall lead to more rooms, though at the moment it was almost closed and barred the view of what was beyond.

"Please.. have a seat. Would you like some water? Or juice?" Æric extended his hand towards one of the stools, shifting the papers out of the way. He had only just asked the question when the door at the back banged open with a loud crash and the quiet was broken by a loud joyous shriek, followed by a mass of red curls that one could just barely see peek over the height of the table.

"PAPA!!" The little girl who looked about four shrieked as she rounded the table, stopping before the woman and clapping her hands happily. "Is this your first custmer!?" She asked, practically jumping on the spot, her blue eyes sparkling.

"Customer." Æric said as he corrected the word, a small smile growing on his face and softening his features. "Edda this is Miss Lailyn and yes, hopefully a new customer." As he replied, he gave Lailyn a small smile as well, seemingly not embarrassed with his daughters forthright question. Looking back down at his daughter, he pushed a few of the wild curls out of her face and asked "Do you think you could get the jug of juice for us? And not drop .. it" The last word was drowned by her enthusiatic shriek and she ran off out of the room again to get it.

"Sorry about the shrieks.. she is very.. enthusiastic.." he chuckled softly to himself, shaking his head as he did love his daughters enthusiasm, it was often so infectious. "Please.. sit and tell me what it is you would like to have done."

[Eldrith]

NPC post Aegwarth

streets of the riddermarket

He remained under control and each step gave him back a bit more composure. His stomach wasn't lurching anymore. It had worked. He'd done it. He'd proven himself. THe racing heartbeat started to calm just a little bit. Strike unseen. Make sure you are not followed. Blend in. Go shopping if need be. Act normal. The commands had been drilled into him very well. They were somewhat second nature from the pick pocketing but it had somehow seemed different right now when blood had been pooling and he could feel the life leaving the woman. Was she dead? Had he struck true? There was that movement at the last moment. It was not as important whether or not she died. If it had been maybe Taedwyn would have taken the target himself. What mattered was that she was attacked. What mattered was sewing distrust. Unrest. Get people uncomfortable. Make them feel less safe. If here in Edoras people were being knifed on the street well... it would set tongues wagging.
He kept the pace neatly.. stopped to look in into a shop window.. and paused to see who would overtake him and if someone stopped. Growing up on the streets taught you speed. It also taught you caution.

[Allacan ob Burzum]

Allacan (human, she/her) subtly tailing a random teen out of the Riddermarket

That particular side-gulley had been empty, just as the next one had been. She had continued on the sweep of the back-alley but even so, her heart was beginning to race... she was losing the trail, she could sense it. Whoever this person was, who had the audacity to attack an ally of Rohan in the streets of the Riddermarket in such a manner as to try and place the blame on another, they were wiley. It was only with great effort that she continued her stealthy, calculated sweep of the Riddermarket, coupled with her keen will not to be caught out with a knife to her throat as had happened at the After Party only the night before, that kept her search slow and methodical. To keep herself on task, she kept going over and over in her head the sort of person she was looking for.

Someone short, and who was comparatively weaker than Pele, a Gondorian warrior, which hardly narrowed things down. Someone who knew how to wield a bread-knife (of all things) with deadly intent, so someone well trained in subterfuge and assassinry; such people rarely looked the part or they made for poor assassins. Someone who had been dressed in a skirt and hood, except she had already found where they deposited those things in the street debris, so they could be wearing anything underneath! Panic was starting to consume her, fuelled by the sounds of the street traffic growing increasingly busy. She brought it under control with great strength of will. No; they could not be wearing just anything; they would have to be wearing something light and thin in this heat, so as to not overhear with skirt and hood on over the top, and they might have sweat patches from being more thickly robed, but then so might everyone in this heat. Dammit she should have asked Pele more questions. 'With just the right pressure in just the right place she would have recalled a few more specific details' an internal monologue crooned, but she recoiled away from it and slammed it back into its compartment with a mental shout 'No!'

