Se Riddermarket of Sweltering Summer - CLOSED

[Wamba_the_Fool]

Re-post of the OP as of post-date (refer to OP for latest shop edits):

---

Se Riddermarket of Sweltering Summer

The day dawns hot and humid. As the marketplace comes to life for the day it is clear, despite the early hour, that it is going to be a hot one. The streets are dusty and dry and the sun beats down on people as they go about their business. Even plants look hot, the gardens around the fountain and planters scattered through the marketplace looking dry and wilted. Horses sweat as they pull wagons along and vendors in stalls fan themselves and try to stay in the shade.

It is a typical, hot summer day in Rohan. Though this heat is normal, it isn't pleasant. Working in this heat won't be easy and even shopping will be unpleasant for many.

Welcome to the Riddermarket!

This is a free RP thread with the theme of a marketplace, so Come in, shop, socialize, wander. Feel free to check out shops, or PM the Riddermarket lædenmanger Shivased if you want to open your own shop.

Open Shops

Ye Olde Pet Shoppe ~NPC: Jacen (Shivased) ~ A shop selling animals and horses as well as animal supplies
Pen and Ink ~ Aethelu~ A shop selling pens, inks, parchment and other writing supplies
CweÞ Ciese ~ Thalionwen ~ Fresh cheeses and other fine dairy products as well as eggs
Awesnis gærwe nædleprica ~ Taethowen ~ Essence of Needlepoint, a seamstress and clothing shop
Apprentice: Starbreeze (Fairy) Assistant: Seleðryðe (Almarëa)
Glædmód Abiring ~ Daran (NPC of Shivased) ~ A shop for everything sweet. Candy, chocolate and treats galore.
Isengafæme Smithing ~ Rhys (NPC of Rowena)~ A blacksmith shop
Ffermgardd Adref ~ Audley (NPC of Rowena) ~ Gardening and farming supply store
Siltan Bur ~ Elarith ~ A butcher Shop selling a variety of meats
Leoht Min Fyr ~ Beda (NPC ofEléowyn) ~ Candles and related products
Second Skin Saddles and Tack ~ Gwai ~ Tack and horse supplies
Golde ge Eorcanstan ~ Aodh Hammerhelm ~ Purveyor of finely crafted jewellery
Holt Leod (Wooden Song) ~ Caddrick (Veowyn) ~ Wooden instruments and trinkets
Treowwyrhta ~ Æric (Windy) ~ Carpenter shop selling tables, chairs, benches and wood furniture, as well as offering repairs for houses, etc.
Se Hæland Æ ~ Sigrid (Windy) ~ Healing herbs, remedies and supplies
The Copper Kettle ~ Shivased ~ A Tea Shop. Selling a variety of tea leaves and mixtures, fine kettles, pots and other accessories.

Shops For Sale
Fela Tera ~ For Sale ~ Beadwork, Hair Ornaments and beaded strings for men and horses
Liðefot (The Soft Foot) ~ For Sale ~ A cobbler's Shop. Footwear, shoes and boots
Essence ~ For Sale ~ Essential oils and herbs
Né Fugol of Huntanð ~ For Sale ~ Birds of Prey and supplies for hawking and falconers
Crete Lið ~ For Sale ~ Fine wines
Æghwa ge Beþurfan ~ For Sale ~ A basic grocer selling fruits, vegetables and produce in season
Giong æt Heortes ~ For Sale ~ Toys of all sorts - stuffed fabric or knitted, wooden. Blocks, rocking horses, doll houses
Hafocung Shoppe ~ For Sale ~ Hawking supplies and even hawks themselves
Eldar cú ~ For Sale ~ Archery products - bows, arrows, quivers, and more


More shops will be added as they open or become available to buy.

To Open a Shop:
1. Shops must be realistic for Rohan. So no pizza shops, sorry.
2.NO libraries or book shops. The Rohirrim were a people of oral tradition, so would not have had things like that.
3. No repeat shops. If someone sells something already, think of another idea. We don't want overlap.
4.Tag Shivased, the lædenmanger, in the Golden Hall OOC thread for approval BEFORE opening a shop! PM must include shop name and description of what you plan to sell.

Thread Rules:
1. Remember, this is a marketplace so posts should reflect that. Shop, socialize, etc. as you would while at market.
2. Red BF0000 is reserved for the lædenmanger
3. Please post your location at the top of your post - Pen and Ink, Streets, etc. so others know where you are.
4. If a shop is listed as FOR SALE, feel free to RP there being a shopkeeper there, within reason. If a shop has an owner, please wait for them to acknowledge you, do not godmode them.
5. HAVE FUN!

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

(DRAT! Foiled again @Wamba_the_Fool )

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

Golde ge Eorcanstan : NPCs: Malachite Copperstick & NPC: Sheemie Rheus

“Aye I was indeed, up most of the night as you were, I suspect.” Mal said. “So now we are well met, Master Calimir, as brothers-in-arms certainly!” The Dwarf took the blackened metal from Cal' and peered at it with his loupe. After several minutes of scrutiny he placed the jagged shape on the counter and looked over at Sheemie.

"Have you got any relish to go with those?" he said, jabbing a finger at the pile of chunky sandwiches the strapping lad had constructed. "A tart relish or spicy pickle?"

"Lawksey, yes!" Sheemie tooted, bustling off to his room. "Sheemie forgot it, and that nice bit of cheese he's been saving for a special occasion."

"Well now, Cal’," Mal said, winking at his sister as he tapped the cast on the countertop. "This looks a right mess… The first time you've attempted something like this, is it? Aye, that's blindingly obvious!"

The Dwarf looked the lad in the eye for a moment, then grinned: "You've done everything right so far, but you've yet to apply the finishing touches. Nothing comes out of the mould fit for purpose, kennit? You need to file off the imperfections and polish up the silver…"

Mal leapt from his box, picked it up and made his way behind the counter. In his eagerness he almost bowled Sheemie over.

"Careful, now!" the gangling lad hooted as the salver, crammed with little pots and a slab of cheese, wobbled on his palm.

"Yes, I’m Sheemie – Sheemie Rheus as your servant!” he said to Amethyst. “"Would you like some chutney with your sammich, m’lady? Sheemie's got onion with peppered cress, honeyed plum or beans in mustard and vinegar? Oh, and does you want tea or pear juice… I got honey to go with the tea."

Mal, meanwhile, had set up station in front of the workbench. Standing on the box he appraised the tools before him.

"Come over here, laddie," he said to Cal'. "See that wheel, the one with the foot pedal, and those wee files, steel wool and fine sanding papers? We'll need to use them to get your letter just so…"

The Dwarf offered a small metal file to the lad. "Nice and gently now," he said, "use this to remove all the burrs and sharp edges first."

"Whassat?" Sheemie's yelped, as the pair set to work. "Missy Amethyst, why's your handbag wriggling like that?"

