Nov is over. but I might finsh the story.

The next morning they got the good loaded. One of the drivers said. “We didn’t offer but you all want to ride with the goods? That ways you can be there as they are unload.”

Shaid smiled. “Thank you I think that will easy a few minds. You sure it won’t cause problems?”

“Not at this early time miss. No one awake to see will care a wit. That is the reason boss likes to move the breakable early. Climb up and we’ll get going.”

They got to the stall and set things up. Shaid said. “Sorry there is not much space but the stalls in the cloth market are harder to get.”

Feather said. “No worries there is plenty of room and I like the idea of not being alone this first time. It will let me get of since of how things are done here. So you sale thread as well? And those other items?”

Shaid nodded. “I bout a smaller wheel so I could work finer threads of thornburs and had to try the other settings. It seems to sell all right. I was not sure but thought it worth trying, I had to do something with my experiments and I am not a seamstress. The chest though surprise me. I was sure I could sell a few Norland always sold. But they have been a bigger hit than I thought.”

“Chests?”

“Yes these here. I spell them so they hold more and can make a spelled lock for them as well if the buyer wants.”

“Those are chests? I thought they were odd lawn ornaments or something.”

Shaid laughed. And went other and opened a fish shaped one. “The oddness is part of there appeal I think.”

“Amazing. You have a spell that will increase capacity? How much?”

Shaid said. “On the chests it is double. But the original spell is four times size. I have taken it to six times on occasion. It is what we use on our wagons so they are able to carry all we need them to and still be able to go over rugged country.”

Feather said. “Learna you can see latter if she is willing to show you the spell there is no need to try and steal it.”

Shaid smiled. “I don’t think he can. I have it well shielded. A couple of mages from the Scholl here tried to read it and failed.  I don’t mind, but the attempt might make it hard for you to see for a bit. Yes I will show you the spell when we are back at the houses.”

Laerna smiled. “Sorry it is just I didn’t think any such spells were known. Sorry it is a hobby of mine.”

“No bother. We have a bit of time before the market opens if you want to get a look around.”

Learn said. “I would like to but how likely am I to get into trouble?”

Shaid said. “On your own very. But I am not sending you out alone. Just remember to keep your hand to yourself.” She step over to the road and waved. “I have some folks in from out of town and one would like a tour of the market. I was wonder if you have any?” She did not finish before there were two kids at her side.

Jenna said. “Need you ask? Now you have fun but behave.”

“Thank you Jenna, between them I think they can keep each other out of trouble long enough to look around and come back. Learna these are your guides. Have fun.”

Learna said. “Well with guides like them even I can’t get lost and we will do our bests to avoid trouble. Thank you boys I most wish to see how this compares to home.” They headed off.

Jenna shook her head. “Do you have enough ribbon for the weekend? I think they are closing down the market Sunday for the welcome but you will want to be decorated Saturday and Monday.”

Shaid nodded. “I plan on wrapping the post Friday night. Do you know it the art area is going red as well?”

Mr. Fisher said. “They are white. Every other is changing. Yes we are shutting down Sunday. Just makes more since. The guard will be busy at the events and stretched thin as it is. No since to give another target. Plus there just won’t be that many interested in your goods that day. That is next week though. Don’t go get ahead. We don’t want the plans to get out.”

Shaid smiled. “Not to worry. By the way the new stall is opening today. They should be about set up.”

Mr. Fisher rubbed his hands together. “Good. That is perfect. Now  to see if the wont hold back some odder items tell next Monday. I know that the court is to make a tour of the higher end stalls after the man ball. Hum. Wonder if they have any red pieces involving female fighters? That would be perfect.”

Feather spoke cause Mr. Fisher to jump as he hand not seen her.. “I believe there are a few red vases among the items held back. Some might have female figures. I will ask. Holding the oddest items tell then fits well with the plan they had set up. They do wonder why red?”

Shaid said. “Feather, This is the director of the market, Mr. Fisher this is Feather of the dancing bear. I knew the fabric market would be full so offered space in my stall.”

Mr. Fisher nodded. “That explains the new patterns. I have a filling that I am going to be losing more funds to your stall. Shaid the red is your doing.”

Shaid shrugged. “Well um I did not expect it to be such a hit. How you by chance heard of Kashmer?”

Feather nodded. “Well I haven’t but they have. I take it that it is not a very friendly place.”

“Well the royally family is to be the gusts of honor at this years ball. Do to some chain of rotation I do not understand. Any way the Queen has outlawed red in her capital and is rumored to have peasants flogged for warring it out side of the city. Word of that got around and red has become very popular.”

