RP:The Night Market 2023

This is a Merchant's Guild RP.

Summary: After taking over Andrius Nightsong's role as Merchant Guildmaster, Iintahquohae hosts the Merchant Guild's first Night Market to recruit new members and provide a space for merchants to show off their skills and wares for coin.

Avenue of the Guilds

A cobblestone paved avenue runs north and south. Several mud tracks soil the dark stones, suggesting this avenue is highly trafficked. Despite the avenue's location underground, the pedestrians on this avenue come not only from the shadowy places of Hollow, but from all walks of life: mages, barbarians, paladins, rogues, rangers, and so forth. They move in cliques, and rarely mingle. To the south, the avenue narrows into an underground alley. To the north, it continues. Immediately to your left is a wall without door, but with an arcane painting of an orb in the place where a door would be. To the east, a long, curved sword hangs on an iron studded door.

A stillness has fallen over this normally packed avenue in the days leading up to the equinox, its cobblestones curiously swept clean of dirt and debris. Temporary gates constructed of elaborate twists and curls metal were erected at each entry point, easy enough to slip through for anyone curious to sneak a peek before opening but clearly intended to keep visitors out until tonight. A multitude of unlit lanterns, some formed from delicate paper, others crafted from curved and colored glass, line the street along with food stands, booths and stalls, and the very ceiling overhead. The cooler air of autumn creeps in, along with pleasant scents that gradually grow along with the sudden illumination of a bonfire somewhere close to the very center of the enclosed space. Apples and cinnamon, cedar and incense smoke wafting from burners hidden from view.

An eruption of sound shatters the silence, heralded by the screeching of the gates at all entryways swinging open, seemingly of their own accord. In that same motion, all of the lanterns are lit at once, casting the scene in an inviting, warm glow. Overhead, garlands of fall leaves criss-cross the ceiling along with a net of leaves with gaps conveniently large enough to simulate leaves falling from trees stretches the length of the avenue. The Avenue of Guilds is transformed from an orderly street into a network of winding paths of booths and stalls with merchants selling their wares. The Night Market is open for business.

Instead of something akin to a ticket booth at the gates to allow entry, each entryway to the market has a map posted to guide visitors through the twists and turns of stalls and booths the avenue has become for the evening, along with smaller, folded copies nestled in a basket on the ground before each map posting. Just off-center of the Night Market's heart, the bonfire is encircled by a mix of benches and thick logs hauled in for the evening burns brightly. The Merchant Guild's new head can be found standing near it, dressed in a russet-colored gown. She lowers her wand along with a handful of fellow guild-mates (some of Nightsong's crowd that decided to remain affiliated with the guild in its transfer of leadership) with an affinity for pyromancy that helped light the lanterns from a distance, along with the bonfire itself. They disperse to their own respective stalls as people begin to filter in. Inks hefts a drawstring bag over one shoulder and consults one of the copies of the Night Market's layout after shaking it loose with one hand. She had recruiting to do. Shopping too.

Quintessa is here behind her decorated booth, green and black velvet covering the table with the House Blackwell shield visible from the front. Tulle of the same color hangs from above, framing her and the items she’s displayed with an eerie sense of mystery and allure. Pixies dressed in House Blackwell’s colors hover about, setting up small bottles and vials as the changeling oversees them, mismatched eyes leering at them from behind thick, black hair. Quintessa has brought a number of her products today, most made by her subsidiary company Blackpond Boutiques but others are unique, personal curiosities not produced en masse. The sample products set out for potential customers are each labeled with a small note explaining what the items are, with even smaller print underneath to disavow Quintessa of any potential side-effects from using them. Such items displayed are the Decanter of Endless Wine (and Sometimes Acid), the Bag of Molding, the Reverse Rain Cloak, the Potion of 15 Seconds of Fame, and Quintessa’s most recent development, her Identity Concealing Make-Up. Each is in limited supply, only a few potions and make-up pallets available, and just one decanter, cloak, and bag are available for purchase. Those wishing to know more about these items must ask the Lady Blackwell- but serious inquiries only. She’s trying to run a business here.

Fiadh has set up shop near a vendor selling a huge variety of smoked and spiced meats on large vertical rotisserie machines that were being hand turned over sizzling fires by short and stout hobbits that threatened to tempt her away from her own wares. Her wildly curling sable hair was relatively tamed by a long fishtail braid that was decorated with sea glass and tiny white shells twisted between the dark curls. Her pants were the reddish brown of Rynvale clay and wide until they cinched tight with a series of brassy buttons just above her ankles where they tucked into short brown boots that were well worn. Her blouse was snug and cream colored, a stark contrast against her dark freckle dusted skin, the buttons starting low on her chest orange with a pearlescent sheen to them that glinted in the lantern light down the middle and on the forearms of the long sleeves. Her stand was decorated with shells, telescopes, pearls and even gold coins tangled in faded fishing nets draped artfully over the scarred wooden tables and signage proudly painted in bold gold lettering advertising “Maps and Tools for Travel, Treasures and More!”. The front counter held an array of neatly displayed telescopes and finely crafted compasses, some that lead to true north and others that were enchanted with strange magics that promised to lead one to their heart’s truest desires, writing quills, fine inks imported from Chartsend, several types of artisan card stock, parchment and scrolls. Behind the stand there were maps of all sizes and shapes, all beautifully and finely detailed and made by hand, framed in glass and dark stained woods. There were baskets filled with several other maps, organized by location and purposes such as mundane navigation and travel to the more mysteriously titled ‘Maps to the Unknown’. These were seemingly guarded by a large golden hippogriff that dominated the small space toward the back and watched patrons with keen dark eyes. Fiadh stood proudly behind her counter, hands on her hips. She nodded with blank, too wide eyes while smiling forcefully with all of her teeth toward a man who had been speaking for several long moments about the prudence of traveling with a pig while traveling between Xaloius and Kelay.

Mathollak has set up a shop in the avenue of guilds as well. His line of kiosks stand out in the bustling bazaar with their colorful banners, silk drapes, and an enchanting tapestry displaying various mystical creatures from around the continent. It's a haven for exotic items and rare commodities. Mathollak himself, dressed in vibrant robes, welcomes customers with a warm smile and tales of his travels. There’s ghroundium from Gamorg, blue iron from Frostmaw, and more in one stand, selling various raw materials ready to be made into weapons or armor. Another has trinkets from various cultures. Pearl jewelry made by the merfolk of the sea, ornaments strung together made from objects of the depths and said to bring the wearer protection against the tempests. Rare aged spirits brewed deep in the bowels of LIthrydel by dwarven masters. Some jars filled with various crushed powders or minced herbs, dried and labeled. Various herbs and spices filled with exotic flavors and scents from various places he’s visited. One of his most fanciful looking kiosks is one dedicated to the various furs and skins of animals found only in particular places. Artifacts crafted out of dinosaur hides and scales and horns. Furs designed to keep animals warm in even the most frigid reaches of Frostmaw. Talons and claws and feathers from rare island birds, and much much more. The selection he offers is of objects readily available elsewhere, now gathered and sold here, giving the impression that one might find almost anything. The kiosks themselves are also operated by a strange assortment. A frost giant mans one, a kobold another. A satyr sells exotic perfumes next to a human. Mathollak himself is only rarely at his storefront. Mostly he can be seen at one shop or another, examining the competition, buying things for himself or others, or even just using the gathering as an excuse to mingle.

Kang wheels his cart into the area, several goblins in tow, each carrying a small clockwork chicken. After finding a suitable unclaimed space, perfect for setting up shop, the goblins get to work. Two begin screwing poles together and placing them at designated places, arguing non-stop about spacing and orientation. The rest place a large tarp over the poles and tie the corners to the chickens with strong hemp cords. While this mess is being created, a well-dressed, disguised, and perfectly calm Kang organizes his stock: fancy dresses made from the finest fabrics gathered throughout Lithrydel, suits tailored to the specifications of royalty, shoes bearing the marks of some of the most renowned cobblers, and weaponry both practical and fashionable. Once the goblins have settled their disputes, they begin winding up their chickens. The chickens wander back and forth, seemingly aimlessly, but soon the tension of the cords and the natural direction of their clicking and clacking brings the tent into shape. At the end of their tethers, the chickens sit down and anchor themselves. The preklek nods approvingly and puts up his sign: “Deadly Beauty, for discerning folk.”

Khitti || Just as the stillness had come over the Avenue of the Guilds in the days leading up to tonight's event, so too had a similar one come over the Von Schreier household in the weeks since the last world leader’s summit. No fiery-tempered redheaded witch had been seen since then, nor had she been at the rescue of her best friend. All the emotions and trauma that came with a loved one being taken unwillingly had begun to mess with Khitti’s late stage pregnancy. It had already been high risk and had taken her out of commission most of the year. Cenril’s healers had been forced to come and go from the large building that held the Ginger Snapped bakery and the Von Schreier apartment, tending to the redhead, helping to keep her bedridden as time just ticked away and left her helpless during the time she was needed most. But now, here she was, after all that rest, alone, clothed in her usual black sleeveless dress, leggings, boots, and knit duster, wandering slowly through the Merchant’s Guild’s Night Market. Khitti needed to get out of her home. She couldn’t stand being cooped up for so long. She pulled the hood of her duster up over her head and sneakily ate away at a mixture of black cohosh and chamomile in an effort to try to stimulate her eventual labor. So far, it had done nothing, as infuriating as it was. But, this pregnancy needed to be over. Now. Thankfully, the pleasantness of the

Iintahquohae dressed plainly deliberately. She wanted to accessorize a little while shopping and end the evening for herself looking better than she did walking in, which partially explained the bag slung over her shoulder. The other part was the collection of ring boxes jostling around in her bag, one of which might actually holler Quintessa's name if the rings could speak. Her footsteps slow to a full stop at the Blackpond Boutiques booth, and she's immediately drawn to the cloak. “Y'know, I've never actually seen your work before,” the seamstress murmurs, mostly to herself but if Quintessa happens to be within earshot, all the better. And her work is spectacular at a glimpse alone. A critter hidden in that bag she's carrying wiggles around and pushes one of the ring boxes out of the bag and into the air for her to catch in one hand. Her fingers close over the box, though it's large enough to discern that she is holding a ring box and she makes no real effort to hide it. She does hold it close to her middle while squeezing past the gathering crowd until she gets hopefully within Tessa's line of sight. “Hey,” she greets, unintentionally informal – someone's brushed up against her tail and it caught her off guard. Inks tries again, opening with a compliment rather than a hello, “You -have- to tell me about that cloak. It's gorgeous. What's it made of?” There isn't a test here for guild entry, truth be told. She's genuinely curious, likely apparent by the expression on her face. “...And how much?”

Clovelia chitters with another young woman while passing through the gate with the rest of the awaiting and curious crowd. The two, school girls, wear matching outfits for maximum twinning except for the colors. Clove in white, her friend in green, both don wool, fitted three-quarter length coats of no spectacular quality, matching boots, and black tights peeking between. First they wander to the map station, analyze it while off to the side for others to gander. Between them, excited mutterings about shopping start bubbling as they plan their shopping spree. The conversation concludes by choosing their first stall. Fiadh’s maps look interesting to Clove, aside from the accessories, clothing, and small trinkets the ladies would bring home and forget a week later. The girls, now situated, weave their way to Fiadh’s Maps and more stall. The eyes of the hippogriff keep her from the interesting maps so she is unaware they are there. Clove’s guest chirps to any that may hear in the booth “Aye! How is the market treating you tonight?”