--
@Calimir * @Elarith

[Shivased]

Ye Olde Pet Shoppe
NPC: Jacen

He couldn't help it. When Walpurga asked in shock if Shiv was his sister Jacen grinned. His embarrassment mostly fled and he couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and satisfaction. This was the first time he'd ever shocked someone with who his sister was, and he was finding out it was fun! Yup, that's my sister, he said proudly. Makes life in the Cavalry a bit of a pain, but she's got her uses. His eyes twinkled to show he was just joking.

Following her to where he'd indicated the skunk kits were he watched as she picked up one. They were too young to spray yet, for which he was glad. He was also glad someone was interested in one. As much as he'd argued with his sister, he had worried she would be right and was wondering what to do with them when they started to stink up the shop. They hadn't been eating food when he'd got them; he'd been feeding them goat milk. But now they were starting to eat solids But now, someone would take at least one of them.

Asked about the other provisions it needed, he nodded. I can provide for more than just one, if you maybe want two, or all three? A note of hopefulness crept into his voice and he had to hide his excitement. His first sale! Even if she only took one kit, it was still his first sale! And a sale of the animal his sister didn't think he'd sell! He suppressed a satisfied grin.

I can give you a blanket or a basket to carry it in, I have food here - dried nuts, berries and meat for it that you can have some of, and anything else you think you'll need. I sell almost anything anyone could need for a pet. He gestured around the shop at the animals in cages and shelves full of food, collars, leashes, toys, baskets, beds, and other toys. He was slightly surprised by her question about running the shop and needing help, and for a minute didn't know what to say. Instead he took off, grabbing a small sack of food, a blanket, basket and a small toy for good measure. Coming back, he set it all on the floor beside Walpurga

I run it on my own he said finally answering her question. I mean, Shiv is across the street if I need her, but I really don't, not yet anyway, and I don't think I will. I live upstairs, so I'm always here if the animals need anything. He was rambling a bit, the same thing Walpurga was now apologizing for. I guess I could use some help sometimes, if you want to stop by. There is a lot of cleaning cages and stuff to do, and the puppies keep escaping their pen, but don't tell Shiv that, she'd give me trouble for letting it happen.

And there he was, rambling again like a child. He went red - or more red, he doubted he'd ever stopped blushing - and quickly calculating the amount in his head. Eight silver pieces and four coppers for this. he gestured at the pile, including the skunk. The toy is free, the little guy will need something to play with.

[Thalionwen Hunigfolm]

Cwep Ciese
with Arnyn, Pele, Taethowen and Gwai

At Taethowen's mention of time and food, Thali went pale, even as Gwai stepped cheerfully through the door.

"Oh no," Thali breathed. "Taeth, it's past midmorning by now--I only meant to come up to fetch a few things I left last night during the fire. And then all this happened, and bogged everything down. But I've got to be getting back to the Infirmary. There's...there's something I have to do there that can't wait."

Pressing the shop key into Taeth's hand, she hurried past Gwai.

"I'm sorry," Thali called back over one shoulder, snatching up the satchel she'd left by the door. "I'm so sorry I can't stay. Help yourselves to food though, won't you? And Taeth, won't you be a love and lock up when all of you clear out?"

With that she was gone, hurrying through the Riddermarket streets.

(OOC: @Arnyn @Pele Alarion @Taethowen @Gwai I'm afraid when Thali started all this, I didn't know she'd be overseeing a funeral at her Infirmary at *basically the same time* and also have an influx of people at the Infirmary who've been left homeless by the fire. So she's got to run, there's haelending to do elsewhere!)

[Taethowen]

Cwep Ciese
with @Arnyn, @Pele Alarion, and @Gwai

Taethowen blinked and practically missed Thali's exit, and smiled weakly at Gwai as the new Third Marshal came inside the shop.

"It's been an exciting morning," Taeth offered weakly. "Do you need something to eat? I'm not sure if Thali has anything here but cheese, but it's something. I never got to eat at the After-Party last night, and then with all the fire mess... well. I'm famished."

Hesitantly, Taeth stepped behind the counter, and began to hunt through all the little storage nooks. "Did you meet Arnyn at the Campian or the After-Party yesterday? Before the fires?" Taeth asked Gwai, shooting a quick glance at the door leading to the store room to see if Arnyn was making her way back up yet, but it seemed the two women were still conversing.

Taeth found an already open package of cheese then, something that looked solid yet still creamy smooth, sliced into squares, and she pulled it out with grin, mouth watering. "One of Arnyn's Gondorian companions, Pele she said her name was, was stabbed here in the Riddermarket this morning. Allacan's supposedly trying to hunt down the culprit right now."

Then, Taeth popped a couple slices of cheese in her mouth, and moaned with delight. She would need something more than just cheese soon, but this was a promising start.

(OOC @Gwai - my headcanon is that nearly everyone in the Cavalry got last-minute letters in the early morning hours of the day following the fire, announcing the new Marshal promotions. So we've effectively been promoted, but haven't had the ceremony yet, if that makes sense.)

[Gwai]

Cwep Ciese

Gwai was startled as Thali rushed out the door, telling her and Taeth to help themselves to any food. "I'll take some cheese," she told Taeth, always hungry. "Is something wrong? Lail told me to come in, but she was acting strangely," she said, coughing a bit, still not completely recovered from last night.

The answer was soon apparent. "No, I did not have the chance to meet Arnyn yesterday," Gwai said slowly, thinking about the information Taeth had just relayed calmly over some cheese. "A stabbing in the Riddermarket?" she asked, incredulous. "In broad daylight?"

It seemed Allacan was already chasing after the assassin, so Gwai reached for the offered slice of cheese. Munching, she said, "I'll send out a patrol right away. I can't imagine there would be more than one assassination attempt in one day, but it will be good for the residents to offer some security."

She had so many questions. "Did Pele suffer any permanent injury? Why would someone want to assassinate her? How did they manage an attack in broad daylight without anyone seeing them?" she asked quickly, knowing Taeth likely did not have all the answers, but partly wanting to think out loud.

Logistics hit her as well. She had just received news of her promotion this morning, and had not yet had a chance to report to the Dragon Room, much less assume her responsibilities, and had no idea what sort of shape the Meduseld Eored would be in after the fires last night to even mount a patrol. She was still feeling the effects as well, having breathed her fair share of smoke when she had been trapped in the old Aethelmund. Perhaps that was why the assassin had picked today to strike. Had they been involved in setting the fires too? That was quite a leap, however.

@Taethowen @Arnyn @Pele Alarion

[Calimir]

Golde ge Eorcanstan : @Aodh Hammerhelm @Elarith

The lad from Gondor was glad the mood in the shop had changed. Malachite and Amethyst looked like they'd be there for a while, and why not. Sheemie's sandwiches looked wonderful.

