40638 Shopping and getting lunch.

Beth said. “You do look better now no matter what you said. Now come on and lets go see what is here. I do need to get that thread.” Smiling the three of them set off into the market. It was fun, but slow going as each stall had to be checked. You never knew what would be at the market, from found relics to craft items and then food. There were spice merchants and hunters, there would be fruit and vegetables that didn’t keep so were seldom seen. There was food that traveled well but couldn’t be had locally, meats of all kinds, some jerkies from distant lands. Could be some buffalo jerky even from the cost given the numbers that were here. Then there were vendors from the center with the latest gadgets and their produce as well. Those would be the main ones that his father went to then the local farmers and only with reluctance would he visit a few that came from across the line. There were some he had to deal with, but he checked everything with charms a dozen times and grumbled about supporting them. Seldom could he be talked into anything new. Which meant he would be missing out on a lot of finds from the look of this. Kat said. “Before I left the most from across the line that would set up in town was four traders, the rest the council kept out. I am glad to see that has changed. It looks like there are some from the coast. I wonder if they are able to bring in any sea food? It should be possible this far, even without the port system we use in Nightlin. More so if the gate to the line.” “Wouldn’t that cause storms?” One near her said. “There is sea food, but I was unsure about it. How would they keep it just far? I thought all that spoiled fast, and it is hard enough to keep the game from the outing farms from spoiling even with the new cold boxes.” Kat said. “Line gates cause less disturbance of the weather no matter what, but for a short gate the bleed off could be controlled so there was nothing noticeable. It is a bit more work then with a permanent portal, but still any master should be able to do it. It is just a day to the closest port. Those considered Masters in Nightlin have to be able to mange bleed of for gates of twice that distance. I do not know how it works here, but still I think they could easily find a mage that could so.” He said. “Then I bet that is what they did, I do know that there are some structure being constructed that I was told were for gate terminal. However they are reluctant to talk of spells with us still. No matter how much I try to convince them that I am different from the person that had council seat before me. Insisting that all be given space inside could only go so far. I am trying, but it is hard to repair a generation of mistreatment.” Kat nodded. “However what I see here tells me that your efforts are working. When I left here not even half this number would have been out the outside market. The few times the second square was used it was because more had come from the center and it only happened once a year at most. Now I understand there are even stalls there with the cold boxes for meat, so there must be more than the five that are permitted to sell meat to the public.” He nodded. “The local shops still get the first hour to their selfs, but nothing is restricted just to them. Anything they don’t buy can be offered to the public. That was the first change I made. Doing away with the outside market took longer, but now it will only run when all three squires are full of stalls. So far I haven’t had any in the third squire but I hope to. More are coming all the time, as the word gets around that we are welcoming trade now. It is rough at times but most are seeing that it does improve their business to have more come. I just wish it could be organized a bit better. Then again this way does see that the stalls are visited as you have to look for what you want. You all have a good day.” They went a bit further and reached the stands selling cooked food and drinks. Beth said. “Just in time, I need a drink and to sit a bit. Looks like there are some new stalls here as well. Bet I can find something wild to try again. However, after I get some pepper-flower tea. I do wish they would sell mixes for it. Kat you have to try it. I know it is made from a change plant and you have to be careful in its preparation, but more than that they won’t say. However it is indescribable, sweet, spice and yet cooling.” Kat had been looking around but nodded. “Sounds good and I do think one of the stands here has some Ketchion juices, which is startling. I don’t think I would find any of it here. Yet I am sure I can smell it.” She followed Beth to the stand then raised an eyebrow at jars of a deep purple elixir that were along the stand. For if not carefully harvested they were a powerful necrotic. The lady filling the glasses with a red tea saw the look. “All made from the young plants leaves not the berries. It is just enough to relax the aching legs, but not enough do more or create dependence. We watch and close and say clearly that one glass a day is all that should be drank, even if they use a bit more it is week enough that it wound harm. Still we worn everyone that buys it that it should be put up and the directions followed as to much can cause harm. It is a danger, but it is the best help there is for those with painful joints. It is far less destructive than most other treatments. I know it is odd to see it sold in the market not in a pharmacy, but this is the over counter from.” Kat nodded. “I can tell by the color, it was just staling to see it here. I am sure that there are many that are grateful it is. To have that shade you are skilled indeed. Is that the spice flower tea you are pouring?” The lady nodded. “In that case I have to decline, Beth. I am sure it is I fear that I react strongly to it. Last time I tried any I was seeing bubble and bunnies dancing for a day. For all there is nothing about it that should cause people to see things.” The lady shook her head. “I have never heard of that, but I do know some can have get a rash, so have them try just a sip before they get a full glass. Still none have ever reported hallucinations. No that. There is. The Hilders uses the birrie for vision quests. So it might.” Kat said. “My family is one that has incomplete records so it could be. “Doc was stumped by my reaction, and just said it was best for me to stay away from it least the next time it causes something worse to happen.” She nodded. “Yes, I