Fiadh felt safe putting up her “Honor System” sign next to a secure black box for coin collecting, thanks to the watchful eye of her hippogriff Moira, and so as soon as she is able she slips away from the man who was still talking about pigs with a quick, “Thanks so much!” Finally free of the boring conversation that would have never really ended in a sale, she slips into the crowded market street and floats merrily with the natural current of many bodies. It takes her past shops selling fine jewelry, hand crafted garments, foods that teased with sweet or savory scents curling out from warm cooking fires. She stopped by a smaller stand with a singular older woman with short cropped hair the color of spider silk and traded a few silver pieces for a kebab of salty fish and sharp onion. She was still nibbling at the treat when finally, she passed the familiar face of Mathollak. “Mattie!!!” She shouts loudly, bouncing toward him happily and waving her free hand wildly. “What are you doing here?!”

Kang desperately wants to patrol the grounds, but at the same time cannot leave his post. Goblins are wonderful help, but the complexities of fine fabrics, haggling, and friendly chat can be a bit of a lost art for them. Kang adjusts his hat while thinking. There's always a solution. A quick glance at his fingers, and an idea forms. "Here, kitty. I need you to do something for me. Who's a good kitty?" In response, faint embers fall to the ground from his hand and swirl into the form of a small squirrel. He explains his need, and the the squirrel chitters at him. It darts through the market, stopping at every stall to get a better look. The images are relayed back to Kang at his stall. "Good kitty."

Khitti was distracted by Fiadh’s stand. She was a sucker for all things ocean-themed, despite her goth appearance. The selkie’s look of being dead inside while listening to that other customer was not lost on Khitti -- she had this look on her face most of the time at the bakery -- and Khitti was quick to save her from this fate. The darkly shrouded redhead “accidentally” bumped her pregnant form into the man and offered him a faux toothy smile of her own before turning her attention towards Fiadh’s wares. Once she turned her head of course, the smile faded into signature R.B.F. The compasses enchanted to point towards her heart’s desire caught her eye the most. It even gave her a twinge of sadness that she did her best to cover up, but she couldn’t hide it from Khitt. He said nothing in their shared mind, giving her time to herself. “How much…?” A hand hovered over one of the compasses, but she didn’t touch it, merely gesturing to it instead. But alas, when she looked up to look at the selkie, the woman had already gone for the moment. Her attention shifted back towards the compass, the item’s imaginary sirensong calling to her.

Meri ran out of time and thus Meri is not one of the vendors for today. That is okay, she is still here though she has arrived fashionably late and she is plenty of her husband’s coin to spend today. This event needs people who are willing to shop just as much as they are willing to display their wares. Maybe next time Meri will play the part of vendor. When Meri arrives, she takes a moment to stop at one of the posted maps to study it, she even bends over to pick up one of the folded maps from the basket….and then proceeds to just not even use it. It is tucked away for safe keeping in her back pocket while she meanders around the different vendors. First stop is going to be the booth for Blackpond Boutiques. What would Meri buy? Would she buy anything? It is quite an interesting assortment. Enough that Meri questions, “What…in the heck is a reverse rain cloak? Does it just like…puke rain water on everyone around me? Do I still get to stay dry at least?”

Rumiko stepped free from the shadows without much fanfare. The soft click of her heels would be the only announcement of her arrival, bright green eyes scanning the crowed first for any familiar faces, then for any items of interest. Quintessa was noted, a dip of her head offered should their eyes meet, though it wasn't towards the changeling's stall that she headed first, but Kang's. The finery of the gowns put on display had been exactly what the nymph had hoped to find tonight, and a small smile curled her lips in greeting as she closed the space between. Careful to not kick one of the chickens, she made a motion to one of the darker garments offered from the stall, one that would likely need to be altered to fit her petite form. Most gowns did. "May I?" She needed to touch the material, to feel it against her skin to be sure it would not be an irritant.

Mathollak is definitely way more surprised to see Fiadh then she is to see him. “What am I doing here? I’m a rich businessman, selling the luxuries of far away right here at home,” he says in a practiced way. And he gestures behind him with a wave of a hand to the line of shops with kobolds and things all dressed in silks of red and gold, some of them looking very much like a parody, but all of them taking their job very seriously. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d be…” Maybe in a jail, or starved to death. “Well I don’t know what I thought. But it’s good to see you? Come, show me your shop.”

Kang said to Rumiko, "But, of course. My fabrics are of the finest quality. Not just fashionable, but durable. In the battle of high society, a torn dress would be the second worst faux pas." He pauses for a moment, to glance at the projection the flame-squirrel had sent him. "The worst, of course, would be an unstylish choice. We must always be ahead of the curve. Lead the fashion, don't bow to it."

Quintessa steps forward as she hears Iintahquohae call her name, shooing away the pair of pixies as she clears her throat to put on her best theatrical voice. “Hello my dear,” The changeling begins, her tone low and sultry as she smiles mischievously at the vampire, “I’m glad you’ve finally gotten the chance to see some of my work. My selection today is somewhat limited, but these are merely examples. People can commission more… personal items from me at an adjusted rate- These are just to showcase my skills.” Delicate, pale hands reach down to touch the fabric, spreading it out first to show the raindrop pattern filigree of blue and grey. Dull, like a stormy day, but soft and decorative all the same. “Ah, I see the Reverse Rain Cloak has caught your eye. It’s made from a wool blend of Frostmaw Alpaca and Ventruili River Ram- more of a winter cloak, I must confess, but its warm appearance conceals its true purpose…” Quintessa holds it out, as if begging her to try it on. “The Reverse Rain Cloak never gets wet, instead it keeps the wearer perpetually damp, as if standing in the light rain. Cleaver, isn’t it?” Thistle and Dimglow, the two pixies just behind Quintessa giggle mischievously. Even those without much skill detecting it could probably tell by now fey magic was at play here. “This little cloak isn’t much. Only 500- or a trade, if you have something of interest.”

Fiadh hadn’t gone far and looking back over her shoulder, noticed the redhead staring longingly at the compasses on her counter. She makes a quick decision to grab hold of Mathollak and pull him along with her so that she wouldn’t lose him but could still satisfy her curiosity and burning desire to meet the stranger. It was just as well, as he was asking about her wares as well! She couldn’t hide her excitement. “You’re very wealthy?” She asks him, not letting go of his arm. “I will be after today.” She says this very seriously, as if she believes it. “It’s good to see you too!” And this she says like she meant it. “Hello!” Fee says, perhaps too loudly to Khitti. She smiles really wide while tilting her head toward the compass. “These have been enchanted and blessed by the tide pools beneath the moons. They’ll lead you to your truest desire, just like the sign says.” She points. “Is there something you desire?” It might be clear to Khitti that Fiadh has practiced this speech and was a little nervous.

Clovelia notices the vendor leaving her coin box out. Her friend, slightly miffed at being ignored, shouts “I said Aye!” Clove promptly shushes her “Don’t be rude. Maybe she needs the bathroom.” Eyes roll in response. Clove gives Meri a moment to move from the watched basket, then wanders over a bit more bravely. Blue eyes peer down at the maps of the unknown. Should she? She does. The two poke around, pulling up, inspecting, giggling and replacing the maps until one catches her eye. Another hangs out in the other girl’s hand for her own interest until they both agree who’s paying for what and if they really want to pay this much for a map to nothing. It’s pretty, with scribed writing, clean lines, and far away places. Well, no place the girls were familiar with. It would look great on a wall. Clove decides to purchase both dreamscapes.

Fiadh in her excitement missed Clovelia's greeting but noticed her now. "Hello!" She chirps. "Would you like to see any of my maps? Perhaps a compass?"

Quintessa offers a quick nod to Rumiko, having only just caught her from over those currently viewing her booth, before her eyes flicker to Meri. “Oh, are you interested in the cloak too? I only have one… but since you’re family I’d make one special just for you- For a trade as well. There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask of you anyway.”

Pyde :: A small hooded figure scurries around the crowded market quickly passing through the legs of folks. He deposits little bags here and there among the stalls, then quickly darts away. The figure finds a small open area not too crowded then brings out a little flute, lift the hood on his traveling gear to reveal a white, well groomed and dressed Fermin. Pyde puts the flute to his lips and begins to play a song that was haunting at first witch stirs the contents of the small pouches. Skeletal rats clatter together then slowly make their way back to Pyde, using the bags they came from as little capes. As the mini-mancer's song picked up a playful tune as he played, the skeletal rats started to walk on 2 legs to dance and play as they got closer, doing flips and twirls, and eventually dancing in pairs.

Clovelia waves her gripped map and her friend's wrist which also has fingers gripping a map. Both are from the basket. "Yes please. Can you tell us about these? She had not recalled when Fiadh returned but she was glad to find out what exactly she was looking at.

Rumiko listened to what she assumed was a practiced sales pitch, her expression remaining soft as she pulls the targeted gown free from its holding. It was most certainly too long for her to wear off the rack with her shorter stance, but the dark blue of the fabric was so soft to the touch and finely crafted she didn't seem to mind. "Durable is a fantastic design. Most sacrifice the strength of the fabric in favor of looks, but I can see the care taken in this piece." The nymph lifted the skirting up to keep it off the ground as she held the rest of it against her front to check for any other potential changes she might need. Speaking of, "Do you offer alterations?" Rumi was interested in the dress either way.

Meri nods at the explanation she is given. Her expression is a bit disappointed because Meri does not want to run around smelling like wet dog, she just wants to annoy everyone else…”500 is not too bad honestly but I think I am going to have to take a moment to think on it. “And how to best effectively turn this into a prank against Magik….” Meri smirks at her niece. “I’ll be back if I think of a way.” Meri is off to the next stall, it happens to be Kang’s handiwork that Meri finds next. And who else is there but Rumiko? The blonde greets her sister in law with a playful wink, “Finding anything you like?” Fancy dresses were not exactly Meri’s style, but that did not mean she could not try and see what Rumiko was up to.

Mathollak is preparing a large batch of copium to offer Fiadh, doubting very much that the stuff she was selling would actually find a marketable demographic here. Or really anywhere. Their brief introduction at another event months ago painted her as a very innocent and naive traveller. Or extra terrestrial. “I’ve made some investments that haven’t -actually- panned out -yet-, but these things take time. And you will! Of course you will, Fee!” To his surprise, she actually has a customer. “Chief? Are you gonna buy that?” He doesn’t know if he’s envious all of a sudden, because somehow Khitti seems to have stumbled upon an actual artifact. “Woah look at these maps. I don’t think…I don’t think I’ve ever seen these places before.” He would know if he had, because the detail etched into those scrolls is so fine, that he would recognize them immediately if he had. He looks at Fiadh as if he’s being pranked. “Maps to the Unknown. Lemme get one of those.”

Kang || The flame squirrel perks it's ears at hearing Frostmaw Alpaca and climbs the nearest stall to leap over to the Blackpond stall. Kitty climbs down to the table, nose twitching as it sniffs the fabrics. No, not that one. *sniff, sniff* Not that either.

Meri said to Quintessa, "For a trade you say? Does that mean you have finally decided on what sort of tattoo you'd want to get from me?"

Daisy needs to be here with everyone else! Even if she isn't having a stall or tons of money to spend. Maybe there's a little money to spend but probably it'll just be wasted on snacks. Wasted? Snack money is never wasted money! Nev-ar! Snack money is the best money and so of course the kitten has the best of the best money because it is for snacks. But what snacks? Maybe a sweet snack? Or a salty snack? Or a fried--- oooh shiny. She pauses at a stall to look at a hairpin so small and glittery and polished of silver and green. Maybe it isn't a snack, but that is okay. Who's stall is this anyway?