Mr. Fisher nodded. “Indeed I think every noble, male and female, has managed to get something red into their formal wear for Sunday. I know the streets will be full of it for the welcoming parade and following actives. Thanks in no small part to you sale.”

Feather nodded. “They have some pieces they will set back to showcase that Monday then. Why the female fighters?”

Mr. Fisher said. “Kashmer is conservative and can not stand the idea that not all women are content to run home and hearth, but seek other ways to make there living.”

Feather smiled. “Oh I have a few wall hangs I must bring out. Tell me would works that fetcher couples of the same gender be a problem with the people in this town? That is doing things like picnicking or walking, perhaps a friendly kiss. I have head that some here have problems and do not wish to cause trouble. I can see why it would be a touchy area.”

Mr. Fisher said. “Gentle scenes like those are welcome. But séances of more graphic nature are for the night market only. In neither case does it matter who is involved. To us, and if some guest are offend, well all the better we are here to open eyes and share knowledge. Not to hide facts because they are uncomfortable.”

“But is all knowledge safe to share?”

“There are things the world is not ready to know. Those matters are best left to the Gods. But those are not the areas dealt with here maters of the heart are not things that need to be hidden.”

Shaid looked from one to the other. “ Mr. Fisher by any chance do you know witch member of Knightsmith is running that stall, and if they know who’s stall this is?”

Mr. Fisher laughed. “Oh they have no idea, were wanting to know something awful. Thought you might like them being there. Don’t know who they will have running it. They have a small stand in the high priced market so I bet there is where he will stay. This is the largest one, then there is another in the next square down. He was a might bit upset that all he could get in the high price area. Even with the big one here being in a high traffic area.”

Shaid smiled. “This is going to be an interesting sale. Did you know I was not just a member of the group? I really am his daughter. He is not happy with me.”

“Oh I know, that is why I wanted him where he had to se just how well you were doing. I have known Greg for years. You have a good sale. Today and tomorrow won’t be to bad but you are going to have a lot of last minuet dress hunters after that.” With that he went on down the walk.

Feather said. “I am glad he found a place that could use his talents. He fits here. Well might as well use the time productively if we are not going to be to busy. You mind if I set my travel loom up?””

Shaid said. “Not at all is there room enough? I can move my wheel if not. It might just bring a few more over to watch.”

Fearther said. “There is more than enough room.” She set up one of the sturdiest looms Shaid had seen.

Moving over for a closer look Shaid said. “That looks like you could make a decent sized piece on it. The one I have seen closets to it in size you couldn’t make more than a belt or it collapsed.”

Feather said. “This will make a few yards of light wait fabrics or pales for wall hangings. I can’t believe you don’t have one. How do you work on the road?”

Feather said. “Most of our goods are made in winter camp. We do have larger looms that we can make light fabrics on in camp. But nothing that is as portable is yours there. Think I could get one? No make that a full set of looms, one of each size? Maybe the make would be willing to send a few of his smaller ones to see if they would sale? I can not grantee it. But I think they might. If not here then at the next sale where you have a stand of your own.”

Freather said. “It will be no trouble adding in a few to the rest of the goods being brought in latter in the week. Even if they change their minds about staying they will gate you in a set. It is the least we can do. I didn’t think about them being marketable here. If that proves the case Wondtanve will be delighted. I am sure he will be more than willing. But where?”

Shaid said. “Here, we will just expand the sides a bit. There will be a small fine, but if we sale a loom it will be worth it. That small one there is two centers, and then add ten rinhis per inch for larger ones. In other markets you would be able to get more.”

She blinked. “I had no idea. That is more than double. You are sure?”

“Two of Woodrights went into the loom business a few years ago. The prices I gave you are not much higher than they get and theses are better than anything they have been able to make” Feather shook her head. “You could ask more and get it but there would be few sales. I think the lower price will do just as well in the long run. But if the looms are ornamented you will have to charge more.”

“If they sale at those prices there will be no question of having them with me next sale.”  The first customer showed up ended the conversation.  They had a steady stream after that. not so bad they didn’t have time to rest but no breaks long enough for boredom to be a problem for Learna once he got back. The next day was much the same.

That evening Shaid said. “I know two days is hard to judge by. But what do you think?”

Dronathy said. “It is early but so far I a m happy. We are doing well and there have not been to many stares. But next week when the true odd items come out and the majority realize where we are from will be the real test. Still I like this way of introducing our selves. I am excited to see what a busy day is like. I am told that we should expected a fairly busy market this tomorrow and the next day. Then settle down for our area tell after the first ball.”