"Save some for me, " Cal' said to his friend. "I've got a bit more work to do still "

Cal took the file from Malachite and started gently rubbing over the blackened shape. He worked on the spikes and rough edges and almost straight away he could see bright silver.

"I've got rid of the spiky rough edges, Master Mal" he said to the Dwarf. "Can you do the work with the wheel , or can you show me how it works?"

While Cal' waited for Malachite, he looked over at Sheemie and wondered what was going on. What was this about the pretty Dwarf lady, Amethyst's purse wriggling?

[Taethowen]

Cwep Ciese
with @Arnyn, @Pele Alarion, and @Gwai

"It was early this morning, right as the shops were starting to open for the day," Taeth answered. "I think we've managed to keep news of it from spreading too much. Allacan sent a new Cavalry recruit to retrieve me, and Lailyn and Thali were the two who found Pele, I believe. Jakiewyn and her daughter were in my shop when the recruit arrived, though Ailura had already noticed a commotion here at Cwep Ciese. So as far as I know, there's only a handful of us even aware of the incident: you, me, Thali, Lailyn, Jakiewyn and her daughter, the Cavalry recruit, Allacan, Pele--obviously, and now Arnyn. As well as the culprit. The fewer who know about the stabbing the better, I think. It will be easier to root out a suspect if we can minimize who even knows what happened."

Taeth paused for a moment to take another bite of cheese and look around for something to drink. Thali had been making tea earlier, so surely there was water somewhere. And some cups.

"We can probably use the fires as a reason for increased patrols, in case they draw suspicion," Taeth continued when she'd swallowed the cheese, still on the hunt for a beverage. Finally, she found a couple of cups tucked back in a cupboard, and a pitcher of water covered with a cloth next to them. She moved them all to the counter, and poured some for her and Gwai. "Pele was stabbed in the back in an alleyway, but it seems like Thali found her quickly enough to keep her from bleeding to death. I don't know much more about the injury itself, though." Taeth nodded toward the back doorway. "Pele and Arnyn are in the storage room right now."

[Elarith]

Golde ge Eorcanstan - Amethyst Copperpick

Amethyst was liking this - feet up, food fetched to her, watching other people work. Yes, she could grow accustomed to it. She suppressed a sigh when Mal asked for some relish. "Always thinking with his stomach," she muttered, then looked up - way, way up - when Sheemie offered her many options of food and beverage. "Oh, the honeyed plums sound particularly delicious, darling. And tea on its own will be just fine, thank you," she said. What a sweet young man he was.

Listening to Calimir and Mal discussing the silver work, Amethyst's eyes closed for just one moment. The sounds of the workshop were very soothing... She jerked upright a couple of minutes later, blinking furiously, as Sheemie pointed to her handbag. There was a faint angry mewing coming from it, and she bent down to scoop it up. "Oh, that! It's just Krystalle here," she said, lifting the kitten out and giving her a stroke on the head. The kitten purred but in a begrudging fashion. "She's probably a bit peckish, little mite. Do you mind if I offer her one of your sandwiches?" she asked Sheemie. "And you can pet her if you like - but maybe after the food..." The dwarf didn't want a repeat of the bloodshed at the After-Party the previous night.

@Calimir @Aodh Hammerhelm

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

Golde ge Eorcanstan : NPCs: Malachite Copperstick & NPC: Sheemie Rheus

Malachite passed his loupe over the cast held in Calimir’s palm: “A fine start,” he said to the lad, as he turned his gaze upon the rickety device at the end of the workbench. “It’s the wheel next, Cal’, and I’m afraid it’s more work for you. The contraption’s been set up for one that’s long-shanked, see?”

As Cal’ made his way to the grinding-wheel, Mal nodded his thanks to Sheemie, and bit hungrily into a chunky sandwich. A large dollop of relish plopped onto his beard. He wiped it away with a soot grimed sleeve, thankful that his sister seemed too busy to notice his slovenly manners. He eyed Amethyst keenly as he demolished the rest of the popkin.

How much longer could he put off the tidings relating to that slug, Corpulent? Hopefully until tomorrow, he hadn’t seen his sister this carefree in ag…

“Sorry, lad! My mind was on other things for a moment,” the Dwarf said to Cal’. “What was that? Which wheel to use? Not that one certainly, it’s way too coarse.” He leant over and selected a stone of lighter grain and handed it to the Gondorian. “Slip the rough one off and pop this one on in its stead. When you’re ready I’ll instruct you on how to operate the pedal; you’ll need to get a steady rhythm going before you think about setting silver to stone.”

”A cat!” Sheemie said, while all this was going on. “M-O-O-N that spells MOUSER, Missy Amethyst, anybody knows it.”

The gangling lad gawked at the kitten with trepidation:

The m’lady said the kitty was hungry, and cats loved mouses, didn’t they! What if the cat found his wee mouse, Michæl and ett him whole?

”Howdy-do, Krystalle!” Sheemie tooted, waggling a slice of chicken breast under its snout. “Does she bite, M’lady Amethyst, or scratch? She doesn’t look very fierce…”

[Calimir]

Golde ge Eorcanstan: @Aodh Hammerhelm @Elarith

Cal' wasn't quite sure what "long-shanked" meant - he'd always thought it had something to do with royalty. But when he looked at the grinding wheel and its pedal he could see that a Dwarf wouldn't be able to use the machine. Not unless he jumped up and down on the pedal, and then he wouldn't be able to reach the wheel.

He sat on the stool and pulled it closer to the table and then put his right foot on the pedal. He pressed it a few times as an experiment and the wheel creaked and squeaked. When he removed the rough stone a lump of dust dropped out of the hub. And a dead spider!

He soon had the other grindstone in place, the one Malachite had given him, and he practised pedalling again. It was not an easy job to get a steady pace going and he suddenly realised it was also hot work. He took off his shirt and dropped it on the floor taking a deep breath. He was glad he had put a vest on that morning. His mother would not have been pleased to see him sitting bare chested in front of a lady <Amethyst>

Cal' gave the wheel a good pedal for a few minutes. "Master Malachite," he said to the Dwarf. "I think I'm ready to begin stage two."

[Gwai]

Cwep Ciese

Gwai reached gratefully for the cup of water Taeth set in front of her, and absentmindedly swirled it in her cup. Taeth listed who knew of the incident so far, and Gwai shook her head dubiously. “I doubt we can keep the news contained,” she said, shaking her head dubiously. “That’s quite a few who know already.”

“But I agree, the fires are a good reason to increase patrols. Hopefully Allacan can find whoever did this,” she said, concerned. An assassin in the Riddermarket, and right on top of the fires. “I’m just glad Thali was there,” she commented, relieved, assuming Pele was going to be fine as the hælend had left to see to other duties.

Gwai placed her cup back down on the counter and walked toward the back of the shop to see Pele, who was in the storeroom sipping on tea.