Khitti blinked a few times at the selkie’s return. And she brought Mathollak with her? A smirk found home on darkly painted lips briefly for the Delisha uber fanboy before her attention slid back to Fiadh. “I uh… dunno if finding whatever it is that I desire is a good thing, to be honest. The things I desire don’t stick around for very long, no matter how much I sacrifice for them.” What even -did- she desire right now? Well, she knew that Khitt desired a certain broody avian and that probably wasn’t gonna happen, but her? “Hm.” She’s rather open with the woman, despite the fact that she didn’t know her at all. Maybe the pregnancy brain was messing with her. Or maybe she just really missed interacting with other people that weren’t healers during her bedrest. “The moons though… they have not steered me wrong so far.” That she knew of anyway. “I guess I could always buy it and use it when I figure out what I actually want.”

Fiadh tilts her head and double checks the basket that Clovelia had pulled from before nodding. She pulls a different one out and unfurls it. The map itself was very lovingly detailed, each dip and mark of the land inked with careful precision and a flare of artistry. The one she’d chosen was a small section of the frozen wilds of Frostmaw, the thick evergreen trees dark and plenty. The border around it was filled with icy imagery known to the region, including Frost Giants and Drakes. “These are maps to places Unknown. They’re unexplored and most uninhabited. They’re for experienced travelers,” Her tone carries a slight warning. She points to a small figure of a cave, marked with a red inked X. “This cave holds a number of giant venomous spiders but if you can get beyond them there are rumors of hidden boons.” She shrugs. “Each of these are like this, from hidden pockets in the Xalious range to abandoned buildings in Cenril. They all mark where there are sources of magical items or staches of great wealth.” All of her teeth show when she smiles again. “And if you don’t find treasure, you’ll still get an adventure out of it!”

Khitti said to Mathollak, "I just might buy it, indeed."

Quintessa said to Meri, "That's exactly what I'm saying. I've got a few things drawn up that I'd like you to take a look at when we are in a more... quiet setting."

Kang said to Rumiko, "Yes, my lady. I would only need your measurements. I could take them myself, but for the sake of modesty, I also have trained assistants of the female persuasion who are just as precise." One such assistant, a serious-looking female goblin, and gives a nod. "Yes, ma'am. Master Tinker has helped me perfect dress-making. Precise sizing for most impact. Dress for the wow. Mos'def'"

Quintessa || Thistle, upon seeing the flame squirrel invade, draws a tiny rapier, more akin to a sewing needle, and flies down to intercept it, pointing the tip in its direction. “Oi! Not more more step, fuzzy. Thems for payin customers only!”

Fiadh turns her wide grin back to Mathollak, “Not many people have,” She agrees. “That’s the point.” She offers him the map of Frostmaw she’d just used to explain to Clovelia. She doesn’t seem to notice any of his surprise or jealousy. Mattie was her friend, after all. To Khitti, her smile falters for a moment. Was that sadness in her eyes? Fee wasn’t really great at understanding these things yet, or how to respond to them. She makes a strange noise in her throat, hoping it sounds comforting? She takes several long moments to reply, finally settling on something she remembered her mother telling her not so very long ago. “Nothing lasts forever! Tides wash in, tides wash out. That’s the beauty of it. Summer wouldn’t be special if there were no winters.” Then she nods, as if agreeing. “The moons are a wise guide. For you? It is free.”

Meri said to Quintessa, "You know where I live. *winks*"

Clovelia listens intently to the sales description, smiles excitedly and nods "One moment", then steps back to converse with her partner, which alows Fiadh to tend her business. One close enough may hear them start dreaming of far away places they had never visited and only heard of. "Treasures." "Adventure!" "Spiders... ewww". They continue this for a time, deciding to revisit the basket for other maps and where their X marks were. They decide on four, including Frostmaw. In turn, they await to pay for their purchase by starting "How much for these total?"

Iintahquohae's eyes light up at the word 'commission'. One of her favorites, though she's never had the pleasure of commissioning someone else. The filigree captures her attention next, not only for its color, but the needlework. She lets out a slow whistle. “Gorgeous isn't strong enough of a word. This is -otherworldly-,” she murmurs, and the praise continues even as she drapes it over her shoulders and notices that it feels as if she's changed settings entirely. Some might be repulsed by this, but Inks adores it even if her expression abruptly shifts to one of incredulity at the price Quintessa quotes. “Add another zero and accept this, please -” Without removing the cloak, she pops open the ring box and presents it to the changeling with a grin. It'd almost look like a comical proposal from Inks' side if she actually got down on one knee, but she remains upright. “Now, the ring will adjust its size to your finger as long as you don't harm the sigil inside of the band...” The band itself is a plain bronze, stamped inside with the Merchant Guild's insignia along with a sigil. Whether Tessa takes the ring only or the ring and its box, she continues, “Feel free to change the design, plate it in different metal, top it with your favorite jewel – but that little mark inside of it makes it adjust to fit the finger you put it on so you never have to worry about sizing.” She'd take credit for the nifty trick herself, but can't. “One of Nightsong's things before the cat left and let me take over, but -” Inks could gush about Quintessa's work and probably glue herself to the woman's booth to talk about clothesmaking until everybody else left, but she had to move on. “We gotta get your brand all over the continent. -Beyond- the continent if it isn't already,” Girl's about to offer her ships in Cenril's port, she's that obsessed. But again, Inks has gotta move on. Not without paying obviously, and a magpie's head with a coin purse's strings tucked in his beak pokes out of the seamstress's bag. She reaches for it, and promptly hands it over to Quintessa. “Should be an even five thousand, but hunt me down if I short changed you by mistake – Or I'll hunt you down for a commission. I'm gonna do that anyway,” she grins, and with maybe an unnecessary flourish, Inks pinches the edge of her newly acquired cloak and parts ways. “Welcome to the Guild, Lady Blackwell~” And she's off to the next booth. ...But which one screams out for her attention first? Kang's looks promising, and she'd need something to match her new cloak.

Kang says to Thistle, via the squirrel, "Just checking fabric quality and authenticity. Can never be too careful."

Magikrios is here! Somewhere!

Rumiko looked over her shoulder to the blonde, "Fancy meeting you here." Her smile widened just a touch in greeting as she turns to show Meri her selection, "Rather quickly, I might add." She had hoped to find something but had not realized just how lucky she would find herself. "What do you think?" Before a response from her sister-in-law came, the nymph was turning back to the vendor. "I do appreciate your consideration for modesty." Not that Rumi was a particularly modest woman, but she pretended in public at least. Harlequin eyes shifted towards the goblin, and another curl of her lips was offered, "Splendid, though I suppose I should inquire about the cost, of both the gown and resizing. I will also need to know the location of your shop, unless you have a means of taking the measurements just here?"

Clovelia watches a rat prance and flip past while waiting her turn. She nudges the other, "Look at that! How neat!" She continues to watch it as it travels back to Pyde. "The little cape! -squee- soooo adorbs!" replied back

Fiadh turns her attention back to Clovelia and a strange barking shout of excitement escapes her. She had customers! They were buying more maps! Her round eyes somehow go wider on her face, the delight sparking sea green and blue in their oceanic depths. “For you? These are free!” She turns to smile triumphantly at both Math and Khitti. “I’m doing so well for myself!” She says confidently.

Clovelia turns her attention back. "Free?! Oh, we cannot do that! It defeats the purpose. How much for your helpfulness?" Odd that she's haggling to pay, but fair is fair and work went into these stunning maps, if only for the art.

Kang sees the deadly feline assassin eyeing his wares, and while Rumiko is deciding greets his new patron. "Ah, yes, you have a good eye. A hairpin from a quiet Craughmoyle jeweler. Not super well-known, but her skill is beyond others. Would you like to try it on?"

Mathollak holds the map in his hand, studying it as if it seemed like it could be almost familiar. It was something like familiar. He could very clearly imagine the place this map detailed, but he was sure he hadn’t ever actually seen it before. “Did you just…,make a joke at me?” He’s very impressed. “Fine. I’ll buy it,” he says as if he’s doing her a favor, and then she seems to just…give it to him. And not just him. She tells Khitti she can have that artifact for free too! He stands their open mouthed for a moment, just in full confusion. “No. I’m not just taking this. You can take my money or you can take something from one of my stores. You guys too,” he says to Khitti and Clovelia, “this is a business isn’t it? Look at all the effort you put into these. It even has the little monsters drawn in the margins like that.”

Clovelia 's friend agrees with Mathollak, "And there's treasure!" As if any money paid would be unrevokably worth it.

Meri grins widely to Rumiko. Even if Meri was not the sort to wear such fancy dresses, that did not mean she could not appreciate pretty things just as much as Rumiko did. “You in that dress?” The blonde looses a low wolf whistle. “If looks could kill.” It’s right around this point that Meri catches sight of a stall that might be more up her alley. “If you will excuse me a moment…” The blonde was about to head off toward Faidh’s stall, though if it is still left unattended then Meri has no realization of this. All she can see is a golden hippogriff that may or may not be guarding a basket of maps. These maps were very different looking then the folded event map that is tucked away in Meri’s back pocket. “Maps to the unknown, eh?” Meri asks of the hippogriff, “You gonna let me have a look” Meri was already reaching for one of the maps in the basket to test the beastie’s response. “Or do you have an answer for how much?” That's right Magik, Meri is talking to an animal about maps...that she may or may not try and steal.

Khitti || “W-what? Really? No.” The pregnant redhead started digging into the pockets of her dress for her coinpurse. She stopped for a moment, knowing if this was her, she’d tell the customer she insisted and Fiadh seemed like just the type to do the same thing. Khitti squinted a bit in thought, then had an ‘aha’ moment. “Fine. No payment, but maybe a trade? You come to my bakery in Cenril and order whatever you want, whenever you want. Same for the restaurant beneath my garden there as well.” There’s hesitation, but ultimately she picked up the compass she had been pondering over. The needle on the compass spun wildly at Khitti’s touch, the thing vibrating in her palm. Until suddenly it stopped. An uncertain feeling washed over her, her clairvoyancy triggered by the compass. The redhead nearly dropped the trinket on the ground out of shock, managing to fumble it between her hands instead before keeping a better hold on it. The needle pointed west. How did -it- know what she desired when she herself didn’t even know? Her right eye twitched a little as she looked up at Math and Fiadh.

Fiadh ’s brows furrow in a moment of confusion, though this doesn’t seem to dampen her excitement. She considered this and nodded after a moment. “For all of them… Two gold coins?” Did this seem fair? How could she know? Gold and silver had never been interesting or needed before. Now Mattie was arguing with her too and her confusion deepened. She seems to quietly puzzle through it, tapping a finger to her lips before a moment of inspiration strikes her. It brightens her face like sunlight bursting through clouds. “We should trade! I’d like to see your wares.”

Clovelia tell to fiadh ooc i totally am tired and misread as offered to clove for free, at least she's trying to pay for it. LOL sorry about that.

Kang apologizes for the wait, but quickly replies to Rumiko. "I don't currently have a permanent shop, but there's a private room in the tent for measuring purposes. As for pricing, let's just say that if you like it the future business you bring will more than pay for the dress." Not to mention models are expensive, but saying so would be uncouth.

Pyde 's song turns somber as 3 new puppets come out of nowhere as the skeletal rats are dancing about the small area. The new puppets are come in slashing and bashing the little rats, and even covering them in molten rats freezing them in place. One looks like a butcher with a gleaming cleaver, a second looks to be dressed as a baker holding a rolling pin, and the third is rather slender and carries a cauldron of wax and a string of wicks. Pyde's Butcher, Baker and Candlestick Maker terrorize the smaller rats as the music changes. The smaller rats run from the bigger puppets and all seems lost for them. Then the music changes again sounding like reinforcements were coming. Little wooden soldiers raise swords and shield to defend the rats, and begin to combat the 3 bigger puppets.