She had reached the final alleyway; there had been absolutely no-one with malicious intent lurking in the back-streets or empty shops; no-one, that was, except her. She crept stealthily forward to the corner of the nearest building and peered out between two abandoned crates at those passing by on the main thoroughfare. There was a handful of people who could reasonably fit the description of the attacker. Melkor’s Pits; it could even have been Walpurga at this rate; although she was hardly short, she fitted practically every tenuous half-defined idea of the suspect that Allacan had to go off, and she *had* been surprisingly close to the crime scene when Allacan had emerged from CweÞ Ciese... her eyes narrowed with suspicion. It was certainly a possibility. She had been fooled by Eldrith for too many years, why not suspect a young cavalry soldier she knew next to nothing about. But something in the back of her mind told her that seemed off. She had no logic for discounting Walpurga, but call it instinct or intuition, it just didn't *feel* right for it to be her, though she still intended to keep a close eye on the young woman going forwards. So if it wasn't Walpurga, who in Bema's name was it?!

She had nothing really to go by, but she had to act and take a gamble, or alternatively return to face to the Marshals empty-handed and answer their inevitable interrogation about her dubious and questionable conduct the day before. She knew Rowena had stepped away as Second Marshal and had set off for Gondor to investigate the remnants of Cuthbert's plotting, but she had not yet confirmed who the First Marshal Shivased would promote in her place, although she had good idea. It was one reason she had voluntarily placed herself before the new Second Marshal that morning, to hopefully investigate the accuracy of Taeth’s alleged promotion and confirm if her sources had told her true or if they had been mistaken in their theories. She was however entirely oblivious to the fact that she stood even now only a few doors down from where the new Third Marshal Gwai paused on the threshold of Golde ge Eorcanstan to take in the morning air; that promotion she knew naught about! She had herself heard nothing of the Meduseldian’s promotion because she had been laying low after the inflammatory incidents the night before, but she suspected that there would shortly be a summoning of cavalry soldiers to the Dragon Room for the ceremonies of the announcement of the new Marshals team only because she knew her friend Shivased would not risk remaining a Marshal's team of one too long, especially after recent events. Especially when she heard news of this attack. Allacan was intentionally ignoring the fact that it was only thanks to the surprise interruption of her breakfast meeting with Taeth and her own over-eagerness to leap at the opportunity to present something, *anything* useful to the First Marshal in the hope it might make her more inclined to forgive the ex-assassins earlier transgressions (no doubt reported to her by Rowena before she left) that she had avoided a highly likely interrogation by the new Second Marshal in Awesnis gærwe nædleprica.

In retrospect however, she was all the same grateful that the interruption of the customers at the door to Awensis had come seconds before Allacan's promises to Taeth that she would support her friend and her new beau Frost in any way she could (she might have not made the best impression to the gentleman the night before, but she was still a loyal friend to her comrade and passionate that she would have the chances at romance and love that had been denied Allacan). She realised now that if she had made such a promise, it would have been a vow she would now find next to impossible to keep. Instead, she found herself beholden only to one oath that she had made recently; she had told Thali, Pele and Lail "I promise you I will do what I can to find the culprit and bring them to justice", and it was a promise she intended to keep, albeit possibly not in the way the three woman had originally envisioned. She pondered for a minute if the new Marshal team would realise her omission in reporting for the cavalry oath in her imminent absence while hunting the attacker, and swiftly put such thoughts aside; safer to not even think of such things.

She crept back into the shadows of the alley and returned her knife to its hidden sheath on the inside of her left wrist and re-adjusted her sleeve over the top until it looked natural. She wiped the anxious sweat from her face, intentionally removing the concealer from where it had covered her black orcish-celtic face tattoo that framed her right eye and cheek; a visible indicator to any who saw her that she was no normal Rohir, and hopefully something that might make people less inclined to get in her way. She lifted one of the random barrels dumped in the alley. It was empty, thankfully, but still an encumbrant weight that would re-define her stature and outline and make her less immediately recognisable as either the HCMA (both her cavalry insignias were tucked deep in her pocket so she had no obvious signs of being cavalry), or the hunter-assassin she currently was. She stepped once again up to the alley mouth, this time allowing herself to be more visible and casual, and seemingly apathetically eyed the people passing in the street as she sighed and stretched in imitation of having only paused there to catch her breath.

