Submission (#3607) Approved

Word count: 1,398
AP: Belmoril
Elnin AP is for: Aisling - https://worldofeyre.com/character/ELN706
Other elnin: Keahi - https://worldofeyre.com/character/ELN1469

Aisling is the leader of the Sheppard's Crook, a kittom ferry service which helps kittoms travel from village to village when they have grown old enough to join their new families and apprenticeships so they can learn the experiences they need to grow up into adulthood. This is their last day in Il'durahn before they start their journey to Faerindell so Aisling is gathering the last of the needed supplies so that they are well stocked during their travels.

     "I have one more delivery and then we can be getting ready to go towards Elenion. Did you get the rest of the supplies we might need so we don't need to make too many stops?" Aisling stood with her paws over her hips as she gave a cursory glance over the caravan. After fixing a few things and shoring up a few other places, the wagon was looking almost new again. The bright colours stood out against the golden background of Bellmoril, a testament to her skills of painting and eye for colour. It was quite the contrast to her partner who was in the process of lifting large sacks of food and other produce into the back area of the caravan.

     At her question, the darker elnin carefully placed the last sack down before nodding, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. "Yes, everything should be in place. I got a very good deal on the flaxseed and tubers which will suit us well when we we need to stave off the cold." Gwyn shook a finger at the lighter elnin before adding his thoughts "But if we need to stop, we stop. We still don't have a noble to travel with us yet and while I am quite capable with keeping the caravan safe, we have the other childlings to think of."

     She nodded at his advice, "You might be right but the sooner we can get to Faerindell, the better for all of us. It's the last stop we need to do before Miasma gets too strong and we are running out of time." Aisling also knew if they didn't leave soon they would be asked to help with the festival prep again, something she would usually be happy to help out with, especially after the last one, but she had a small surprise planned for their newest member and they would miss it if they stayed in town too long.

     "If that is the case," Gwyn regarded the almost-packed caravan once more, "How about you pick up the honey we need and I'll gather the last of the feed for the ponies?"

     "I'll bring back some honey cakes for the kittoms too. I'm sure they will love that." Aisling raised a hand in agreement before turning on her heel and making her way through the courtyard, into the bustling marketplace. Here she could see stalls of all types, some out in the open, others shaded by trees haloed by golden leaves. The sun turned everything a warm honey-colour and even the colourful ribbons that hung from the eaves of the buildings seemed to take on a golden hue. Smoothing out her traveling clothes, Aisling looked around for the stall decorated with bees and was surprised to not find it where it had been the day previous. Instead, leaning up against an older oak tree was a larger pink-ish elnin with a small partial wagon that had scrolls of papers, a few stacks of books, and a large amount of containers holding feathers of all types. As she got closer she noticed the feathers were actually quills, which made sense considering the paper products.

     The pink elnin noticed her looking and beckoned Aisling over, "Come, see my wares, I have quills and books, and many other ways to record your thoughts, feelings, notes, histories, and stories!" While he seemed a friendly sort, his spiel felt a little rehearsed, "Are you looking for a gift? Maybe a note set so you can send letters far and wide while you weather out the Miasma season? A new journal to contain your most secret ideas perhaps?"

     "I'm looking for honeycakes, do you happen to know where they are today?" Aisling's interest was peeked by the quills and notebooks but her task at hand was more important.

     He was taken aback for a moment, and his speech faltered. "Oh ummm... I..." Slightly derailed, the quill maker tried to grasp at the answer before giving up and shaking his head.

     "Shells... That was the last thing I needed before we left town." She wrinkled her nose in thought before feeling sorry for the floundering elnin before her. "I do apologize, that was rude of me. I would be delighted to see your wares." She could always ask the town cryer for the beekeeper, Aisling had seen him when she entered the marketplace and was sure he would know who was selling where. There was still a little time before the kittoms would be done at the park and would need gathering into the caravan for the night and she did feel a little curious about what this crafter might have to offer.

     Clearing his throat and doing his best to get the thread back he tried again, "A new journal? A gift? A note set maybe?" Taking a deep breath he picked up a few quills and waved them into the air before him, "My name is Keahi, and I have made many quills." His voice almost ended in a squeak as he rushed the last bit out, causing him to internally wince.

     Aisling could tell he felt a little uncomfortable with how things were going and wanted to smooth things out a bit. She did actually need a new ledger to keep a report going while on the road so this was a fortunate diversion. She looked over the different offerings before picking out a book bound with white birch bark and adding a golden coloured quill that matched the foliage around her. She loved how the dark striped markings of the birch trees was detailed in a pleasing pattern on the notebook cover, reminding her of Bellmoril's golden forests. "This will be perfect, how much for both the book and the quill?" She held up the items, while her other paw reached into her pouch where she kept her coin.

     "5 coins will be just fine." Keahi caught his nerves and took a deep breath, steadying himself now he was on familiar territory. "The feathers came from a kestrel nest a few villages over, I always make sure to only use feathers that have fallen so that no animals are put in danger." His chest puffed out with pride as he spoke about his craft. "The birch bark came from the forest near by, and I pressed the paper myself! There is poppy petal fragments woven into the pulp to give it a warm hue."

     Nodding as she listened, Aisling admired the skillful work done before handing over the coin with a smile. "Thank you so much, this will come to be quite useful in the travels to come and remind me of this delightful city." She placed the book carefully into her satchel before attaching the quill to the side pouch where it would be protected and yet easily accessible. "If you happen to need any letters or packages sent, we will be leaving for Faerindell soon for a delivery, you can find The Sheppard's Crook in the north courtyard by the large oak tree until two hours before sundown." While she didn't always offer her services up front, she did appreciate the help and wanted to repay the favor. The oak tree made a good landmark, its branches were so thick with beautiful golden leaves that it looked as if it was a building in its own right. With a nod and a warm smile she realized she needed to get moving if she was going to be able to catch the Beekeeper before the markets close. "Thank you again for your help."

     Aisling saw his answering smile and nod as she turned away, sweeping her attention across the rest of the marketplace for the aforementioned town cryer. She figured there was three hours before sundown, which gave her about an hour to find her end goal. That would be plenty of time to get the last of the supplies she needed. The perpetual golden hues surrounded her as she mused for a moment, letting herself enjoy the busy hubbub that flowed and weaved though the cobblestone streets. Aisling patted her satchel which held her new journal and felt pleased with herself. It was nice to treat oneself every now and again, especially with something that was also useful. Now it was time to fine treats for the rest of the caravan before they set out on their journey.