Fiadh makes another barking sound of delight as Khitti seemed to come to the same conclusion as she had. “Yes, yes a trade would be very agreeable.” She shows all of her teeth again. “I would love to visit your establishment,” Fee says in earnest, offering her hand out to shake upon it. This is how civilized people sealed an agreement, she knew that much. The shake was delayed by her strange reaction to the compass but eventually, the needle settled and Fee gave a firm nod of satisfaction. “Truest desire.” She says proudly. “You will find what is meant for you and keep it for as long as that is meant as well.” She places her hands on her hips again. “Now, Mattie.” She narrows her focus on him. “Show me the way.” She doesn’t really wait for him though. “Can we stop and get something to eat?” She asks him cheerily, over her shoulder. “I want to try everything.”

Mathollak feels somewhat better as Khitti and Fiadh both agree that the silly selkie -should- be paid for her work. “Yes, something like this should cost…” Then his heart sinks again. “Two go-” His eyes fall shut and he lowers his face into his hand. This was blasphemy of some kind. Heresy. “Okay,” he says to her, guiding her to his row of kiosks. He begins his spiel, but halfheartedly. “Behold. Flavors from foreign lands. Wonders from the world…et cetera…”

Quintessa can’t help but find her heart fluttering at such praise. She had always thought of herself as an amateur, especially in the presence of a professional like Inks, so to hear it coming from the woman she had been secretly trying to emulate meant so much more to the changeling. A hand finds her chest, steading herself so she does not swoon. “Thank you so much for your kind words… and this?” She slowly takes the ring and examines it with care as Dimglow collects the gold. “I will indeed put my personal touches on this ring- Thank you again.” A genuine smile spreads across her face. “And if you ever wanted to do a collaboration- A limited Blackwell and Kerrigan line, I would always be willing. I could learn so much working next to someone like you. I’m glad to be part of the Guild.” Thistle, in a stand-off with a squirrel, lowers her sword to place a hand on her hip. “Uh huh, well I’ve got me eye on you, bucko.” The bold pixie squeaks.

Mathollak said to Fiadh, "Of course we can! Let's go I think I saw some halflings somewhere...""

Daisy 's eyes cross as she watches her finger reach out to pet the shiny. "Mmm. Not for me, I think." She looks up and Kang with a tilt of her head. "Better with her dress." Her eyes shift over there at the Rumiko she hasn't met yet.

Clovelia listens to the prices being tossed about the map stall. Free, a few coin, etc. The woman seemed very busy so Clove and other chatter a bit more, then drop a pouch on the counter, behind the honour system box. The pouch, containing what they think is fair, will seem to be anonomous unless those specific maps they were inquiring about were noticed to be missing.

Rumiko was no shopkeeper, but she understood well enough how important it was to interact with those that showed interest in one's work, "Really? That is surprising. You absolutely must be sure word gets around once you find your roots. Especially in Enchantment, I know many there that would love what you have here." Even if he simply rolled his kart in, he would surely have luck among the higher class of Pixie and Fae. A dip of her head was offered to the feline eyeing the hair pin. Despite his hinting at no charge, the nymph had no intention of taking something without offering payment, though she would simply offer a dip of her head for the time being. Gaze returning to the goblin that would be taking her measurements, she nodded towards the indicated private room, "Ready if you are?"

Kang grins widely at the approaching Iintahquohae. "Greetings, my Lady. How can I help you today? I have an obsidian rapier that would look just lovely with your cloak, or through the back of someone else's. Whatever you fancy." He displays a thin blade that as advertised, appears to be forger completely from obsidian. "One of a kind, and deadly to the unskilled, but you look deadly yourself. I can tell you know how to handle sharp objects. Those are the hands of a seamstress, if I'm not mistaken." His fingers twitch as he internally debates whether to ask her to assess the quality of his stitching, hide it to prevent embarrassment, or just trust in his own skill. He decides on the latter. The planning that had gone into his presentation was flawless, he's sure of it. Best fabrics, best materials, best craftsmen and women, his own craftsmanship. Nothing subpar, nothing to be ashamed of.

Magikrios slips between the shadows until he is right behind his wife. Were they in a more private situation he would have pulled a knife to Meri's neck, blunt side pressing against her skin of course, and whispered something sweet to her. Given the more public setting, he simply walks up next to her and drapes an arm around her waist. "Hey. You single?"

Clovelia 's pair turn, walking away with their first prize being stuffed into her satchel. "Oooh, something's happening!" One exclaimed when the puppets started their slaughter upon the skelerats. The music has altered as the gruesome story is told and now it had them captivated. There may have been a few winces while blows landed and the fighting progressed. The girls move to go watch properly, to the side where a crowd had already formed to watch Pyde's show.

Khitti ’s face turned bright red at the mention of her truest desire. She let the selkie turn back to Mathollak, blinking as she heard her sister’s voice and quickly hid the compass behind her back. She’s totally not acting like a little kid that’s getting into something she shouldn’t be, despite being a bit older than the blonde. Feigning innocence, Khitti wiggled her fingers at Meri. No compass here. No mischief. No possible adventure that might get her into trouble in her future. Nope. “Hi, Meri.” The redhead looked like she was about to pop, of course. Her attention shifted towards the hippogriff for a moment. “Maybe he’ll let you if he gets a nice treat.”

Iintahquohae hadn't considered a collaboration on a whole line of clothing, but the wheels are certainly turning now at Quintessa's suggestion. She's all for it. “Oh we -have- to! Soon! ...Or,” War, Inks. Duh. Probably not the best time to roll out a line of fancy clothes just yet. “...When time allows, but we must~” With that thought in mind, she gives Tessa a parting wave and winds her way toward Kang's next. Once he's begun his spiel about the weapon he's selling, she is absolutely rapt with attention with a level of enthusiasm that can only be described as very out of character for anybody that knew the seamstress well and how she preferred to behave in public. She's bubbly. Excited. Thrilled. But how can she possibly resist? Look at all of this -potential- in every stall. She's been swept up and literally wrapped in a cloak beautifully and cleverly designed by someone else and she absolutely -needs- something to compliment it. Inks wasn't much for blades, preferring bats herself when it came to fighting, but Kang has a sharp eye. “I am a seamstress, actually. Weaver, jeweler, wands. I do it all,” but she adds, “My jewelry is dreadful compared to others, honestly...” But that isn't what she has in mind, unless he steers her in that direction. With her own gown damp as if she's surrounded by her own personal autumn rain, the blue filigree on the cloak has her thinking she must get her hands on a nice blue number to match it. Now she'll answer his question. “Sir,” directed at Kang. “I am on a mission. Do you have anything that might match this lovely, lovely piece from Blackwell Boutiques?” Inks makes a show of spreading out the cloak for Kang to get a better look at its design and craftsmanship, does a slow turn. “It's giving naiad, but this garish dress I've slipped on,” meaning the plain orange thing she dressed herself in, “Is certainly -not- giving naiad. What would you recommend from your collection?” But that blade might work, actually. It isn't necessarily giving naiad, but it -is- giving something about ladies in lakes... The thought elicits a laugh from her.

Fiadh would reach out to take hold of Mathollak’s arm again to pull him along with her, seemingly unsatisfied with his pace as she wove through the crowds. She pulled them into no less that five different food stalls before they managed to find his own. The selkie tried corn covered in some strange spicy sauce, a heavy basket of deep fried fish and potatoes, and an oversized lamb shank that was both savory and sweet. She’d devoured it all easily and quickly, finally enjoying a strange spin of colorful sugar that melted in her mouth and made her laugh with each bite. Her rapt attention at systematically devouring everything in front of her was halted when the sight of fine furs swam into view. Fee doesn’t seem to notice how uninterested Mathollak is in his own sales pitch as she drops the cotton candy to the ground. “Where did you get these?” She asks softly, far quieter than she’d ever spoken before. Her eyes turn wistful and faraway as her hand reaches out to brush one closest to her. Was it sealskin? Doeskin?

Quintessa flips over the note alluding to the Reverse Rain Cloak, the red words “SOLD OUT” now left in its place. She still has the Decanter of Endless Wine (and Sometimes Acid), the Bag of Molding, the Potions of 15 Seconds of Fame, and the Identity Concealing Make-Up for sale to those interested.

Kang ||The female goblin pulls aside the curtain for the nymph. "This way, my Lady." A small table covered in measuring tape, charcoal sticks, and cutting utensils indicates that the room is exactly what was spoken. The goblin woman uses the unmarked tape to measure shoulders, legs, height, waist, always three times. She cuts the tape after each one and draws a sigil, before filing it away. She allows Rumiko to get dressed. "Alterations should take a week or so. Which means, I'll have the dress to you by tomorrow afternoon." The goblin had clearly been coached on what to say, but seems to be forgetting something important. It finally clicks and she blushes. "And thank you for your patronage."

Meri probably would have had a lot of fun were she and Magikrios not in a public setting. But they were. That’s okay, the blonde is still quick on her feet and finds a way to amuse herself with this situation. “A woman like me? Single?” Meri scoffs, except she let’s Magikrios’ hand stay right where it is. “Better not let me husband see you, he’d kill you right where you stand.” One being that will not do any killing of anyone where they stand is that hippogriff that Meri was talking too. Evidently, she is very friendly and does not seem to mind that Meri is taking the map at all. Meri’s hand is safe, mostly. The hippogriff promptly headbutts Meri’s hand to demand payment, in the form of affection. Somewhere in the middle of all this, Meri catches Khitti’s wave and with her free hand waves right back to her sister. Since Khitti is near Magikrios, the next question is posed to both husband and sister. “Pets are treats, yes? But maps. Help me pick. Unless we should just take them all…..”

Magikrios takes his free hand to give Khitti a nice smile and wave before stating the obvious choice, "I say we go for all of them..Could put some Adventurers and Rangers to work.."

Fiadh :: The hippogriff in the corner of Fiadh’s stall makes a chirping noise, stepping gingerly over toward Meri as she watches closely. She doesn’t seem unfriendly, just watchful over the coin box and maps.

Mathollak is too perplexed by this strange woman, and finds himself a little dolorous in her subtle rebuke of actually becoming rich. So she needs to drag him. Still, he finds a halfling store that is essentially a giant cauldron being churned by one portly halfling on a rolling staircase (currently its wheels are blocked so it doesn’t escape), and another dolling out bowls of mysterious chunky soup. By their account, this cauldron of soup has been cooking for generations, with new ingredients being added to the pot all the time to make sure it never runs out. Mathollak asks for a bowl, and the stirrer pulls out their ladle and stretches it all the way to the counter before tilting it over and splashing it into his newly produced bowl. He slaps some coins on the table before taking a bite. “Wow,” he says. “South of Xalious you say? Just off Hamfast lane? I’ll be there.” Then he slaps an extra couple coins on the table. She does eventually redeem herself in his eyes, by feasting so enthusiastically and (dare he think it) shamelessly. Not very ladylike. They do eventually make their way to his store, and stops at the one filled with skins and hides from various different creatures. None of them have been worked into anything resembling clothes yet, his people weren’t craftsmen. “This one?” He looks around to make sure there weren’t any rangers around who might object to his sources. “I bought them off a hunter who sells skins and venison from game found in Sage Forest.” Not understanding her particular interest in that one, he moves on. “And these,” he says about a creamy white, dappled stretch of reptilian hide, “came from a stegosaurus farmer in Venturil.” He notices that she isn’t wearing furs or hides of any kind. “Of course, the truest service I provide is being able to obtain anything anyone needs. Is there something you -don’t- see that you wish you did? I can get it!”

Meri makes a squinty-eyed look at the chirping hippogriff. What was it doing? Like sounding some sort of cute alarm? Because she did not put gold in the box? With a reluctant grunt, Meri tosses a few coins into the box. Is it the price wanted? Meri does not know, but she paid something, okay? "All of them it is," Meri confirms in response to Magikrios.