She introduced herself. “I’m Gwai Feorsteorra, as of this morning the new Third Marshal.” She grimaced. “I just heard what happened to you, I am so sorry this happened here in the Mark!” she exclaimed. “I’m glad you’re upright at least. I understand you don’t know who might have done this?” she questioned before adding reassuredly, “Someone is already trying to trail this would-be assassin!”

@Pele Alarion @Arnyn @Taethowen

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

Golde ge Eorcanstan : NPC: Malachite Copperstick

Mal watched the Gondorian's wheel practice and was satisfied with his progress.

"Aye, you're well ready," he said to Cal', "except for one thing. See that little shield, that thin square of crystal on the hinge above the wheel? Drop it down before you start grinding, it'll stop dross and sparks flying into your eyes!"

Flying sparks brought to mind the fires that had nearly gutted the city, and the fate of the woman and bairns near the Horse and Rider.

"I wonder what's happened to that brave lass," Mal mused aloud. "Beda is her name, I think, for so the chatter on the streets told."

As the squeak of the grindstone began in earnest, the Dwarf raised his voice:

"Have you heard anything of the girl or her brethren, Cal'? I heard rumour that the mother was beyond saving…"

[Calimir]

Golde ge Eorcanstan: @Elarith @Aodh Hammerhelm @Eléowyn

Cal' got the wheel moving with some nifty pedalling. He felt confident now as Malachite seemed pleased.

He dropped the screen over the spinning wheel and got the cast against the wheel. It skidded a bit at first do he changed his grip and pressed a bit harder. Little sparks and bits of metals shot up against the screen. He was glad Mal had warned him to use it.

"Beda? Wasn't that the girl who was here with Sheemie earlier?" He said to the Dwarf. "Oh, but you wouldn't have seen her. She left before you and Amethyst arrived. She looked fine to me and she didn't say anything about the fires. That's odd don't you think? She would have said something to Sheemie if anything bad had happened to her or her family."

[Elarith]

Golde ge Eorcanstan - Amethyst Copperpick

Amethyst deliberately didn't watch as Mal wolfed down his portion of the sandwiches. The accompanying noise was terrible enough without the sight of it. She wondered sometimes how they were related, as she daintily nibbled at her own sandwich, resisting the primal urge to shovel it in her mouth.

Sheemie was off doing some spelling. Amethyst cocked her head to the side as she repeated back the letters in her head. "M - O - O ... Yes, close enough to 'mouser', I suppose," she said. Krystalle, meanwhile, stuck her tiny but exceedingly sharp teeth into the chicken Sheemie was wafting about. "Bites and scratches, Sheemie my darling, she's a tiny ball of fluffy terror. But so adorable with it." The grey kitten was taking chunks out of the chicken in a manner oddly similar to Mal's.

As the grinding of the wheel started up, it became harder for Amethyst to hear the conversation between Mal and Cal, but she heard some mention of a girl involved in the fires. The dwarf lady had noticed a young lass come into the infirmary whilst she was there - she'd thought there was something familiar about her, maybe from the M. Meduseld competition - and she had been taken aside by the healer-in-charge for some bad news, by the look of it. But there must be plenty of girls in the city, and the fires had caused enough devastation that it was unlikely to be the same one, surely? Amethyst finished her sandwich and hoped not.
@Aodh Hammerhelm @Calimir

[Pele Alarion]

Pele
Cwep Ciese

Pele found herself being grateful for the honey in the tea as it made it rather drinkable since it would be rather bitter without; she also knew that she would have to make similar teas for herself every so often until the wound was properly healed.

"I'd treat you to some of this tea, but... there's only one cup, and it is not exactly delicious either," she noted to Arnyn, with a bit of a guilty smile, though that was mostly not because of her lack of hospitality but because of the trouble she had managed to get into while spending a few days in Rohan.

She heard people talking in the shop, but paid little attention to it, until Gwai entered the storage room.

"Well met, Gwai. I am Pele, as you might have heard," she responded politely to the new Marshal, and a small sighed that escaped her was a sign that she was not very much in awe of the type of popularity she was beginning to gather in Edoras. "It might have been worse if Thalionwen had not happened upon me so soon after the attack. It was difficult for me to reach the knife to pull it out and put the pressure on the wound at least, so I would have pretty much bled out. I managed to twist around a bit when I heard someone approach, and I figure that is one of the reasons the knife did not strike as deadly as it could have," Pele explained the situation, skipping vast descriptions of the current level of pain.

Then she shook her head and added: "I didn't really see who attacked me, but whoever it was possessed less strength than me, and quick feet to carry themselves away as soon as they struck. All I saw was a bit of clothing as they rounded a corner. I am not really sure why someone would attack me, as I have not done anything good or bad here yet, except embarrassing myself in Campian. Unless it is someone who holds a grudge and has been following me here from Gondor. I really don't know."

@Gwai, @Taethowen, @Arnyn

[The Good Hunter]

Walpurga
Þe Olde Pet Shoppe

All three? Walpurga blinked in surprise. She hadn’t actually thought there would be any skunks here to begin with, let alone three! As the little skunk kit began pawing at her empty hand, she chewed her lip. Could she take all three? Jacen had sounded very hopeful that she would. He sounded a little too hopeful actually, she smiled inwardly. She then thought of something he might have thought as well, given his surprise at the request, what if no one else wants to buy them? At a certain point they wouldn’t be able to stay in the shop, they weren’t tamed animals and their natural protective instinct was to spray if they sensed danger. If she didn’t take them, Jacen would have to get rid of them and considering how early their mother was taken from them, they might not have the necessary skills to survive on their own. A lump formed in Walpurga’s throat. How could she let that happen? The little kit in her hand began cooing again, and the other two babies answered with squeaks of their own. “I can’t really so no to that now can I?” She smiled and rolled her eyes. She dropped into a crouch and picked up the other two kits, who were even more rambunctious than the first.

Walpurga listened as Jacen rambled on about his duties at the shop and smiled. Their back and forth rambling and oversharing served to lighten the mood, easing some of the tension that had been building in her shoulders from the ordeal this morning. Vaguely, she wondered if it was safe to go outside yet. Had the person been caught? Was the woman okay? Surely there, this close to the First Marshal’s shop they would be safe. Right? She closed here eyes, don’t do that! Just be here right now! She opened her eyes and smiled again, showing genuine mirth as the skunks began to clamber up her arms and shoulders. “I think they’ve taken to me? What do you think?”

She began looking through her pack to count out the exact number of silver coins. It would have been a simple task if she did not have three skunk kits crawling and mewling and pawing at her constantly. She lost count a few times, then had to pick up skunk up that dropped into her pack and had to start counting over. Finally though, she managed to count out a full ten silver pieces (she still had a few more to stay another night in the inn if necessary, or a a good hot meal there). “You’ve been so kind Jacen,” she passed the coins to the young Rohir. “Thank you so much for your help.”