must agree with that.” They got there drinks and went to next one. Kat had to smile, for she knew the people running it. “One extra large glass of the Ketchion juice and a three of the skewer of vegetables, one of the pepper crusted meat to please. It is good to find a bit of sent of home here. I do hope that Grantecen didn’t send you just to check on me?” The man bowed, then started getting the order ready. “Not at all Lady Wildstone, we have been coming once a month for the last year. However we were indeed tasked to check on you now that you are here. They are worried knowing that Milly can’t be with you. For all they agree that you are the right one to open the talks, that doesn’t mean they like that you are not watched. This will get you a teats. There is squid and octopus two stalls down, and you could use some. You have not been adjusting to food to well, and don’t try and say you have.” Kat shook her head. “I have been eating full meals, but yes it is odd to have pork again, beef isn’t to bad, but still the flavors are a bit off. However, it has just been a few days. Yes I will get some see food before going back. Kimnal, I think the lime green looked better than that orange you have now. My brother is going to ask you where he can get the dye.” She said. “A few have, sadly I have yet to talk any of them into coming here to sell, and we are food only. No, I don’t hide. I will be working the counter come the rush. Yes that makes some leave, but few each time. They need to be pushed, they will be seeing more races soon. Best to start now, even if some can be mean. I expected it to be worse than it has been. Now go on, we are not the only ones here so yes they are worried at home. The more they see you the better.” Kat laughed and took the tray. “Thank you, but this is more than the four I asked for. Yes I will go check the other stand.” He said. “I just put all on one tray, that way you needn’t each try to jungle plates as you get meal built.” Kat said. “Now they just ordered two, so why?” He said. “Your brother is there and I know what he is wanting so just added it. Saves time. Now go on, and it had best be full by time you find a table,” He was smiling as he waved, she shook her head. Rob said. “Now what if the ladies don’t want me to join them? They might be having ladies only day or something.” He just laughed. “Well it looks like I am to join you for lunch. I see that he did remember my small glass of juices with your gallon of it. It isn’t bad, but I don’t want that much. So do you know where I can get hair dye? All she will say as they won’t sell it here. I want the purple and green.” Beth said. “We don’t mind a bit if you join us, but first we need to finish find food. I need something new to try. Where is that squid? That is something to eat right?” Kat nodded. “It is, and should be just up here. Rob I can get you some, but only after Cornation.” He frowned a bit. “There will still be plenty of family here at mid winter for you to shock. You will have it by then, and I will get you a few bright shirts as well.” Rob said. “I guess that will do. Aunt Heather did say they would be here then as well. So. Still it won’t be as good. I mean everyone is going to be here for Coronation, only half will come back at mid-winter I bet. Still that will have to do. Couldn’t you at least let me have it for second week?” Kat shook her head. “I will get you some clothes for the balls that week. However that is all that I am going to provide. You can just wait for the rest.” They reached the front of the line, the others were looking over the list Kat smiled and said. “We would like two verity plates. Thank you Ocean. That should let them try what they want then they can know what to get next time. I take it that they were able to get gates going?” She nodded and handed Kat two heaping plates and took the coin Kat gave her. “Yes, and are making good progress on the anchors in hopes that agreements are reached. Now see you eat. You are looking better but still it shows. At least my boy agreed to leave you here alone. You must be doing better. That boy is family. So you did make contact. That might help a bit.” Kat smiled a bit. “Thank you. And I am doing fine Grandma, truly. Yes it left its mark, but I am fully recovered. Seal has left me before now. Yes Rob is one of my brothers. I am eating and I will. Just because the flavors are different I am not skipping meals. He is watching me enough without you telling him he should. I am alarming thin by local standers. I see that Janet found the salad so I think we are ready to find a table. I hope your sells make it worth the trip. It is good to have a taste of home.” Ocean smiled. “Don’t you worry none, there will be a stall offering you taste each market. You know there will be people sent to check on thinks he can have ports there. The Tree folks approved them last week, the magic just won’t quit support them yet. The wave is close now. It is good that you are not waiting.” Kat nodded. “I know and yes I will be explaining the ports soon. After all they will need assurance that trade can be stable, without being dependent on our ships. I am relived to here the gates are becoming reliable, for all it is alarming that he feels he can establish a port that soon. I thought it would be three months, not one. Thank you Grandma.” She left, intending to go to the table where Beth and Janet were waiting. Rob said. “Let me take that so you can a drink.” He took the tray from her. “So she is from Nightlin? Are there a lot here? I don’t see why I have to wait. I won’t use it the first week, so it isn’t that big of deal. I think they should all get the effect.” Zander said. “Do I even dare ask what you are asking for? I don’t know how you can drink that green stuff. It just looks.” He shuddered. “The fish I can see, but what is the rest on those plates?” Kat said. “It is a selection of sea food. The oddest looking is the octopus and squid, when she gave more of knowing I like it best, then there is shrimp, muscles and I really don’t know yet. He wants purple and lime green hair dye. I told him I would get some sent, but after Coronation, that he would just have to wait until midwinter to shock the relives.” Zander shook his head. “The juice is odd to look at, but I love the taste. It is native to the Western part of Nightlin, and yes those running the stall are from there. Ocean is from a sea port in Treeton, but her grandson is one of my unit. Therefore she said I am family.”