24196 lunch and shoping.

Yuma nodded. “We see that here as well, though some might be due to the lost records. Still there are a number of unknowns, that is what the samples are. We lost a lot in the riots, it was a mess here. We didn’t so much think of withdrawing from the war as we couldn’t support the troops over seas and needed them here. Crops were failing and food was being rationed, as the rations got reduced people started fighting and it just went downhill. Everything crumbled, some places made it better than others, but we lost more than people in those first years. We thought it had to be globe just by the fact that none of the troops we had been fighting showed up, but we truly couldn’t take time to care until recently.” She rounded a corner and stopped, figuring they would need time to take in the sight. For Ribbon had round up a few of her kin, as well as Riz had set out a number of trade goods. She shook her head a bit, glad that she had stocked up, for there was going to be a number of things bought. He had brought in more bags and other hides.

Joe said. “Why did you stop? Wow that is some welcome. Just why? That smells good, don’t know what he has on the grill, but I want it. Come on, I trust it is safe?” He took a step, then saw the fire breather and stopped, looking at Yuma. “That one is blue.”

Mike said. “Wow, um those are big dragons. Just why are they there? That doesn’t look to welcoming.”

Yuma smiled. “They are just kids, they just want to say hi and talk me out of some candy. Just don’t go close to the blue you, let him come to you if he wants to. Blaze is the smallest type of fire breathers, and is a bit shy, but he means no harm. They tend to say away as they know we are scared of them, but they are at least as smart as we are, if not more intelligent. I am sure the blacks are, the one that was tested was genius level and the research said she seemed board, but there is such fear of being seen around them that little is known about them. Come on, just remember these are young and so they are going to be playful.”

They were mostly reds, but there were a few greens as well, and one lone black one stood off a ways, looking unsure, it was older and knew it was scary to them, but the others said to come and meet the girl. Seeing her he could tell why they wanted him to, she needed a teacher, and it should be one of their kin, but those here would never let it be. She had been taught to reject the power, and sadly likely it would leave her soon. However the boy there. He wasn’t turning away. So perhaps he could get her to see the danger she was in. It wasn’t healthy for those with her gift to turn away, but talking to her would scare her. She wasn’t open to it. I wonder though if the boy would? I could help him some. He is doing fair, but needs help. It is a surprise he is doing that well here, being in the towns there is no acceptance. At least those out of them will talk with us some, for all they shun the gifts as well. I do wonder, but it is not my call. I just wish that they would trust us more. Let us help, but they are to scared. It is to new, but perhaps in time the other lands will start letting us help. Here though. Well they do need a place for those that don’t want the gifts, that don’t want to touch or being around those that do use it. As sad as that seems to me, I can see that it could be as their kind do not need to depend on it as we must. It is odd that the girl doesn’t seem to fear the dragons and even strange the other two trust her to know. They started moving when she did and it wasn’t fear that had her stop.

Joe shook his head a bit , but started walking. “I am hungry, even if you aren’t come on he will have tables set up. I don’t think I brought near enough sweets for them, there is usually just one or two around when I have been here. Not a dozen.”

Yuma shrugged. “Well he did say he wanted to see some of our dragons, and this is the first visit of the year. Don’t worry, I have plenty.” She had slipped her pack off as she was walking, and to Joe shock one of the smaller dragons came over and grabbed a strap. Yuma just laughed. “Jar, behave and let me get the sack out of it.” The dragon stomped. “Yes I will let you, but you need to let me get a few things before you run off.” He shook his head and tugged on it, then let go, but stood there waiting and watching as she got a bag of candy, one of fruit out and closed the bag, then he grabbed it again. Yuma let go this time and he took off. “Now try not to string things all over when you unpack it you imp. However you needn’t put your things back in, I know you will see I’m credited right.” He just trotted off, and around behind the stand.

Joe looked after him then at Yuma, but Mike spoke first. “Um, aren’t you worried? I mean. Well it is a bit alarming.”

Yuma said. “I traded for a new bag at the end of the seasons, he is just taking my old one to Shan, who will repack everything into the new one and send it out. Shan isn’t comfortable with people but will need to know that the trade was completed. By taking the old one I have to use the new, so she knows it without having to come out.” She started to the tables, handing out a piece of candy or some fruit whenever one of the dragons bumped her. “I have to time to play, but after lunch.” There was some grumbling, but they backed up a bit. “Go on, they will let you get to the table now. I am just going to give Blaze his orange. Sir if you would like to see him closer you can come with me. Just stop if he backs up, but where you are with me he should be fine as long as you don’t try to touch him.”