Then, she took a gamble. A wild one. She picked one of the multitude of potential suspects from the street completely at random, someone who looked to be heading away from the main Riddermarket empty-handed and into the general streets of Edoras. She stepped out of the alleyway a good distance behind him and, taking care not to watch him too closely and doing everything she could to simply meld in with the general populace, followed in his general direction. She did not fret if she lost sight of him for a moment or two; if the attacker had lurked near the scene of the crime for this long, then they would not be in any rush to leave in a manner that would arouse suspicion and would be wary of being tailed, and she could catch up with him casually if need be. If he paused, she would walk a little way onwards, maybe even passing him, and then make a show of stopping to catch her breath and rest her back from her burden a moment, checking her surrounds as though ensuring she was still on the right path to her non-existent delivery location. If she had, by some miraculous stroke of luck, identified the assailant then maybe, just maybe, he might lead her back to his base of operations. And if this person turned out to be exactly who they appeared to be, just a young lad of Edoras going for a morning walk through the Riddermarket, then she would ditch the barrel, stop by Ærendgewrit to write a letter of apology to the Marshals team for not attending the imminent summons and enclosing her HCMA insignia by way of temporarily resigning the post. Then she would personally leave a cryptic letter for Eldrith to find in response to the ex-pubmistress' earlier request to meet; it was time the two women had their long overdue talk, and the other woman needed to be informed what had happened here.

[Lail]

Treowwyrhta
Lailyn with Æric and Edda

"Thank you. Pleased to meet you, Æric," she said with a shy smile before she stepped inside where she was grateful to find immediate relief from the hot sun. And his distracting physique. "That's much better, isn't it?"

Lailyn took a proffered seat at the table, grateful it would hide the bloodstain on her dress. Hopefully, he would not notice and she would not need to mention this morning’s unfortunate incident that forestalled this errand.

"Oh no-" She began to refuse his offer for a drink when she heard a high-pitched shriek that drew her attention to the child. Her happiness was infectious and Lail found herself smiling at her and any of her remaining uneasiness faded away. "Its very nice to meet you, Edda. I'm honoured to be your father's first customer." She spoke to her in the same tone as she would to any adult.

All her ideas about keeping the stabbing quiet disappeared when she saw the girl. No one had demanded Lail keep it to herself and this man had a child with him. Surely it was only right for him to know of any danger in the market, whether or not it posed a direct threat.

"No need to apologise," she assured him. "She's delightful." Indeed, it seemed to her Edda's enthusiasm also lifted away some of Æric's tension. Perhaps he was not as standoffish as she initially thought.

"Yes, we'll get to my house, but I think there's something I should tell you first if you haven't already heard. Before your daughter gets back." Her smile disappeared and she lowered her voice, hoping to shield Edda's ears from the news. "Early this morning, a woman from Gondor was stabbed in the market. The Cavalry are already aware and seeking the assailant. It seems to have been a targeted attack, which should mean no risk to us, but..." Her eyes slid toward the direction Edda had disappeared. "Seeing as you have a family to keep safe, I thought you should know."

[Winddancer]

Æric and Edda with Lailyn
Treowwyrhta

The sudden change in the woman's voice and demeanor put him on guard, the usual scowl quickly settling back into it's familiar place on his face. He felt the small hairs at the back of his neck rising as she started whispering. As she told of the stabbing a dark cloud crept across his face, his eyes flicking to the door where his daughter had disappeared through, though before he could respond and ask any questions he saw that familiar mop of red curls slowly walking back into the room.

"I didn't spill Papa! Look!" Screwing on a smile for her, he headed around the table and took the heavy clay jug from her. "Well done deorling. Can you fetch two cups for us as well, please?" Edda beamed up at her dad and with an enthusiastic YES, she ran back to the kitchen. As soon as she ran off, his brows knitted tight, setting down the jug on the corner so as to not get any of the paper wet. Grabbing an empty piece of paper and a pencil, he waited for Edda to return, giving her a loving smile as she proudly handed him the mugs. "Thank you, swétes." Setting the mugs on the table with one hand, he then bent down and conspiratorily whispered into Edda's ear, while dramatically pointing at Lailyn. He received several giggles and whispers loud enough to be heard in return as she queried him about exactly what to draw. Finally she grabbed the pencil and the paper and scampered off back to the kitchen.

"Ok, that should give us a few minutes to talk." His expression was serious once more, setting one of the mugs before her and pouring some of the cold juice, forgetting to offer it first. He absentmindedly poured some for himself as well and then took a seat on the other stool. "As you might have surmised, I have just moved here and know nothing of the Cavalry. I understand they are well trained? Do you know if it will be dealt with swiftly or is there cause for concern?"