One by one, she pulled the kits off her shirt and set them in the basket he provided her and placed the rest of the food, toys and blanket inside as well. Hefting the basket up (gently so as not to startle the poor babies inside), she stood up and anchored the basket on her hip. “Thank you again Jacen. Really. If you ever need any help, just call me and I’ll be down in a flash.” She gave him a friendly wink and passed through the door back out into the sweltering heat.

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

Golde ge Eorcanstan : NPC: Sheemie Rheus & Malachite Copperstick

Sheemie’s eyes flicked between the kitten’s snapping jaw’s and Amethyst’s face. He could clearly see the kitten’s teeth and claws, which meant bites and scratches to the careless (and Michæl, if he came out of Sheemie’s room!), but he saw no sign of the animal being adorable. The squeak of the grinding wheel sounded, conjuring an image of his wee mouse caught in the mog’s jaws.

“Sheemie’s going to check if there’s any pudding,” he said, to Amethyst. “I’ll be back in a jiff-jiff. Can you make more cups of tea for the workers?”

As he hurried into his room, he caught a snatch of the conversation between Malachite and Cal’. Sheemie struck his forehead open palmed. “Beda! Agh, sweoster, I didn’t take you any brêkfis…”

--

“Careful, laddie!” Mal squawked at Cal’. Their conversation had caused them both to lose sight of the task in hand; the cast, now a piece of burnished silver, skidded across the whirling stone in a welter of sparks. The Dwarf set his foot between pedal and floor and tapped the lad on the shoulder. “I think that will do. Let me have a wee look...”

”Aye!” he nodded, loupe held over the ornament. “It’s polished up a treat; you can see the fine lines and details you traced in the wax. It will look even better with a drop of borax and a stiff brush, but first you need to consider how it will be hung. Is your creation a brooch, pendant or door marker?”

The Dwarf’s belly growled in the silence, he turned and snatched up the last of the sandwiches before it was wasted on his sister’s cat. He sat considering a way to coax Amethyst into rustling up more tucker, then frowned as he noticed the large lump protruding from the locks on the crown of her head.

--
@Calimir, @Elarith & @Eléowyn

[Gwai]

Gwai
Cwep Ciese

Gwai shook her head as Pele discussed having no idea who could have a grudge against her. "Perhaps it was a case of mistaken identity, or perhaps someone did follow you from Gondor," she said, worried either way. "We'll start patrols in the Riddermarket, as well as through Edoras. But in the meantime, we should probably get you to the Infirmary," she said, glancing up to Taeth to make sure she agreed. "I'll go find us a wagon or something so you don't have to walk or mount a horse!" she suggested, before hurrying outside.

It didn't take long to find a wagon. She had walked only a few shops down when she found an old farmer finishing unloading some supplies at one of the shops. She walked up to the old man. "Westu hal," she said politely, albeit hurriedly. "May I be so bold as to borrow your wagon? There is an injured woman who fell and sprained her ankle, and we must transport to the Infirmary immediately!" she said lied theatrically.

The old man blinked, slowly processing her words, as Gwai shifted her weight, not wanting to wait. She briefly considered simply stealing his wagon, but didn't want to add to the crime spree. The old man finally agreed she could take his wagon, if she promised to bring it straight back. "No issue there, my good sir," she assured the old man as she looked skeptically at the wagon. "You will have it back within the hour!"

Gwai led the old horse the few shops down to the cheese shop, and loosely tied the horse to the hitching post, reflecting it was extremely unlikely it would go anywhere. Walking back to the storeroom, she said with forced cheerfulness, "I've commandeered transportation to the Infirmary, although I will admit it is not the most elegant ride. Pele, let me help you up," she offered, holding her hand out.

@Pele Alarion @Taethowen @Arnyn

[Calimir]

Golde ge Eorcanstan:

The shiny bit of silver nearly flew out of Cal's fingers. He'd been too busy talking to the Dwarf and lost concentration. Cal' grabbed tight on the shiny F and pulled it away from the wheel. He took a deep breath, he could have lost his fingers in the machine.

As Sheemie hurried off to his room, the lad from Gondor handed the silver decoration to Malachite While Mal was examining the piece, Cal' had a curious look at Amethyst and her kitten. Cal' liked cats, there had always been a few in his parents' house. He took a while to answer Mal's questions, because he followed the Dwarf's stare across the room.

Cal' had seen the large lump on Amethyst's head when he first peered at the dwarves over the counter. He'd been to polite to say anything, thinking maybe it was a big wart or something that all Dwarves grew on the back of their heads.

"Ummm," he said to Mal, pulling his eyes away from Amethyst before she noticed him gawking. "It's not for fastening to a door, or a brooch or necklace ornament. Its a bit big and heavy for a person to wear as jewellery. The lady who ordered it said it was to go on a horse's bridle... the headstall I mean."

[Elarith]

Golde ge Eorcanstan - Amethyst Copperpick

Krystalle devoured the chicken, then licked her face and yawned. "That's better, isn't it poppet?" said Amethyst, scratching the kitten's head. The cat looked balefully back at her as she put her back in the handbag, out of the way.

Sheemie had said something about puddings and tea before he'd rushed off. "Pudding would be delightful," she called after him, then pushed herself somewhat reluctantly to her feet. She'd enjoyed the sit down and the food, but making a cup of tea was a small price to pay in return. The dwarven lady had tried not to scoff too much as Sheemie referred to the others as 'workers' - as far as she could see poor Cal was doing all the work whilst Mal was over-seeing, which was to say, telling the lad what to do. A variant on a scene she had seen played out many times in the workshops of Erebor.

Amethyst was a little unsteady on her feet - though she was well practised, the heels didn't help - and she reached up discretely to touch the egg-sized lump on the back of her head. It felt as big as it had yesterday, but a little less painful at least. She'd have to find a hat, or a snazzy headband, to cover it up. She didn't want to look like she'd been in a fight. Taking a breathe to compose herself, the dwarf strolled behind the counter to find wherever it was that they kept the tea pot and kettle.

[Arnyn]

CweÞ Ciese

Taethowen was the first to reply. Stabbed! Pele?! Her mind immediately rushed to the possible threat of Pele's Umbarian captors, but Arnyn kept her initial shock visible on her face and wiped the suspicion from her eyes before it could wedge its way in.

Finding Pele sitting on the cot in the storage room, sipping tea, Arnyn raised her hands slightly, as if to ask what had happened. After Pele's words, the blonde was left flabbergasted. Pele seemed to be belittling the situation.

"Pele, I can bring word back to the Rangers, of course - but..." She frowned. "Honestly, I would rather stay with you until you are well enough to travel." She could always send a letter back to the White City explaining their prolongued absence, and honestly she did not want to leave Pele alone in Edoras for as much as a day with what had just happened earlier that morning.