Mike looked at her then at the blue dragon. “If you are sure he doesn’t mind. I meant this is closer then I have been to a flame dragon, and I would like but.” To his shock the dragon nodded a bit and looked from him to Yuma. Mike blinked. “Thank you sir and yes I will stay with her.” He started walking, making sure to stay just a bit behind Yuma, wondering why she wasn’t scared.

Yuma walked right up to the blue, but Mike stopped a ways back, close enough to feel the heat, but far enough that there was no way he could have touched the dragon. Sure enough Yuma took an orange out and held it for the dragon to take from her hand as she scratched his neck. “I have known Blaze since he was three weeks old, most of the others as well. Ribbon was just a new hatchling when I met her. I don’t know why their parents trusted me that much, but they do.” Father would bring me to stall every year one I could make the climb. He would trade and I would play with the dragons. It caused a few frowns from the other traders, but that was it. No one ever told him that he was putting me in danger. Looking back now I wonder at that, was there less fear or did they not know I was his daughter and thought me some Outsiders child. Either way I am glad that Mother and Tulip never joined us. He and Isaac will likely be up next week.  She gave Blaze a last pat and said. “Thank you for coming and letting Mike know that you are not a monster. I know it scares you to be around strangers.” She took another orange out and gave it to him. Then turned to the black dragon and nodded at it. Which caused it to move closer, it was all Mike could do not to step back, for it was  huge. It could crush them and hardly notice, as big as it was. “Hi Sir Black. Forgive me for I don’t have a name for you, not having seen you before. Your kin don’t come here normally. It is going to cause a bit of worry if too many see you so far off course, but I trust you have your reasons. Would you like some chocolate?”

A man said. “He would like the caramel better, or an apple. They are hunting, there were some hydras out and a few others that have no business being so close to populate areas. The others thought you would like to meet him, even though they know you don’t dare go for a ride this time. Don’t worry he will go before the other hikers are near enough to see him.”

“Thank you Rez.” Yuma took out and apple and a piece of caramel then moved closer to the dragon and held them out, clearly not scared, even as its large head came down to look at her. He surprised her by taking them off her hand with a bit of magic, and then grabbing them. “So you can use it as well as feel it. That was thought possible, but we didn’t know. There is so little we know of any of you, but that is slowly changing. I just hope you don’t find us to offensive as we struggle to learn how to relate to you. I know a lot underestimate your intelligence. I am glad your kin are so willing to deal with the dangers ones, but if possible can you leave one body where the rangers can find it. We have some tension here and seeing your kin is going to make it worse until there is a evidence to show why you are off the normal path.” The dragon nodded walked further away then took off. Yuma followed him wondering what it would be like to fly with them, as she knew the Outsiders sometimes did. “I do wish I could, but I fully remember how scared folks were when Jane and I were on Ribbon, and we were on the ground. I dear not let any of them take me up, even though I would hardly be noticed on the big ones. Joe ran off with my pack, but there is notebooks pens and pencils in it for you, as I thought that was what you would be needing most this time.”

The man shook his head. “Come on, we are never going to break even if you keep this up.” However he was smiling. “Come on and eat, I will go see what I owe you now. Just know that whatever you and your friends get is covered. We still owe you from last time. It was one bolt, not six you were to send, missy. You are not close to being paid, yet you bring more.”

Yuma shrugged. “It wasn’t that much and I couldn’t decide which one not to get. Truly you are undercharging me and you know it. I owe you, not the other way around. I’m not sure I even brought enough for lunch.” She moved to the table and sat down, smiling as it had been like this for years with them.

He shook his head. “Don’t even try it Missy, you had a credit before you over paid for the bag. Now enjoy your lunch and all of you had best fill your packs with the goods there. I am sure you can find enough you like. That might put a dent in what I owe Yuma, then you all can fight her over it.” His boy came out with a tray that had three large stakes and salads on it. “This should do,  a bit simple, but it is early yet, so it is farm raised not wild game, still not something you get often.” He nodded as it was set out and the said. “Jane will be out with the lemonade in a bit.” He left before they could protest.

Joe shook his head. “Just what did you give them Yuma. Father will only serve this on Holidays when it is just us. Dragon stakes are too hard to come by.” The boy had to hide his smile, as it was just normal for him.

Yuma shook head. “They raise dragons, not cattle. This is just slandered food for them, nothing special. This is to them what a humbugger is to you. Truly, though they do charge us more for it they are laughing at the fact we will give them so much for such a simple meal. Don’t worry, I just gave them a few extra bolts of cotton when paying for my pack, it was on sale so cost less than the expected rate. Not that he will accept it, but I truly did owe it to him.”

