jan 6

Rod said. “Now then we will go see about some lunch. The key is to try bites from as many stalls as you can. That way you are less likely to miss anything and can take in the performances as you go along.”

“And get to see what everyone is wearing. Some people come up with some truly amazing outfits. It is a lot fun.” Added anther person. “Just wait tell you see the jugglers. There are some amazing singers as well. Granted there will be a few that should find a different hobby. But all you need do is move down the road a bit.”

Shaid shook her head. “All right. It’s not like I am going to run off. Sal there has my bag, and it has things I need to take to Hope in it.”

“Good to know. Now that we don’t have to worry about you trying to run away shall we hit the road?” With that they headed into the city and enjoyed the sites. As they walk Shaid got to to see just what a hit her ribbons were and got a new fell for the city. She was not used to seeing this side of a town. If there wasn’t a profit to be made they were seldom in a town as she was growing up.

As they got in one line the conversation of the one in front drifted back. “Her Highness is worse than ever. She wants the heads of all involved, but they can’t be touched.” Looking for the speaker Shaid spots a guard with one of her roses on his shoulder. “Doesn’t help that the thing can’t be moved and that there is red everywhere.”

The one he was talking to said. “I asked about the red and was told it was to make Lady Kashmer fell at home. Can you believe it? Why hasn’t she had you cut the thins off?”

“She was going to. He told her that would be an insult. To just let them be. We can change before the ball if need be.”

Shaid said. “The spell holding the pins should be about gone now. But you will be wearing those plain uniforms for the ball? I am sorry I would think you could have some with more flash for such events.” Then mentally kicked herself for saying anything.

“There highness felt that understated was better. They wanted us to be comfortable. But now that we are here ot dose seem we stand out a bit from the other units. Was t necessary to terrify them?”

Shaid blushed. “I was not meaning to scare them. I believed her ladyship would have seen such illusions before. They were common in Runvain. It is not like mine were good. I mean there were dozens of things to show they were just illusions. I truly did not expect to frighten any one. Anger them, yes I will admit, but not scare.”

He said. “I think it was the fact that you went with dragons that did it. You have no way of knowing but the stories of them have been going around again in Kashmer.”

The other man said. “Was she really that scared? I thought it was an act. Trying to get the other nobles on her side.”

The guard said. “I am not in a places to say, but um. She has been know to faint at convent times lately.”

Shaid shook her head. “I thought the reports of wild dragons carrying off farm animals and children had been put to sleep. So they are making a come back? Or do you have anther group of wrevens in you borders? If so I do hope you report it so those trained can take them out. Don’t want you to suffer the loses you did last time.”

The other man nodded. “Though we are not yet certain what we have we will be asking the experts around Miss Kightsmith. The army refused to keep it in house this time.”

Shaid said, taking the food Sam was offering her. “It is Sundancer not Knightsmith now Mr. Granol. I am glad to here wiser heads prevailed this time, and more so that I will be nowhere near. If it gets to bad feed her ego and tell her the city turned red for her. It is even the truth.”

The guard smiled. “I will keep that in mind. Now then will you be at the ball?”

Shaid said. “No, thank havens, and my stall is not in the top line. So there is a chance the tour will not have to visit it. If it does I will do my best to get one of the others to the front. I will not go out of my way to make your jobs harder. Really. I did not know I would be in such a visible spot when they talked me in to watching with them.” 

The guard shook his head “You have a good day and try to stay out of trouble if you can.”

Shaid smiled. “You as well. Hope you have fun at the ball.”

He looked at her and said. “Not the ball to. Just what kind of. Oh dear this is going to be a long conference.”

Sam said. “It is customary to do what we can to make the guests of honor fell at home. It is well know that your lady has a thing for red.” The guard shook his head and wondered off.

Mr. Granol said. “ I had best go or I wont have time to eat. But just how many red dresses can there be?”

Shaid said. “Hard to say. I sold a lot my self. Had a day where all reds were half price you see.  And most other stalls joined in the sale to some degree. I know I sold a lot that day, and heard that others had good traffic as well.”

He laughed. “Oh dear. Well this is going to be a fun time.” He headed on his way. Shaid and the others contend their long wondering lunch.

Sam and Rod led Shaid up the walk to Hop’s door. “We are under orders to see you go in. She was a bit worried you would get here see the size of this place and leave.”

“Or try and use the side door.”

Shaid said. “She must have forgot I have been here before, though given the choice I would go to the side. It is fitting after all. I am trader, not of this class. What ever you all think. I am not the noble you are. If it was not for the school we would not have met.”

Rod said. “You are here as a guest. Guests use the front door.”

Shaid shook her head even as Sal rapped on the door. Sam said. “Now Sal is going to stay with you. That way we will not have to worry about you in the crowds. Both set of Parents agreed so it is no use trying to argue and as you cannot get away now we will leave. Think of us in the ball as you are having fun tonight.”

Shaid shook her head. “You would wait tell now so I can not protest it with your parents. You will have fun and you know it. See you sometime tomorrow. And no you will not use me to get out of the tour I all ready told your folks that I do not need you in the morning. Turn about is only fair after the way you set me up.”

There was a creak of floorboards so Sam and Rod made do with a bow. As the door opened Rod said, with a wink. “Have a good day my lady. We will get back to you tomorrow.”

The butler said. “Can I help you?”

Sal said. “My lady is here to see Miss. Hope”

The butler’s look made it clear he knew Shaid was not a lady as he defined it. “This way.” He led them to a dressing room.

The ladies in the room turned to see who entered. Lady Night smiled. “Rosa be a dear and let Hope know Shaid is here so she will stop fretting.” The butler bowed and left. “I love that dress Shade. It suits you. Hope will be here in a bit. Have a seat.”

Shaid smiled and moved to the open chair. “Thank you Lady. The dress was a gift, one I was not sure of.”

One of the others said. “It is a bit odd cut but I do like the way it flows. What did you use on your hair? The color is amazing. It highlights the dress just right.”

Shaid blushed a bit. “I never thought of it that way. This is my own color, so I can’t help there. I know it is odd. When I was younger my hair was brown, but it changed to this creamy tan color as I aged. Even the sparkles are natural. I usually have it in a braded so it looks normal but was short on time this morning and the fast one just did not look right.”

The lady said. “Rats. I was hoping I could copy it for the next ball. I love it. I did not mean to embarrass you. Most try and change their hair colors as part of the costumes.”

Shaid said. “It is all right just hard to get past my childhood training at times. My farther did not like for us to stand out so I am used to doing my best to hide anything odd about me.”

“Having spent many years hiding my own oddities I can understand that. But the years have shown me it is more important to be who you are then to blind in. the world would be dull if we were all the same.” Shaid turned to look at the speaker and blinked, the lady had painted her face it way to emphasize her eyes. One was pale blue the other was brown. “One arm is also a bit short, and that hand is missing a finger. Yet I still have ten fingers. My gloves are every bit as bright as my dress. I used to do everything I could to hide.”

Shaid said. “It must have been hard on you. From the bit I know of ruling families most tend to frown on such changes appearing.”

“We are on the border, latterly so it is a mark of honor among us. But I did not fill it as such. But I have learned better. I understand there are a few trades from the east?”

Shaid nodded. “Yes the deeplanders have sent two groups. One has set up a stall in the art market under the sing of the dancing bear. The other shares space with me. As there was a lack of room in the fabic market. In truth I do not know how I would mange with out them. I would not have enough of my own goods to keep the stall running. Little own people to handle it” .