When another Rohir woman entered the storage room and introduced herself as Gwai Feorstorra, the new Third Marshal (as of that morning), Arnyn gave the woman a respectful albeit somewhat distracted nod. Her prime focus was less on networking right now than it was on her injured friend. She carefully searched Pele's expression after Gwai's question whether Pele could think of anyone who could be responsible. Pele denied knowing who in Edoras might do such a thing to her, and didn't divulge anything about her Umbarian experiences. Arnyn would follow her lead, then. After all, that tale was not one Pele would share with just anyone, not even a Third Marshal of the Mark. Perhaps especiallu not with the Third Marshal of the Mark.

Gwai left to find them a wagon.
After a long silence between the two Gondorians, Arnyn addressed Pele by name, using the opportunity of them being alone again. "Do you think it may be that your captors wish to... follow through? Or do you think that unlikely?"

Pele couldn't answer before Gwai returned. "If the Marshal has acquired transportation, we best use it," Arnyn agreed. "I would have your wound continued to be looked after as well as possible." She turned to Gwai. "Thank you. Please give my thanks to Thali and Taeth as well."

[Pele Alarion]

CweÞ Ciese

If she was wholly honest with herself, Pele had to admit that she was rather happy to hear that Arnyn was willing to stay. She was definitely not in a condition to defend herself successfully should the attacker return to finish the job. And besides the obvious practical benefits, it was very good to have a good friend here, though she doubted they could get too many opportunities to explore Rohan for the fun of it. "If you wouldn't mind staying..." was the only expression of gratitude she allowed for the time being.

When Arnyn had expressed the same doubts that had crept into her own mind, Pele didn't respond right away, thinking it over more thoroughly. If the Umbarians had really cared to come after her all the way here, she doubted they would have done such a sloppy job, not after everything she knew of them and what she had experienced. And she doubted that they would have used a bread knife, of all the possible weapons.

Before she could express her thoughts out loud, Gwai had returned having acquired the means of transportation. "I am no queen to require elegant means of transportation," she said, a tiny flicker of merriment appearing in her eyes only for a split second. "Yet I don't know whether I'd want to take up a place in the Infirmary when others might need it more..." she objected, realising that most likely there was an influx of people there after last night's events. However, she was not sure where else to go that would be a bit out of the way. Isolde's place?

Finishing what was left of the tea, she then set the mug down. With a deep breath she accepted the helping hand Gwai had extended and stood to her feet. No matter how cautiously she attempted to do it, Pele could not help but wince in pain as the move caused the injured muscles to work. Unfortunately, there was no way for her to ensure her back was at rest and healing in peace, unless she lay in bed all the time. Besides, this was very soon after the incident, and the wound was fresh.

"Arnyn, as for your question..." she said, once the pain had relented somewhat and she could speak without hissing or groaning that would escape with it. "I seriously doubt it would have been them. They would have been much more efficient. Besides... I bet they'd rather prefer to have me alive. But I don't know..."

[Taethowen]

Cwep Ciese
@Arnyn, @Gwai, @Pele Alarion

As Gwai stepped out with the promise of acquiring transportation, Taethowen fell silent as she was left alone in front of the shop. She tried not to eavesdrop, but she was still more pæthfindian than Marshal, especially since she'd only been informed of her promotion so far, and not actually promoted yet. She wasn't truly trained as a spy, but she knew that listening to clues around you was just as important as tracking enemy soldiers through physical clues.

She couldn't quite make out all the words spoken between Pele and Arnyn--not without moving closer, and she didn't know the floorboards of Thali's shop well enough to know if they would creak if she moved--but what she did hear was... strange. Something about captors.

Gwai returned rather quickly, though, and as she and Arnyn helped Pele out and into the wagon, Taeth put away the cheese she'd been eating from, and left a few coins on the counter to cover the cost of it.

Once the other three women were out the door, Taeth followed behind and shut and locked the shop with the key Thali had left. She tucked that key away in her leather pouch, glad that she kept her other keys on a ring so that it wouldn't be confused with them. She turned back to the others.

"Thali's infirmary is outside the city walls, to the south," she said to Arnyn, assuming she would drive the wagon. "Pele, I will likely see you there sometime in the next few days, as I have business of my own at the Infirmary." Aside from Frost's presence there--though he would, hopefully--stay hidden for the time being, she was not going to let Thali go broke running the place. If her friend wouldn't accept Taeth's offer of help, there were other ways she could go about it.

"Gwai, I'll see you at the Dragon Room later," Taeth nodded, and then turned away from the group to head up the street.


The Streets

Taeth perused the street as she walked, looking for anything suspicious or anyone acting oddly. It was a strange sensation to feel frustration coupled with relief. She wished to have this wrapped up, neatly, so she could deal with all the other tattered threads that were taunting her life, but she was relieved that there seemed to be no imminent danger to the shoppers in the Riddermarket at that moment.

As she wandered further up the street, though, Taeth noted with a bit of surprise that the blacksmith's shop seemed to be closed. That was unfortunate, since she'd planned to see to one of her errands there, but perhaps her next stop could accommodate that task as well.


Golde ge Eorcanstan
@Aodh Hammerhelm, @Elarith, @Calimir

Taethowen stepped inside the jewelry-smithy's, and was a bit taken aback at how incredibly busy the place seemed to be. She recognized Amethyst Copperpick though, and gave a small smile and a nod, before turning to search the other faces.

"Hello," Taeth spoke. "Who might I speak to about a commission? And is it also possible to have copies of keys made here? The blacksmith seems to be absent today, and it's rather urgent."

[Giliathriel]

Silvien
On the streets, then heading to Ye Olde Pet Shoppe

Edoras was the first time Silvien had been in a human city in over a century. Unfamiliar scents assaulted her nose as she made her way down the road, taking care to avoid walking too close to anyone else. Most seemed content to stay out of her way as she breathed in the heady scent of horse and...people, she supposed. There were other, delectable scents floating through the wind as well, making her mouth water. Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten at all that day. She'd made haste since before the sun rose, which meant no time for foraging. She needed to make sure she entered the city as early as possible to get to the market before it closed.

Judging by the sun's position, she'd managed to arrive into the city just before the noon hour. Perfect, she thought, allowing herself a small smile. With luck, she'd have a little left over after bartering for a horse and would be able to buy herself something to eat, as well. She wore her cloak up over her head, gathering stares from the city natives. She kept it up anyway. Better they assume she was a vagabond than an elf. She didn't want the attention right now.

After walking around the streets for several more minutes, she managed to find the Riddermarket. At first, the sight of so many shops almost overwhelmed her. She hadn't known there would be quite so many! She'd forgotten, it appeared, what civilization was actually like. She grumbled to herself as she moved around to read the signs. How did people put up with so much noise and bustle?