Mike shook his head a bit as he looked at the food. He had to take a picture, even if it made the others look at him oddly. “There is a debate at home over the benefits of raising dragons. This might just help change a few minds. Most don’t think that the meat would be tender, yet this is clearly better than a beef stake. It hardly needs a knife to cut it.” They laughed and started eating. After lunch Yuma went and started playing some strange ball game with the dragons, the others half watching her and looking at the craft items. Mike was glad that the dragons nor Yuma seemed to mind him taking pictures, but then it was hard to know if the noticed.

Yuma didn’t get away from the dragons until Jay showed up with a lady next to him almost hidden. Then the others stopped playing and moved to surrounded them, blocking the lady form view. A soft voice said. “I do hope this will do Yuma. Rev said you would like it, but it is a bit too small, and it bunched a bit. Still it was the right color for you. It was the one that felt right, for all it isn’t quite like the one you saw.”

Yuma said. “Shan I told you to make what you felt fit me and I meant it I am sure you are finding flaws I won’t ever notice. Just like you did on that belt you wouldn’t let me have.” The lady held out a bright blue bag, shaking a bit. It was seldom they used the blue’s hides in bags, but it was what felt right, but she had lined it with the sturdy browns so it would last. Still, it was a bit too small, and slick. Yuma though was delighted, she just stood there looking for a bit, it was perfect, it even had the right pockets on it. She realized that Shan was getting worried. “It is perfect! Amazing. I don’t know how you do it, but that is just what I need. I love that color. Just how did you ever? I haven’t seen it in your other items. Thank you, now I know I didn’t pay enough. I thought I was underpaying, but know. This is amazing, truly it is. Thank you. I don’t know how you did it, but this is indeed just the bag I needed.” It was to, it would hold enough gear for the longer trips she would hopefully be making, there were even ties for the bed roll that she knew she hadn’t asked for. After all she hadn’t wanted to hint too much about her plans least her Father find away to stop her from asking.

Shan said. “It is still dragon hide, but from the little blues that are raised just for food. We don’t sell items made with their hides as it is so light, but it is water proof and won’t burn. I lined it with the stronger brown hide so it will serve you well. We use the blue hide for fire cloaks. There is one in the bag for you and a few other things, you truly paid to much. I asked for a bolt of red fabric. You gave me red silk and cotton and then a whole rainbow of fabrics. You gave too much, even without the notebooks and pens you had this time. There are some better belts in the trade goods and come, I need to show you a set you must take. I would have it in the bag, but Father said you would object if you found it hidden. However you must have it. Will you come? Then you can look at the other here. Might find some lace for that sister. Just don’t untie it and should be safe.”

Yuma laughed and said. “I will do even better and ask Joe to take it, his sister will need some as well, so I am sure he won’t mind a bit. I am on the other side of Jay and will stay with you. Now is that all right or do you need me to back up a bit? I don’t want you to feel crowded. I know it isn’t easy for you to be out front like this.” She did bite her lip a bit, as she tried to stay away from the jewelry for she knew they wouldn’t charge her right, and she felt bad enough over the other items. They could easily make double and still sell. Most items were resold for triple or more the first time, little own what they sold for in store. Yet they fought her every time she tried to pay. However she couldn’t say no. Not when Shan had come out, knowing there were others here, it was too important to her. She couldn’t hurt her, likely why Rev had let her do it, and didn’t send one of the others.

Shan said. “It is fine, a bit scary, but you would have them around the young if it wasn’t safe. You even let the stranger walk close to blaze. You trust so I can a bit. As long as Jay is here, and he won’t go.” They were moving slowly to the stand as she spoke.

Yuma said. “No worries there and they are both looking at the goods set out on the open tables now, having already been at the stand. The one that hasn’t been here before is teaching at Stanford this year and wanted to see what our dragons are like. He is from England, so this is all new to him. He had no idea just where I was taking him when we head off the trail, yet he came with me.”

Shan nodded. “Good, he is a good judge of people. I can bet it is odd for him. I just remember bits of before we immigrated, but it was a big change and Canada is a lot closer than England, so we knew a bit more than he did about life here. Plus we were always Outsiders, or Seps as they said. Well when they thought we could hear them.” She ran her hands over the jewel than said.
This one, but take two others. This will help you for the events you have, and I am not going to let you leave without any. No point in shaking you head either, or taking it up with the others. Father will say you are not taking enough and you know it.”