Rumiko || Having come to the market in search, specifically, for gowns, Rumiko had chosen every article of clothing with purpose. The option of a secluded room was simply a bonus, and the nymph was thankful she wouldn't have to wait as long as she'd originally thought. "Wonderful." A small pouch was pulled from the purse hidden in the lining of her skirts and offered to the goblin or set down on a table if it was refused. "I do appreciate your time." The druid would leave her location as well, before making sure her own gown was righted before she stepped out from the dressing room to find others interested in the stall. She was glad, both that he was getting the attention she though he deserved, and that she had found Kang's stall early. Stepping to his side, she set another pouch down within his reach regardless of whatever protest he might offer, "Thank you for showing me your wares." Harlequin eyes shifted to Iintahquohae then, taking in the coat she was showing off and admiring the work there as well. "Wonderful choice." It was offered in passing as the nymph made her way towards Quintessa's stall, eyes on the decanter. "Can you tell me about this?"

Fiadh didn’t know enough to worry about shame surrounding her eating habits, least of all any deep seeded stigma that stemmed from sexism. She ate when she was hungry and as merrily as she liked. She might have even stolen a bite from his perpetual soup, just to try it! It smelled so good… And sure, she’d told him she didn’t want it at first but that wasn’t the point, right? Friends shared things. Maybe she could have asked but she hadn’t. Her misty eyed focus seems to be dampened toward disappointment when Mathollak tells her they came from Sage. “Oh, doeskin?” Her hand pulls away. She hadn’t felt anything and she’d known the answer before it was given but that didn’t take away any of the sting. “They’re very fine.” She offers, though clearly subdued now. Her face screws up at Venturil. Even farther than what she’d hoped! “Do you have anything from… Rynvale?” She asks this very carefully, trying but failing to appear casual instead of desperate. But the look was in her eyes, written on her hopelessly telegraphing face. “A seal skin perhaps? Have you ever come across anything like that? Could you get one that… Was already stolen?”

Fiadh :: The golden hippogriff chirps again, sounding decidedly more pleased as gold finds its way to the black box. Her feathers flare around the base of her wide neck and her head bobs.

Kang said to Iintahquohae, "If I may?" He withdraws a specially crafted loupe from his breast pocket to get a closer look at the weave of the cloak. "Naiad, yes. Looks to be of the lake variety, which makes sense given it's clearly a Blackwell product. I do have a pair of trousers that would pair well, kappa leather. Watertight, waterproof, and the color would complement the cloak most deliciously. However, if you are going for a more feminine look, there's an ankle-length burgundy skirt. Unique fabric, kelpie hair, sustainably grown and cruelty free, softer than the finest silk." He'd made sure of it, making that kelpie man condition three times a day. Depending on how Inks defines cruelty, that particular claim might not be completely accurate. "As for tops, I do have a selkie-crafted dark aquamarine blouse. An unknown, but I feel as her name gets out she'll find her niche. There's also a navy button-up woven from a breed of flax unique to riverbeds. I bought a bit from a naiad, but the refining and crafting was my own. I can't say I'm an expert with this fabric, but I doubt any land-dweller is. The result is quite nice, though."

Khitti nodded at Meri’s thought that pets do count as treat, and offered Magik a grin as a greeting in return. “You should definitely take all of them. She seems like good people. And the guild won’t run out of good adventures for a while.” She was talking about the Adventurer’s Guild of course. “I uh… got something too. Supposed to be enchanted by moon water and will help find “my heart’s desire”. Whatever the hell that is. Because it seems to know and I don’t.” She held out the compass at the two of them and wrinkled her nose at it. “It spun like crazy for a bit and now it’s just pointing west. There’s a lot of things to the west.” Including her homeland. “I’m kinda afraid to find out.”

Quintessa might have been engaged in some light gossip with her pixie employees, quietly whispering to each other and giggling like schoolgirls as Rumiko walks up. “Oh- Hi,” Time to put on your merchant face again Quintessa. She clears her throat before she continues. Yes, the decanter.” Long, slender flingers grace the polished silver, showing off the feathery and scaley engravings, and a spout that resembles the mouth of a cockatrice. Looking into its eyes, however, will not leave you petrified like a living one would. The Decanter of Endless Wine… And sometimes acid.” Her voice grows quiet to utter that second part before she continues at her normal, sultry tone. “Each morning, at the first light of day, this container is filled with wine. Delicious red wine of the finest vintage.” There is a ‘however’ lingering on her tongue. “However…” She sheepishly adds, “Each time this happens there is a small chance a wine-colored, indigestible acid is manifested instead, but this is very rare- Less than a one in ten chance. In fact, just this morning it created fine table wine. Go on and taste it if you don’t believe me.” Dimglow flutters next to the decanter to haul a tiny wineglass to place next to it for Rumiko.

Mathollak would pretend to look away as she stole some of his soup. He knew as soon as he got it that it was better than what either of them expected. “Did you…save anything for me?” Of course she didn’t. It was all gone. She wasn’t interested in doeskin. Just as he thought; she wasn’t wearing anything like that. But then…why? “They are, but they’re not for everyone. Let me see. From Rynvale, eh?” He begins looking toward some of the fur lined sarks he has hanging on a rack, but then stops when she mentions seal skin. “I don’t believe so,” he says. It wasn’t the type of material that garnered too much interest in his experience. “Stolen, eh?” The answer is almost certainly no. How could he find a -particular- sealskin that was stolen? Not like he would know it when he saw it, right? But he can tell this is hardly a casual request to purchase a product. It’s something else. “Of course I could, if you wanted. I would just need to know more about it. What does it look like; length, width, colors, particular marks. Is there anyone in particular who might’ve taken it? Those types of things,” he says, as if he knows exactly what he’s talking about. “I’d need to know where to start, and how to know it when I see it.”

Magikrios said to Khitti, "It's probably pointing to some peace and quiet.."

Meri sticks her tongue out at the hippogriff, “Snitch. You’re lucky you are cute.” And since Magikrios and Khitti have decided that they should buy the stall out of maps, Meri throws another handful of coins in the box just to make sure the living alarm does not start chirping again. With Meri hoping she is paid up, she proceeds to fill her arms up with maps. However many she can carry, hopefully that is all of them. “Should have brought my bag…” With Khitti’s explanation of the compass given to Meri, the blonde cannot help but smirk. “Ah come on, what sort of adventurer are you? How can you not want to know where that compass is pointing? Don’t be such a scaredy.”

Meri said to Magikrios, "Help me clean this stall out of maps and we can go back home to some peace and quiet."

Clovelia is really into the story being told by the piper. So much so, she would have missed her friend mentioning she may go wander for a moment. The green jacket strolls casually around, finding what other things may be. Her tastes tend to be more girlish and this place has so many accessories!! She does not wander far but enough that Quintessa's stall draws her to the wears. "What's this..." A young elf peers over at the makeup section where Identity Concealing Make-Up is found. Perhaps she is noticed, perhaps not. The young girl in green reaches for the bottle to inspect the lable.

Pyde music changes once again as it looks like the soldiers were about to win, then a dangerous aura surrounds the puppets. The Butcher take on a menancing stance, somehow his cleaver gleaming evilly in the festivals lights, The Baker takes on a fiery aura as is a thousnd ovens were at his command. The smell of flour eminates from the baker and with a flick of his wrist the flour sparkles around him. A reminder that this was just a show to the crowd no real harm would happen to those around watching the crowd, the Baker turns to wave at Clovelia and and her friend. The Candlestick Maker's cauldron bubbled angrily as the wooden soldiers charged forward into a new attack to save the rats. The butcher lunged froward slashing at the soldiers splintering them in seconds. The Baker slowly walks forward bashing his rolling pin int the shields causing flour explosions from each blow. the soldiers flew backward charred shields and even some missing limbs. The music was so intense folks thought they might even hear the actual sounds of battle as the fighting went on. The Candlestick Maker picks up the boiling cauldron his body grew taller to pour the wax over the soldiers that came at him, freezing the soldiers in place with agonized poses. At the peak of the music, a bright light flashes and a lone figure appears, a new puppet, but this one was dressed rather dapper.

Magikrios pulls some of that Lyastri gold out and tosses some into the coin box. He also, uh, showers the hippogriff with love and some pieces of raw fish. Where'd the slice of raw fish come from? Don't worry about it. It's fine. Maybe the elven man was fishing before heading to the avenue and just got done filleting some. Either way..Whatever it takes to snag the rest of the maps. It's adventure time!

Fiadh didn’t even manage to look guilty when she returned the bowl empty. She was too distracted now anyway. She watches as he searches through what looked like shark’s skin and shakes her head. “Stolen.” She repeats sadly but seems to close herself off when he continues to ask her questions. Her very round eyes narrow slightly, as if she were suddenly suspicious of him. “Well, I have… A friend.” There is a look of self satisfaction as she finally lands on a story that to her might be convincing. “My friend from Rynvale, she had a very special seal skin you see…” Fee turns heel quickly, pretending to be interested in a thick bearskin as her eyes begin to perk with tears. She fights them back stubbornly. “It was very fine, perhaps the finest I’d ever seen. White and spotted with brown, so thick and soft…” She shakes her head, swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat. “It was stolen from her because she trusted a man who rode ships flying the black sails.” Her tone sours, as if it were her memory. “While she managed to find him again, the skin was gone. She… Was so angry at having been tricked he was dead before she had the sense to remember asking him. She turned the ship inside out but never found it again.”

Khitti snorted at Magik and smirked. “If only. I don’t even know what that is.” She wrinkled her nose then at Meri, whining a little as she spoke. “Buuuuut, you know how adventures go with me.” Badly. The answer is that they always go badly. She faked a huge sigh and shoved the compass into her dress pocket. “Time to go look at the other stalls. No making out on the way home and getting drool over all those maps, you hear?” She did the whole ‘I’m watching you’ gesture at her sister and brother-in-law before wandering off elsewhere. Her wandering led her past Quintessa’s area first, the redhead peering at it from afar, not wanting to interrupt the conversation already going on there.

“Right? It's lovely,” Iintahquohae practically exclaims to Rumiko as the nymph passes by. Then her attention is solely on Kang, and Inks is initially confused at the appearance of a loupe. She used one herself when looking at gemstones, but for -fabric-? Now this is interesting and something she'll need to do herself. Her mouth gradually falls open at each item he suggests, and she's tempted to buy them all. Initially, she was leaning more toward a skirt, but kappa leather trousers aren't something she could pass up. “I'll go for the trousers and the button-up, please! I can't say I've ever heard of a flax from riverbeds...” New materials always piqued her interest. “I make sea silk myself with byssus I harvest from of a few breeds of mussels off Cenril's coast. It was such a challenge to learn, to spin and weave, but I'd -love- to hear more about your flax.” Again, Inks finds herself wanting to linger and bother a fellow merchant on their trades and skills, but she has others to visit too, which immediately brings to mind her primary purpose for running this market. Recruits. She snaps her fingers, getting her hidden magpie's attention to fetch another ring box and toss it out of her bag over her shoulder for her to catch in her hands. “I don't know if you're familiar with the Merchant's Guild, but we have to have you on board.” She opens the box, revealing an identical plain, bronze ring like the one presented to Quintessa. “This is entry to the guild and I insist that you join. Please make the ring appear however you wish, just don't disrupt the little sigil inside the band. That'll let the ring adjust to fit your finger.” She rushed a little through the speil this time around, eager to buy some new clothes and try them on.