That last thought stopped her in her tracks, causing complaints as other shoppers stepped around her. She was starting to sound like the ents. The thought comforted her somehow, and she smiled to herself before finally spotting a sign that seemed promising. Ye Olde Pet Shoppe. While the sign only set pets, Silvien could clearly see horse tack inside the window. If they didn't have horses here, she was sure she could be directed to someone that did.

She tapped her boots, cracked and splitting with age, to clear the dust and stepped into the shop, fingering her necklace as she did so. "Hello?" she called out, looking around for the shop owner.

[Gwai]

Cwep Ciese

Gwai winced in sympathy as Pele gingerly rose, clearly feeling her injury. “It’s your choice, of course, but I feel you’d be much better off at the Infirmary, at least overnight! It’s most likely safer there too, wish so many people about,” she added, concerned.

Pele was speaking to Arnyn about a mysterious “them”, whom Gwai gathered Pele had some sort of unsavory past experiences. She opted not to pry, however, as the woman had been through enough, and she was under no obligation to discuss her past with a stranger.

Taeth helped them outside, and waved as she headed back to her shop. Gwai once more offered her hand to Pele to assist her into the wagon. “The Infirmary is close by, and I can accompany you, as I need to get the wagon back,” she explained. “Unless you wanted to go elsewhere?” she questioned, looking from Arnyn to Pele.
@Taethowen @Pele Alarion @Arnyn

OOC—(Not sure if you want to take this to the actual Infirmary thread?)

[Shivased]

Ye Olde Pet Shoppe
NPC: Jacen

Jacen grinned when Walpurga took all three of the skunk kits. He had really been worried about what was going to happen to them. Once they started to smell, he'd have had to send them back to Braiarwood where the gardener would take care of them and release them to the wild when they were old enough. But in reality they had been brought to him so young they had imprinted on humans, and wouldn't have the fear of people that they needed. That would have led to a lot of problems for them, if they survived. This way they would have a home, could be taught not to spray, and he knew they were well taken care of.

I think they really like you! he said to Walpurga as he took the money from her. He watched then, as she settled them in the basket and headed out the door. Once she was gone he opened his hand and stared at the coins there with a stupid grin on his face. He'd made a sale! And not just any sale - the one his sister didn't think he'd make! He quickly put the coins into the box behind the counter and was about to pop across the street to demand his sister pay up for loosing the bet, when the door opened and another customer came in.

Another customer! He arranged his face into a friendly smile, figuring the stupid grin he had would make him look ridiculous, and moved to greet the person, a woman (Silvien). Westu hal, he called out as he moved towards the front of the shop. Welcome to Ye Olde Pet Shoppe. I'm Jacen, the owner. May I help you with something?

@Giliathriel

[Shivased]

RIDDERMARKET UPDATE

The Riddermarket will be closing on SUNDAY, SEPT. 7th and a new thread will open.
If you have any storylines you are RPing, they will have until then to be finished.

[Pele Alarion]

CweÞ Ciese

"I suppose Infirmary would not be a bad option..." Pele allowed, though now that she thought of it - what if her presence there brought danger to the other patients and healers? She did not truly know who had attacked her after all, and whether the attacker would still continue their pursuit of her.

Climbing into the wagon was a rather complicated matter, and it seemed to be endless, yet finally she was in and as comfortable as this means of transportation and her injury allowed. "I hope I won't bring trouble with me though," she mentioned, looking at Gwai questioningly.

"Arnyn, what would you suggest?" she asked of her friend, somewhat unsure of what would be the right thing, considering all the circumstances.

OOC: I suppose we might just as well leave it off without going to the actual Infirmary thread. Pele probably would be interested in healer stuff, but she'd be in no condition to help anyway. Though I wonder.

[Elarith]

Golde ge Eorcanstan - Amethyst Copperpick

Amethyst found her way to the kitchen space, where a kettle of hot water was warming on a stove with a teapot on the counter beside it and a canister of tea leaves. All nice and obvious, just as she liked it. The dwarf scooped what she thought was enough leaves into the bottom of the pot, then carefully lifted the kettle - having to swing it high to account for the height of the counter compared to her own - and poured water in until it was full. She gave the pot a quick swirl for luck, then covered it with a cosy and left it to stew for a few minutes.

Stepping back in to the shop proper, as she rounded the counter the door opened. Amethyst looked up to see it was Taeth, a judge from the M. Meduseld competition, and she smiled broadly at recognising her. "A ha! Taethowen! Are you here for some special accessories? Fastenings? A brooch, perhaps? I did give you one of my business cards, didn't I?" she asked.

But it seemed the Rohir had other business, though Amethyst's eyes did gleam at the mention of the magical word 'commission'. Bespoke jobs were what she lived for. Cal and Mal were engrossed in the silverwork, and she didn't want to disturb Sheemie from his important task of pudding. She went back round the counter and, after a short rummage, found a small pad of parchment, a quill and a dusty ink pot. "Mr Doozy is absent at present but Cal here is very capable and we seem to be assisting for today. Did I mention that I specialise in gold, darling? Mal here is quite good with silver if you prefer though," she said, pointing with the quill towards her brother.

She came back and settled herself in the chair again with the parchment on her lap, tucking her beard into her belt out of the way. "Hmm, keys, straight forward enough. If you like we could add some nice scrollwork on the fob? But that would take longer. Do you have an original? How many copies would you like?" She made scratches on the parchment as she went, then looked up to make eye contact with Taeth again. "And please do tell of this special commission..."

[Elarith]

((OOC: Aaargh forgot all the tags so here goes: @Taethowen @Aodh Hammerhelm @Calimir ))

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

OOC @Elarith (mind-reader you! I'm sitting in the middle of nowhere (though the residents of Bishop's Castle may take unkindly to that description of their wee town) musing over how to get Sheemie to manouver the Dwarves into action. Brilliant!)

[Taethowen]

Golde ge Eorcanstan
@Elarith, @Aodh Hammerhelm, @Calimir

Taeth froze for a moment as Amethyst mentioned business cards. She... had a vague impression of speaking with the lady dwarf since the end of the pageant--probably at the After Party, but parts of that had become jumbled in her memory after the exhaustion of the fires--and she honestly didn't recall.

"I, ah... must have lost it in the chaos of the fires," Taethowen laughed, a bit embarrassed. "But it seems I found you anyway!"

As Amethyst rummaged around for something to take notes on, Taeth opened up the pouch with her keys in it, and retrieved the three she needed copies of. When Amethyst settled into her seat, Taeth set the keys on the counter.

"Perhaps some scrollwork... it'll depend on the cost, though," Taeth murmured thoughtfully, and then pointed to each key one by one. "This one is for my family home, in the Eastfold. I need just one copy of it. The second is for my shop here, Awesnis. I need two copies of it, and... maybe it could be marked somehow with a spool of thread or a needle? I'm supposed to have two new employees soon, and I... don't know if one of them can read or not. And the third key is for my house here in Edoras; two copies of it also, please. Those employees will boarding at my house as well. But as long as the key for Awesnis is marked, it will probably be fine if one for the house isn't.