Shiad said. “For us it is going to get busy and stay busy for three or four days then slow down tell the day before the first ball. Then it will be madness. Each ball will need a new dress and a lot will change their minds after each one and want different fabrics for the next. I expect there to be a few long days, and hope for a lot of profit. I plan on getting to the stall right around sunrise, but the market wont open tell an hour after. I just think there might be a few people lined up and waiting when it dose open”

Feather nodded. “Sounds good to me. I will see you then, but have Learna come latter so he is rested and can let us get a break.”

They parted and head to their separate houses. Shaid just got to her door when Alta contacted her. ‘Hi Sis. What are you up to?’

Smiling she answered. ‘Just getting home, and you?’

‘Pulling into Score now. Father says we will be opening in the morning so we are going to have a long night sating up ahead of us. I was going to let you know but we have been having some trouble and this is the first chance I have had.’

‘I hope nothing to bad. Tomorrow is likely to be a full day. The last minute shoppers should be out. The main event is next Sunday and the market will be closed the day of, but open day before and day after.’

‘We were told that the stalls are to be decorated next weekend we have two in red areas. I think this will be a fun sale. Perhaps I will see you. Think of me setting up as you are resting.’

‘I am going to go get a book and curl up in my chair. You have fun in the market.’ He chucked and let the connection drop.

Shaid could not help smiling as she walked to the market. Feather said. “You seem chipper this morning.”

Shaid said. “I was just thinking. I believe our neighbors will be open today.”

“These are the ones you used to travel with?”

Shaid nodded. “Yes, and I am enough of a kid yet to enjoy it. They would have been up most of the night setting the stalls up and I am well rested. Petty I know, but there have been countless times where I was left to set up on my own as they were off doing as the pleased. Don’t worry I am not going to go looking for trouble. Heck they won’t even know I am there until they come around.”

Feather nodded. “I can see the temptation. But you have a good head and won’t go seeking trouble.” They reached the stall and made a few changes but were soon to busy to worry about anything. Sam and Rod showed up with Learna giving them a chance to rest a bit.

Shaid said. “I knew would be busy, but this is insane. I wonder if the other stalls are as busy?”

Anderson said. “They are and so is everything I could get into. There were a few wagons that made it in and any room not pre-booked is now full. Still though this is what was expected after the ball. The guard captain is recruiting more. Thinking this will double next week it was going to be big as there are a lot of neighbors coming this year, but this is beyond expiations.” He handed them some drinks. “I will take refreshment duty.”

Shaid took the mug from him with a grateful smile. “Thank you that will be a help. I am glad now for the delivery of chests. I still might run out. So you have been wondering the market?””

He laughed. “Yes I have seen them. They are busy to and so no time to say more than a word or two. Once things slow down a bit I will go out again. For now I am going to hide.”

Shaid said. “I was just wondering who is running the stall over there?”

“Alter and Aren were when I was by there. My folks are in the small one with him, and I am not sure who all was at the other one.”

Shaid nodded. “Thank you. If you just want to sit a bit there is a chair back there. I had better get back in the fray.” The day went on. They eat as they found a chance. It was evening before the market slowed down any. Anderson ended up take some money at times though he tried to stay out of the way.

Anderson looked around. “I am so glad I do not work in a stall anymore. I was beginning to think the crowd would never thin. Just seeing there was food and drink here was exhausting. I just don’t know how you do it.”

Shaid said. “That desk job of yours has you out of shape that’s all. Really though I am glad that times like this are not the rule, I am going to be glad to see my bed tonight.”

“I think you might want to wait on these customers, and I am going out back. See you latter.” Shaid looked where he was and nodded.

“See you later then. I thought someone might be by.” She walked up to the front of the stall and moved a few things around, acting like she did not see them walking up. “Looks like we need to bring more blue and yellow, less darks.  Your light blue is all gone. You have got to tell me how you get that shade.”

Feather nodded. “I think it is the fabric not the dye. It is just that one type I can get to come out that color but I have both waiting to trade with you. I hope you can tell me about that yellow. I can get a bright shade, but pales come out more muddy.”

Shaid smiled. “The plant is among the things I have to trade with. I was hoping you would be interested. It is made from a weed really. I all most get paid to take it.” She looked up at a cough. “Oh hi. Can I help you with something? Perhaps you would like to see my chests? I know it is not the fabric you are after, well there might be a few of Feathers, but I doubt it. Feather this is Hawk Kightsmith and his son Aren.”

Hawk turned to Feather. “So this is your stall?”