Fiadh :: Moira the hippogriff doesn’t seem to mind Meri calling her a snitch but preens and her beak plucks at the golden feathers on her chest at being called cute. The trill she releases to having been given a treat from Magikrios was loud enough to have the halflings one stall over looking toward the creature with concerned frowns. If that thing got hungry would it try to steal from them next?!

Meri asks of Magikrios just loud enough that she is sure Khitti can hear them, “Hey, wanna make out somewhere on the way home and get all drooly over these new maps we got?” Off Meri goes, presumably back home. Or. Maybe not.

Rumiko smirked. It would be a lie to say the nymph wasn't interested in the item for that very spark of danger. "Beautiful craftmanship. Did you craft it entirely?" Metal and all, she'd meant. "I knew you tinkered in enchantments, but I did not know just how far your talents stretched." Was the nymph speaking louder there? Surely, she wasn't talking nonsense to capture the attention of passersby that might have otherwise not stopped at the changelings stall. "I did see the cloak as well. Very fine work." The latter was spoken as she took the stem and poured herself a sample to try. A sucker for a good red, green eyes closed as she savored the flavor. There was a moment of silence as contemplated the risks, though when had the Lyastri ever shied away from danger? "I do think I'll have to take this beautiful piece off your hands. I know just the right place for it too. What's the damage?"

Clovelia startled a little when nudged for attention. She gives a nod to her friend just as the Baker gives a wave to their direction. Clove waives back, a little spooked but realizing this was just a play. She smiles, gives a clap when her friend leaves her side. The play doesn't take long to reel her back in to the tail. Splinters fly, flour clings to the air, she gasps when seeing the next move of the Candlestick Maker in the battle. The music is peaking and her breath is held while her eyes ebb and flow their size to the battle she's experiencing. Cue the fancy puppet. The dryad does not know this whole story and now there's the element of discovery and surprise.

Magikrios said to Meri, "Oh my Sven, YES."

Meri said to Rumiko, "GOOD!"

Meri wiggles her brows at Magikrios.

Meri disappears with a magical aura surrounding her.

Magikrios said to Rumiko, "I'M GLAD."

Kang bows to Inks and thanks her for the consideration. If he notices the confusion about using a loupe in a peculiar way, he pretends not to. "I've heard many a good thing about the Merchants, and consider myself honored to now be among their ranks." He carefully folds and wraps the items, making doubly sure the woman is happy with the fabric, the design, and the transportation medium.

Mathollak wasn’t sure what he was going to do with an empty bowl. Why’d she even give it back at all? He left it on someone else’s counter and shook his head. At least she liked it. Mathollak lets her pretend to look at other things while she tells the story of her friend. “It’s nice that you care so much for your friend that you’d continue to look for it even after it seems so hard to find. Luckily I’m so nice to my friends too! And a friend of yours is a friend of mine, so I’ll help.” He makes a mental note of the description of it, White with brown spots. He tries to remember if he’s ever seen something like it and…of course he had, many times. But has he ever seen something of this description that was treated like a true prize? He can’t be sure. “Black sails, eh? A pirate then. Something so precious and he stole it and sold it. Sounds like he got what was coming to him at least…” He’s hardly interested in the sale at this point, and even finds himself sifting through his own wares as if he didn’t know what he was looking for and might find it. “I think your friend must be lucky to be alive if she managed to fight her way onto a pirate’s ship and kill the captain.” And probably the rest of the crew, too. “Is there anything you can remember about the ship? Maybe the sails had some kind of symbol on it. Or maybe the ship had a name painted on the side, or a shape on the…what’s it called? You know the front part of it that sometimes has a design carved into it.”

Daisy has somehow gotten distracted from what is going on and wakes up from her daze. What is in that hairpin Kang is selling? Hn. She taps on it with a claw. "How much, please?"

Quintessa peers around Rumiko to gaze at Clovelia, a wide grin spreading upon her face. “Oh, I see you’ve spotted Blackpond Boutique's latest cosmetic creation, the Identity Concealing Make-Up.” Her hands quickly move to lift a pallet, flipping it open to relieve the opalescent, glowing power within. Just a little bit of this and you can temporarily alter your physical appearance. Change your race, change your sex, change your age- All things are possible with Blackpond Boutiques.” Quintessa’s eyes flicker back to Rumiko to answer her question. “Well… no- I mean, I was there when the silver-smith poured the metal into the casting and I applied my magic to it, but no, metallurgy is not in my repertoire. The cloak though? That was my stitchwork. I’ve been making my own clothes since I was a child.” Finally her gaze drifts away to find Khitti, a curious smile tugging at her black lips. “Oh! Anything catch your eye?”

Iintahquohae, in what can only be described as her fangirling over what Kang is selling, realizes as he's wrapping the items that she forgot to ask for a price. “Wait – Sorry, what is the price for both?” She asks, clearly belatedly. That magpie friend of hers is scrounging around in her pack collecting coin and prepared to launch out a coin purse for her to hand over to Kang before she takes the trousers and button-up from him.

Kang said to Daisy, "Ah, yes, the emerald hairpin. Crafted by a young jeweler showing great promise. The finest cut, the perfect setting. For you, twelve gold coins. I know, it seems like there should be a catch, but for something so small I cannot in good conscience charge more."

Clovelia II The elf smiles brightly to Quintessa as she's addressed. "Change age? OOoh~" What a way to get into places she always wanted to be without sneaking in. The thought ran, creating her own variation of a handsome dark elf lounging around the seedier sides of the forest. Yes, this girl had ideas even if they were not exactly the most sensable. Tessa solicitated other patrions but once she came back around, a cheeky grin filled that young face. "How much, mam?"

Fiadh seems to squirm a little under his complement at her lie but she doesn’t correct him. “Yes, she is a special friend to me.” Well, she was fond of herself and the world hadn’t beaten that out of her yet. So, that part wasn’t a lie. She brightens considerably when he agrees to help her, perking up like a flower given water and sunlight. “That would be wonderful!” She let herself imagine the pair of them searching the island high and low and how she might show him the hidden places she’d mapped. It might be nice to share an adventure once and a while instead of greedily hogging them to herself. There was a scowl on her face when the pirate was mentioned again. “Nasty man, that one.” Not that she’d thought so at first. No, quite the opposite really. He’d spoken so softly, so sweetly and promised so many things… Only to leave her waking cold and alone and without her skin. She snorts a laugh, but it does still sound more like a barking seal… “Lucky? Have you ever met an angry woman, Mattie? She wasn’t lucky. She was filled with fury.” There was something in her tone that suggested pain but she pushed on. “I- She remembers the name. The Royal Flush. The figurehead was a siren but those are typical…” She’s thoughtful for a moment. “Though, she was twin tailed and missing a right fin.”

Quintessa said to Rumiko, "Oh, silly me, I forgot to give you a price. This lovely piece I'll let go for a mere 500 gold."

Kang returns his attention to Guildmaster Iintahquohae. "Ah, yes. Let's see. Usually the pieces would be well over six thousand apiece, but since you're buying them together, I believe nine would be apropos." He finishes wrapping and ties the box closed. "Also, if they ever need repairs or tailoring, bring them back and we shall remedy whatever faults are discovered. I pride myself on quality, and anything I need to do to ensure it is not beyond the scope of reason."

Daisy grins widely at Kang as she digs around in her bag for the money. She definitely has the coin, even if it takes away from her snack fund. The pin will be useful for things, she is sure. "Twelve for now."

Quintessa said to Clovelia, "There is a special price for our newest item since we really want to get it out there. Only 100 gold a pallet if you buy them at this event. Demand is projected to rise so it's best to get it now~"

Khitti tilted her head at her daughter when Quintessa noticed her finally, offering the fae a smirk. “Thinkin’ about this concealer you’ve got,” she said, motioning to the identity concealing makeup. “Too bad Brennia’s forever in a snake pit and Alvina’s likely lost in her family affairs again or else I’d suggest you could team up with them.” After a moment of thought, she nodded at Tessa, “How much for the makeup then, hm?” The concealer makeup would be nice for those times she needed to save on magic.

Clovelia said to Quintessa, "Hmmm.... 100 you say... How many do you have?" The green jacket glances at Clove, then back. She wont mind letting some coin be borrowed for a good cause... right?"

Rumiko replaced the wine glass and stroked a finger along the side of the decanter, "Still, amazing work." Regenerative enchantments were not something the fae was good at, nor had she ever really dabbled in. It intrigued her, and she would have to find the time to ask her niece-to-be for a lesson or two in the future. Her purse was pulled free once more, fingers digging in to start counting, "So little?" Her gaze shifted to the younger woman and the make-up pallet, another smirk pulling her lips. "For what I'll save on bottles, I think you deserve a little more than that."

Mathollak thinks her question a funny one. ‘Had he ever met an angry woman’. Of course his instinct was to tell the truth, but he senses danger. “No, actually. I don’t think I’ve ever made a woman angry.” That this isn’t what she asked has no bearing whatsoever on his answer. Better to just push on. “Ah! The Royal Flush! I don’t know it myself but I -have- heard of it. They’re something like competitors of mine. Were, I suppose. Of course I don’t sell stolen goods,” he quickly adds. “But there is a market for things from far away places…” Now he was sure he could find it for her, having such a strong lead. “Good! Then we have a trade. This map for me, and I’ll help you find who that idiot pirate sold your friend’s seal skin to.” Then he offers her his hand.

Clovelia 's friend nods at Rumiko, seeing what she did not want to see, a potential challenge to her getting as much of the make up as she felt she needed, which was, of course, all. The elf's mouth goes thoughtfully to the side while her eyes size up the other. She awaited to see how many she could procure based on the budget for this event and how much she would need to borrow.

22:49:44Rumiko wasn't interested in the make-up. She had a natural affinity for glamour magic- not that she had publicized such- so the stock was free for the elf to claim as long as her purse could keep up.

Iintahquohae chirped over her shoulder in what must translate roughly in magpie-speak to “You heard the man,” because after a few moments and a racket of jangling coins, a coinpurse containing nine thousand gold coins is shoved out of the opening of the bag. It's a little weighty, but Inks manages to catch it before it falls and bursts open on the ground. Once it's out of her hands and in Kang's, she takes the wrapped box, grinning from ear to ear. “A pleasure doing business with you...” Did she even ask Kang's name? She lets the pause hang for a bit so he can fill in the gap before offering her own. “Iintahquohae Kerrigan, or just St-” she visibly winces as the nickname she utters is something that she should not know any longer, blinks confusedly at her blunder, then corrects herself after scrunching her nose. Maybe she was just about to sneeze. “S'cuse me. Inks. Most people just call me Inks instead. Have a wonderful night! Make mountains of coin, friend~” Two down...how many more to go? Inks didn't know, but she does make a stop by a small booth that would be her own shop's booth if she had one for herself that night, but she's using it to stow away purchases. Instead of stowing away what she's bought from Kang, however, it's time for a wardrobe swap. The curtains surrounding the booth temporarily drop so she can change into her new trousers and button-up shirt, and the cloak goes right back on before she's on her way. The map she initially consulted for stalls that caught her eye before is a little wet due to her new cloak, but it's still legible. She fans her hand over droplets of water to collect them with a bit of hydromancy, and lets them fall over her head. If she's going to look the part of some strange misplaced water nymph, she might as well get her hair wet too. There was a booth with maps on offer, which raise all the flags to her for potential new trade routes, and of course Mathollak, who she hadn't seen in so long. The seamstress is torn, but as she begins to weave her way through the throng of people, it's just her luck. She hears Math and though she doesn't know it yet, Faidh is the other person she just so happens to be looking for. “Math!” Inks waves, probably interrupts, and beelines for him. “Whatcha got, whatcha selling?”