"Obviously, I'll need the key for the house back straightaway. So that I can get in the house to sleep tonight. Can the mold be made for it right away? And could I come by in the morning and get the key for Awesnis?"

As Amethyst took the keys and made notes, Taethowen hesitated for a moment, thinking. If she wanted this next piece made, she would have to be a little brave. She was biting her lip with more than a little worry when Amethyst finished scratching on the parchment with the quill and looked up to meet Taeth's eyes.

"And please do tell of this special commission..." the dwarf said with a curious gleam in her eye.

With a deep breath, Taeth reached into her collar, ducking her head as she removed the medallion she always wore, along with the chain it was strung on.

"I'd like a copy of this made," she said, hesitating just a moment before she set it on the counter before Amethyst. "It's not gold, I'm afraid, and... I am not certain whether the person it's intended for would rather have gold or silver, so in this case I think I'd rather have an exact replica, just... maybe at half the size of this one. He... travels a lot, and I know it won't be something he displays. It's... more meant as a token. Though perhaps it should still have some way to attach a chain or a leather strap, just in case."

Taethowen slid the medallion across the counter, a bit reluctant to actually let it leave her hands, but she forced herself to let go of it. "It's a family heirloom," she explained. "If you need it needs to be kept while the replica is made, I understand, but please be very, very careful with it. It was... the last thing my father gave me before he died."

[Calimir]

Golde ge Eorcanstan:

Things were going a little bit crazy in the jewellery store. Another customer had arrived and they needed so etching special made. Cal's heart sank a bit. The letter in silver had been hard, what was the new commission he wondered

There was no sign of Sheemie and Malachite was busy checking how to fasten the F letter properly. Just as the lad from Gondor was going to speak to the new customer @Taethowen , Amethyst appeared. She had some tea ready and started taking to the lady.

Cal' got the mugs ready and listened to what the lady was telling Amethyst. He poured five mugs of tea and put them on the counter.

[Allacan ob Burzum]

Allacan, Human, she/her
After nightfall

She waited until long after the sun had set before she returned. She had no other choice; after losing the trail, she had made a gamble that hadn’t paid off. She had spent much of the rest of the day waiting for Eldrith to respond to her summons, and then her reading of the woman had suggested she had no knowledge of the attack that had clearly been designed to make her the prime suspect. The conversation had certainly been enlightening, however, so although she was no closer to her quarry it had not been an entirely wasted day.

She shifted from dark shadow to dark shadow as she moved through the back-streets of the Riddermarket, cautious both of being seen and wary of potential assailants lurking in the same manner as she. At long last she reached the undisturbed pile of abandoned crates and was able to carefully prize open the specific one that held what clues remained to her in her quest to find Pele’s attacker; a hooded cloak, a skirt an a bread-knife. Unlikely to offer much insight into her prey, but they were all she now had.

She wasted no time inspecting them, but quickly stuffed them into her loaded backpack, closed it up and shouldered it again, pulling both straps tight so it would not shift on her back. Then she wasted no time in putting good distance between her and the Riddermarket, and indeed between her and the city. She no longer had the luxury of the tunnel between the Aethelmund and Dragon Room to retreat to; that place where she had been sleeping rough since her return to the capital, content in the knowledge she would not be disturbed. The fires had ruined that for her. She would need to find a new bolt hole, and it would have to be a good one, for she suspected that both the cavalry and the minion contingent would be keen to track her down. She needed it to be secure, but local, ideally outside the city but close enough to still keep her ear to the get ground and continue her investigations. Somewhere she could stay without compromising any of her friends in the process.

She didn’t like it, but she could think of only one place close enough to Edoras that would work. It was time to call in the favour of a very old acquaintance, one who had crossed borders with her over a decade ago. Someone with connections, someone who had not encouraged scrutiny or suspicion. Someone who owed her their allegiance, and one who - like she - had only been biding their time.

[Aodh Hammerhelm]

Golde ge Eorcanstan : NPCs Malachite Copperstick & Sheemie Rheus

Michæl was still fast asleep, tuckef up snug in Sheemie’s sock drawer. The lad stroked the mouse’s side gently and slipped the drawer closed. Sheemie turned to see a strange sight, one which had him thinking of ghosts again. The kettle seemed to be floating over the table top. The bulky lad stifled a scream, then grinned with relief as he noticed Amethyst's hair and hand.

He collected some apples and pears from his vegetable rack and followed the lady Dwarf through to the shop front. A new customer (@Taethowen) had arrived, and Sheemie’s face writhed in alarm.

Another special order! Where was Arthur? Keys! Lawksey, how were he and Cal’ going to get those done?

Mal pondered Cal’s reply. A pin or clasp was out of the question, but two loops of hardened steel on the back of the ornamental letter would allow it to be threaded onto a leather strap. The Dwarf made a calculation of the width needed. As he turned to ask Cal’ where solders and such like were stored, the shop door opened and a woman stepped into the store.

Mal watched the colour drain from Cal’s face as the newcomer reeled off her requirements. Before he could step in, or rather step from his box, and assist his friend, Amethyst appeared. His sister popped a tea-tray on the counter and began chattering away to the woman.

“Thank you, friend," the Dwarf said to Cal’, as the lad handed him a fresh cup of tea. “It looks like your silver-work will have to wait a time to be finished. Don’t worry, we’ll get it finished by the morning. Keys first, I think, they’re my speciality and quick work. I’ll get them done while Amethyst works on the commission the woman’s after.”

Mal produced a large bunch of keys from a bag at his waist and plunked them on the worktop. “There’s not a lock in Middle-earth that one of these beauties won’t open,” he said, grinning at Cal’. “Bring me the ones the lady wants copied and I’ll show you how it’s done.”

Sheemie almost hooted with relief – the Dwarves had saved the day again! But speaking of days, it was getting late; breakfast had become lunch, and now shadows were lengthening out on the street. It was almost time to close the shop!

The Dwarves and Cal’ would have to get up bright and early to carry on with the silver F and the new m’lady’s order. But where would everybody sleep? They wouldn’t all fit in Sheemie’s bed - Lawks no! - and they might snore all night.

Sheemie pondered this for a moment, and then smiled as Mal produced a big bunch of keys.

“Keys!” the burly lad proclaimed. “I got keys for Aodh’s cottage over in Auld Town. It’s a right fine place to stay, Missy Amethyst and Master Mal , ‘specially if your hotel burned down.

Will you stay there? It will be free, and Sheemie will bring you breakfast in the morning. Aodh and Arthur says we must always treat our business pardners right… What do you say to that?”

--
@Calimir @Elarith and @Taethowen ~ see you in the New Riddermarket Thread!

[Shivased]

THIS THREAD IS NOW CLOSED

A new Riddermarket can be found HERE