Fiadh seems to recall a time he’d made her angry and she opened her mouth to remind him but shut it again when he moved on quickly. It worked, hearing that he’d known of them was all she could think about now. She didn’t know why but that made her feel more hope than she’d had in months. “Oh! Well then perhaps you would have better leads,” She muses aloud. She wasn’t sure why it might be so but she was desperate. Fee flashes all of her teeth as she reaches out quickly and very firmly shakes his hand. Perhaps too enthusiastically, as if she hadn’t done it very often before. “We have a deal, sir!” She didn’t know when she was supposed to let go, so she went on shaking his arm.

Quintessa repeats for Khitti, “Make-up is 100 gold per pallet,” Giving her a gentle shrug when she brings up the other two notable cosmetic saleswomen. “Ah yes, those two. We were in talks to do a collaboration- I heard they had a good water-proof formula, but alas, I don’t see them now.” Dimglow whispers something into Quintessa’s ear before she casts mage-hand to bring a small crate of make-pallets to the table top. “Well, my dear, I’ve got a couple dozen at least, but one pallet will last a few uses, keep that in mind.” She says to Clovelia, giving her a fair warning about buying too much of it at once. “When you apply it, just take a little bit with a brush, put a little on your face, really envision what you want to look like and say the word ‘Cuddwisg’.” Quintessa opens her hand just in time for Dimglow to place a brush in it and she dips it in one of the pallets. “Again, apply the make-up, envision yourself, annnnd…” Quintessa gives them both an example how the spell worked, putting just a little bit of the magic powder on her face for she says with authority “Cuddwisg!” Transforming Quintessa into a femme red-haired elf with lime green eyes. “Got it? How many do ya want?”

Pyde :: The dapper puppet cane in hand slowly walks forward, suddenly you see the him on the other side of the Baker, explosions all about behind him and he slowly walks towards the Butcher without looking back at the Baker, because you know what they say, "Cool guys don't look at explosions." The Butcher seeing what just happened raises his gleaming cleaver at the dapper gentleman in a challenging stance, lerching forward to hit him with a heavy strike of the blade. The dapper puppet brings up his cane to block the blow, the cane rattles and and a chunk of wood falls off, a glint of steel is see underneath. The Dapper gent pulls out a sword from the cane, and delivers a series of strikes leaving the Buthcer in pieces glaring up at the Gent. Finaly the Candlestick Maker grows to grotesque proportions for a humanoid bordering uncany valley. He lerches forward gangly limbs swiping to catch the Gent. Dodging each attack the Gent tips his hat and a menacing smile falshes across his face if only for a second. Runes glow red across Pyde's skin, and the Gent starts to move erratically and even faster than before slicing the Candlestick maker into splinters. Pyde intensifies his magical output while playing his flute to quell the rebelling puppet back into line. Once under control the Gent tips his hat to the crowd and bows deeply. Pyde brings his flute down finally after the show and waves a hand to gather his puppets and marionettes. The mini-mancer also gives a bow to the crowd, "Happy equinox folks. I hope the show was good for you."

Clovelia still off watching the piper, hears a loud squee ripple upon her ears. She turns, to see an elf clapping like a seal. "That's amazing!!! Hold on!" A finger rises up for a moment, then she turns. Fingers pop up as if one were performing maths. With the answer revealed, she immediately runs over to Clove, who gives a questioning look, "Money! Now! I found something!!" Clove reaches into her sack where a few bags jingle with the maps. She passes one over. "Another!" Another, "More!" Clove passes her bag. "What are you bu-" and the elf is gone, back to the stall and the incredible makeup. The young elf reports "I'll take twenty-four. That is a couple dozen, correct?" This girl is already rummaging through the bag for several sacks.

Kang said to Iintahquohae, "A pleasure to meet and do business with you Mademoiselle Iintahquohae, I am called Kang." Whether he replies in time for her to hear is uncertain. There's so much going on. "I would love to trade fabrics at some point. The fashion battlefield is wrought with an ever-changing arsenal of fabulous!~!"

Mathollak would definitely be able to gather better leads than Fiadh, but he didn’t say that. “Of course! Thank you for making my job easy.” She shakes his hand so forcefully that he has to use his other just to hold it in his socket it seems, and eventually he has to forcefully remove it from her grip. “Haha, good!” He puts his dead hand in his pocket and rubs his shoulder as Iintahquohae approaches. “Ah! You’re just in time, Inks. I was just wrapping up a deal with Fiadh, here, the cartographer. I’m going to help her friend and she is giving me this map that she assures me leads to something…grand?” He’s just realized that he’s practically traded a promise for a promise. “But I’m selling a little bit of everything, just the good things I find on my travels that I love, that I think other people would love too. There’s metal ingots, spices, silks, furs, drinks, dyes…” He takes a breath. “Gems, stones, potions, tonics, scales, tools…” He takes another breath. “Flavors from foreign lands! Wonders from around the world! Someone like you might find something particularly helpful in creating a unique garment for a special someone… My target demographic is craftspeople in particular. I’m selling to the sellers,” he says with a wink.

Fiadh doesn’t seem very bothered when Mathollak removes his hand from hers. She turns her attention to the stranger who entered his booth and smiles. She takes a step back to allow Mattie space to sell his wares. They’d struck a deal and now it was the next customer’s turn. She strokes the bear skin she’d been eyeing earlier again, pretending not to listen to Iintahquohae and Mathollak’s conversation poorly as she kept turning her head to look at them.

Clovelia gets wide eyed at the bursts and empressive display of the Dapper's start to the Bucher's duel. On it goes, cane sending it's chunk to her feet unnoticed. So exciting and quick did the gent send the Butcher down that she almost didnt notice that the Maker was growing. Clove turned her attention, ultimately passing her bag so she could get back to the story, however she missed any clue that things were starting to go awry. When the Maker is disintegrated and the Gent bows, the crowd cheers and coins start falling into the showman's area. Clove had one, partially used, sack in her white coat's pocket. Soon after, it was empty.

Quintessa snaps her fingers, instantly transforming her back to her changeling form. “24 it is. That’ll be 2400 gold pieces, and do be careful with it; There have been some sparse reports of allergic reactions but that was only present in Lycans… well, one Lycan. If you encounter any side-effects please write to House Blackwell’s Blackpond Industries describing your issue in the best details possible. Thank you!” Quintessa makes sure to save at least one pallet for Khitti too.

Clovelia wanders over as the transaction finishes. The girls meet up and the patron nods at the warning of side effects and whom to contact. "Yes!" she nearly fistpumps. One hand opens the bag, the other rummages. Clove looks on, curious. Eventually a few pouches were removed and passed to Quintessa, herself grabbing pallets and stuffing them in the bag. She'd need to borrow half but once she explained her plan to Clove, she felt the other wouldn't mind, even if it took all winter to pay back. "Thank you very very much, mam." Pouches start stacking on the counter until the transaction is complete.

Kang 's squirrel skitters over to Mathollak's stall. "Ingots, furs and silks? Can I see documentation of provenance? Normally I'd examine in person, but needs must." The squirrel sniffs the furs and fabrics, checking quality as it had on the Blackwell table. Finding a few of particular interest it points at them and asks for a price. It bounces over to the ingots, tapping on them, picking them up and shaking them. "Are these solid?"

“A pleasure as well again, Monsieur Kang! Bonne soiree~” Iintahquohae's tail and ears may be fox-like, but the way they've perked up and her tail has swished (hidden in the confines of her cloak, thank the gods), might have passed for cat-like if her eyes managed to dilate the way a feline's does when something captures their attention. First that focus is honed in on Fiadh. Cartographer? Is this the lady selling maps? She has to know. “Ah, so -you- must be the map mak-” she motions to her own map of the Night Market, but freezes as Mathollak lists off everything he has. Without missing a beat she rests her hands on her hips and tries her best to maintain a neutral face, but fails. Color her impressed, but she should have expected only The Most when it came to anything Math had. He had it all. “Oh you're such a gem, I love it. I'll need one or two of everything,” She's mostly joking, but if she had the coin on hand, she'd be absolutely serious. Instead she plucks a few materials Math listed to inquire about. “Dyes? Scales? Silks? I have to see! And you, Miss,” to Faidh, who she pretends not to notice that she's pretending not to listen, “I haven't seen what you have yet, but I'm all ears for you too! Two rings, Facet, dear,” and the magpie in her bag responds with two squawks, followed by two ring boxes launched from her back skyward for her to, much to Inks' surprise, caught almost flawlessly, one in each hand. She has to awkwardly turn them both so they face Math and Fiadh properly, and she fidgets with her thumbs to pop the boxes open for the pair. “Join the guild, and I will not take no for an answer here,” the seamstress says. “We need sellers for sellers and folk who know the lay of the land. Trade doesn't happen smoothly without good routes, you know~” She's gotten the hang of her explanation of the plain looking rings in those boxes, and regurgitates the spiel to both of them. “Now please, show me all the things!”

Khitti ’s pregnancy brain was making her a little spacey apparently because she hadn’t heard Quintessa the first time she said the price to Clovelia. “I’ll take it!” Instead of giving her daughter the 100 gold, she pulled out a bank note and signed it for 500. “100 for now and then 400 as an investment,” she said with a smirk, handing over the banknote. “Plus, if there’s any herbs or flowers you need from my garden, go for it.” You know, the garden filled with poisonous plants.

Mathollak kneels down to inspect Kang's squirrel minion. "Documents of provenance?" He slides a prybar under the lid of a reinforced crate and pops open the top, revealing rows of ghroundium ingots. He wraps his fingers around one and uses his other hand to pull at his wrist, the small bar being so heavy it needs support. "Most ogres can't even write." He drops the ingot onto the ground, where a stone tile is immediately ruptured and the ingot becomes embedded. "But at least they don't have to worry about theft."

Quintessa said to Khitti, "Thank you so very much! House Blackwell may be in a bit of a rut but you can’t keep us down, we’ll be on top again someday and when that happens we’ll remember your investment.” Quintessa tries not to laugh as she keeps up her merchant persona in front of her mother, “Oh, and thank you for letting me use your garden,” her tone shifts to a more natural one, “I probably should have asked you permission months ago but here we are."

Kang watches the ingot smash the tiles and an idea forms in his head. "I think three ingots should do, and those three furs, and that silk. No, better make it five ingots. What is it worth?" Two goblins run over the the stall as fast as their pudgy legs with carry them; one with garment boxes, one pulling a cart.

Fiadh drops the pretense of not listening like a bad habit and rejoins the pair of them happily enough. “I’m a cartographer,” She finishes for her. She seems delighted to receive the box and the ring, pulling it out as quickly as a child might open a yule gift. It slides onto her index finger easily and she holds it up to admire it under the lamp light. “Wonderful! I will join you.” It would be a new adventure at least. She didn’t know anything about trade and, if her failure at setting adequate prices for her own wares were any indication, less about being a merchant that turned an actual profit. That wouldn’t stop her from trying though. She waits for Mathollak to walk Iintahquohae through his many impressive stalls before she would try and pull her attention towards herself and her own stall. It was only a short walk away. Moira was waiting there and pressed her feathered head into Fee’s open hand in greeting once she’d returned. “Oh!” She’s surprised to see that all of her maps had sold. All of them. There were some compasses left, some telescopes and mapping tools. The display maps were still resting in their frames, so at least she had *something* of her work to show the Guild’s leader. She points to the largest, a map of Rynvale island. It was as artful as the rest, the border around it decorated with selkies and seals that were as skillfully and lovingly drawn as the actual island itself. “This is my work.” There doesn’t seem to be any false modesty to her, as if she’d never learned that polite social lie. “I’m very good with ink and charcoal too. I’m still learning other mediums.”

Mathollak immediately slides the ring on his finger, and feels the power of money suddenly flowing in his veins as his blood turns gold (in his mind). It also happens to be the very best ring of all the rest, somehow. “No I’m the one who won’t take no for an answer,” he says, immediately turning the tables apparently. “But, yes! I do have a little bit of everything. Probing the market, right? There hasn’t been much interest yet, it seems most of the merchants here already have their sources. Of course their prices can’t beat mine but they’ll figure that out soon enough and then…” Oh yes, it will all come together. “I also deal in acquisitions, which is what Fee and I have arranged.” It’s a new side business, that as of now, he has always been into. “If you need something in particular, I can get it, or I can find someone who can. But today…we have Stegosaurus plates, gilded thagomizers, all cruelty free. Catoblepas bile and steaks, harvested with…well the necessary amount of cruelty, but that was a case of self defense I assure you. The bones are unfortunately too dangerous to haul to a crowded place like this, and even the things I’ve mentioned have to be hermetically sealed to avoid…well they’re famous for their smell.” He goes on. “Soon there will be froad parts for sale too. And over here we have jade harvested from a haunted mine. With consent of course…” He could go on, but…

Mathollak starts helping the goblins to load their cart with ingots, one by one, and his kobold minion starts pulling down bolts of silk and sarks of fur down from their racks and wraps them up in neat little boxes. “Let’s see…” he says doing some simple math in his head for far longer than should be required. A kobold discretely slips a piece of paper into his hand and he steals a glance into the contents of the secret message. “5,000, no. 500 gold pieces even. Any hints about what you’ll be making with these?” As he finished loading up the cart, he had his doubts about whether or not it would survive a journey of any kind of length without crumbling under the weight, but of course that was not his problem. Then he eventually adds. “Another thing we’re looking into is reinforced carriages, designed for carrying especially heavy freight. Definitely keep your eye out for those, they’ll hit the market soon.”

Clovelia plus one continue their shopping spree, rather, looking at the stalls. When they get into a more quiet place, green coat tells white about the make up and what she plans to use it for. Clove gives various expressions including that her friend was stupid to buy so many, until she recieved one. They decide to try it out, giggling while they tap their fingers into the caked powder, then their cheeks. Two identical men appear, the third being a random shopper face in the market. The girls giggle, playing with their new height, gate, and clothes while they wander. (ooc afk for a bit)

Iintahquohae steps away briefly from Math while he barters with Kang's squirrel to take a look at what Fiadh has to offer. The lack of maps is disappointing initially, but it -does- imply Fiadh's skill and popularity which to her is fantastic. “Well would you look at that, selling out even when you aren't nearby! That's fantastic!” Color Inks impressed, though she does take a wary sweep of the area around her. There was plainclothes 'security' walking around in the crowd for the inevitability of thieves, but she hadn't received any alerts. But as she regards Moira, Inks has a hard time believing anybody would try to steal from Fiadh's stall. She isn't a map-maker herself, but the tools on display are fascinating to look at. She audibly gasps at the map of Rynvale Fiadh created. “Oh you aren't just a cartographer, Miss. You're an Artist. Capital A. Do you...Could you,” it's a selfish ask, but she's made selfish purchases and asks all night in her role as consumer. “Do you take commissions, by chance? I'd love something like this,” she motions to the beautiful map of Rynvale, “But of my homeland. I haven't seen it since I was a kid. It's...” What was its name again? She frowns. Its name was lost to her, but her brother knew it. Shame he wasn't around to help. “It's a continent southeast of Rynvale, actually. Pretty far east, probably closer to Chartsend if I think about it.” It dawns on her then that the request is absolutely outlandish, but maps of it have to exist elsewhere that Fiadh could reference, maybe? Inks clearly didn't know how map-makers...mapped. But Math has returned! And she's floored at what he has on offer too. “Is the jade haunted too? Do you charge extra for haunted stones?” What could she make with that? Who knows, but those inspired cogs in her noggin start turning...

Kang said to Mathollak, "Swimsuits." The goblins package each item carefully as they'd been taught. At the first sign of creaking, they shift things around. "I think Ghroudium bikinis are going to be the next big thing.""

Mathollak said to Iintahquohae, "There's definitely -something- about it. I read about a guy in Rynvale, maybe Elimdor, who used a jade knife from this mine to put a spirit to rest. What you're -really- looking at here is potential."

Mathollak said to Kang, "..."

Khitti smirked at Quintessa and tried her best not to snicker at her kid’s customer service persona. “Oh, you’re quite welcome. I’m sure I’ll be purchasing more from your shop in the future.” She batted her eyes cutely at Tessa, took her makeup palette, and headed off elsewhere. Probably to one of the many food stalls.

Mathollak said to Kang, "I believe you are right! In that case you may want to buy even more, just to keep up with the demand."

Kang said to Mathollak, "Maybe next time. I think I have enough for proof of concept. Once the prototype is ready, then I'll contact you for regular shipments."

Fiadh looks so pleased as Iintahquohae compliments her work, all of her teeth showing in a smile as she claps her hands behind her back and bounces on the balls of her feet. “Thank you!” She doesn’t argue. As the Guild Master stumbles a moment over her question, she takes a step in to listen closer. “Oh, I could map anything.” This isn’t said with any arrogance, just a sureness and confidence in her own ability. Fee wouldn’t fake modesty or shy away from a challenge. “I’d love to make this for you!” She’d most likely want to travel there, to walk the land and feel it so that she could capture every corner and hill. Perhaps books and second hand maps, handed down information of the area even, could help her make something. “For you? I would do this for-” She almost says free but Mathollak was near and she decides this was wrong again. “Five gold.” She looks at him with a self satisfied smile, as if she’d performed a very clever trick.

Mathollak said to Fiadh, "Fee..." he looks so defeated, but he smiles weakly and sincerely. "Good, that's very good..."

Iintahquohae liked that word. Potential. Some sort of strange necromancy-themed jade jewelry? Enhancements to necromancer's wands and staves? Forget the dyes and silks for now. “I'll take as much of this jade that I can get for say...” She almost jostles her bag but remembers that her magpie is cooped up in there. His head thankfully pops out before she gives it a little shake, guesstimating the amount of gold she has left for the night. “Eight thousand gol-” The price Fiadh is responded initially with a few surprised blinks. “Only five?” Only five. “Oh no no no, you are -under- selling yourself, Miss. Drastically. Just a sec, Math,” She turns away to devote the majority of her attention on the selkie, while her bird companion rummages around in her bag to start dividing up coins and to make space for however many pieces of jade she might be close to getting soon. “Now, I don't have an eye for how to appraise art or map-making for cost, but I can tell you without a doubt in my mind that you could charge ten thousand -at least- for that map of Rynvale.” Is Inks right about this price at all? Maybe. She's clearly very biased about the possibility of having a map of her homeland hanging on a wall somewhere in her home and would pay an arm and a leg for it. “I'll give you ten thousand, and teach you how to charge for your work as best as I can! There are others in the guild that can help too.”

Iintahquohae said to Mathollak, "I hope you're prepared for me to bother you for supplies constantly, friend~"

Fiadh ’s short lived satisfaction at Mathollak’s praise evaporates like a rain puddle on a hot summer day as Iintahquohae informs her she’s chosen the wrong number again. When she starts counting coins and offering advice, the selkie listens very carefully. This was the Guild Master, if anyone could tell her how to do things properly, it would be her and Fee was an eager student. She plucks up a piece of her own paper and a quill and starts taking notes. “Thousand?” What would she ever need all that gold for? Where would she spend it? Where would she *keep* it? She makes quick notes. “Okay,” She agrees firmly, offering her hand out for another shake and another deal. “I will make the map. You will give me advice. The next map will be thousands but the first one will be a trade?”

Mesdoram posts his crudely made 'Buy 1, get 1 high five free' sign on his favorite homemade bread stand.

Mathollak said, "Oops. I accidentally bought 100 breads. How much for 1 bread?"

Mesdoram throws one of his homemade bread high into the night sky landing near one of the roofs of the neighboring guild buildings. He turns, looks at Mathollak, and points to the delicious bread resting on the roof.

Mesdoram said to Mathollak, "It's on the house."

Mathollak spends the next several minutes waiting for his 100 free high fives from Mesdoram.

Iintahquohae nods emphatically. “Yes, thousand! Easily. Your work is,” a pause, in which she tries to grab the right word, “Incredible.” Not strong enough, but it's very true. “You balance...” She doesn't know how to talk about art well, but she motions to the map of Rynvale again, “Y'know, artistry – flourishes and style, with accuracy – Where landmarks are and coastlines and things.” Did that make sense at all? Probably not, but Inks hope she made some sense. Before she tries re-explaining herself she's baffled by the gold being declined, but the suggestion of a trade does still appeal to her. Merchants traded, and the end goal didn't necessarily have to be coin. Maybe that's how Fee preferred to operate? “Absolutely. I will give you advice, and...” She worries that advice alone wasn't enough for how much she would value a map of her homeland, but didn't want to pressure the other woman into taking gold if she preferred trading. “Advice and I make clothes. Not these,” referring to the shirt and trousers she bought from Kang, and the cloak from Quintessa, “But just as well as theirs. Have you had a look at their booths? They're both incredible!”

Fiadh grins again when Iintahquohae continues to complement her work. She beams with pride, tapping the glass that housed her map lovingly. “I love the land almost as much as the sea, I think that carries the work.” Again, there was no undercurrent of arrogance or smugness to her. Just a surety of her own work and a love for it that she didn’t know enough of the world to soften. “Thank you for saying so.” Her gratitude was just as pure as her confidence. “It always means a great deal to me when others enjoy it.” She laughs when the Guild Master finally accepts her terms but sweetens the deal. “I love clothing,” She says honestly. “Would like to see what you create, when you have time.” She assumes someone of her station would be very busy, if what little she knew about the world was true. “Thank you for allowing me to show you my work and to join your guild.” She hadn’t visited the all the other shops yet, and it was something she’d like to do. She also wanted to visit the halflings that had made the very good perpetual stew. “I should visit them,” She agrees with Inks.“Thank you for your time.” With that, Fee is off to join the crowds again and shop. If Mattie wasn’t so busy clapping with another man, she might have offered to buy him more soup… Alas.

Mathollak hasn’t made too big of a splash here today and his shift was ending. But his staff would keep the doors open, keep the tills running and the money moving. “I’m afraid I have another, um. A thing, I got to get to.” It was getting to be that time of night when his people, his real people, started getting out of bed to begin their prayers and things. It was important for him to be there on the holiest day and time of the week. Of course the people who were manning his stalls were of that religion too, but they would catch up later. “Fee, meet me after so we can discuss your friend again? This is a priority of mine now! Expect me to be annoying about it!” Then he pulls off his merchant costume to reveal his regular chiton cinched at the waist with his gold belt, and starts making his way up into the moonlit night.

Iintahquohae looks relieved when Fiadh declares that she loves clothes. This will make their trading easier, thank the gods. Thank Selene and Zaytor apparently, since this new cloak of hers has managed to soak her to the bone now. She'd probably pass as a priestess of either deity if she made more effort apart from being a much simpler devotee of the water gods, but that thought washes away immediately when Math reveals his digs for what has to be some uh...holy Delishian work, for sure. As both Fee and Math head off, she waves goodbye to them, and continues her guild recruitment and shopping spree throughout the remainder of the night until the Night Market closes shop.

As the night draws to a close, the lantern flames snuff themselves out until only the bonfire remains alight. Those who linger might notice a conjured breeze disrupt the flames, carrying with it a faint scent of the coast. The fire abruptly flashes bright purple, then gold, before going out completely. A hint at next year's potential market location? Probably. Seashells and sand collected from the shore can be found strewn across the bonfire's fading embers, and the Night Market's gates screech on their hinges as they shut.