We spend the next few minutes following Alec along the well swept and maintained, wide stone streets. Marshal Tomas has departed along with the rest of our previous guard entourage. Headed back to the docks to return to whatever business they get up to in their daily duties, leaving the single corporal as our guide.

The gardens that we have been walking alongside look to be part of the grounds ringing the castle ahead and I spot exactly what Alec was referring too. Thorny vines wind around, and through, the branches of many of the trees and hedges that I can see.

There are a few store fronts located in this district as well, but where there were hawkers and store owners crying out and vying for attention in the other sections of the city there is none of that here. The mom and pop styled general stores have been replaced with businesses such as jewelry and gem cutters. High-end looking clothing and accessories, all designed to cater to a more posh and polished crowd.

"That's Goldcrown Financial. Banking and currency exchange, should you need it." Alec points out a building where security, decked out in uniforms different to those of the city guard, stand with attentive eyes as patrons come and go. "And just across the street from that is Whispered Words. If you need to send any messages via runner or scriber. Pricey. But they have a good network throughout Redtree and with other cities. I believe most of the nearby towns and villages too." Alec says, turning to Cinnamon. "I'm not positive but I think they may have a connection to Hutchhollow."

Her ears perk with the possibility.

As interesting as it all is there is a much different topic that that has my attention. The hurricane known as Lady Civata.

"So, she's a governess?" I ask, steering the conversation back to the previous topic before the guard can get distracted with more local landmarks.

"In a manner of speaking. The city has a council who discuss, or to be more precise, argue over all the laws and commerce. All that day to day generality that keeps a community running." Alec explains. "Lady Civata deals with commerce and finances. Setting up trade relations with other cities and communities, and by extension the reason why she's been so heavily involved with the construction going on on the docks."

"I see." I nod my understanding. This was good. The gamer gears in my head were turning. Mr. Plogz, Captain Raven, Marshal Tomas and now this Lady Civata. We were making great connections with people of import who could easily prove to be either potential quest givers or open up avenues to others. "And, Raven? You said that you two have talked before?"

"Yes." Captain Raven nods. "Never in person, but over scriber on a few occasions. Arranging shipping consignments and the like. If there is anyone who would know her best I would think it would be Mr. Plogz." She looks down to address the goblin walking alongside of her. "Tell me. You have had much dealing with this woman. Will she live up to promised word and get me resolution or is this jus' another bureaucratic delay tactic, ey?"

The goblin lets out a chuckle. " Ever since her electorials the city has had exponential expansions. Shovy she may seem, but sometimes a body must be. If there are any who can slice to the quick with Karabos and sort solution for your fairies it would be Lady Civata."

Captain Raven sucks her teeth. "We shall see I suppose."

We pause at the gate of the Citadel where Alec steps ahead to have a brief conversation with the guard station before ushering us onward. There are more road sweepers here, along with gardeners and caretakers; busy collecting leaves and trimming the hedges that flank the road that transitions to red brick leading up to a large fountain in front of the Citadel.

There are carriages parked around the edges of the courtyard. The drivers brushing down or feeding the handsome looking horses. I spot the sharp looking black and gold carriage that Lady Civata had departed in at the end of our brief meeting amongst them.

Alec circles the fountain and makes for the marble steps leading up to a series of doors.

"Captain Reigns?"

We stop at the voice, turning about as a young brunette girl in her late teens, dressed in what appears to be some sort of medieval business casual outfit, hustles down the marble steps. Weaving around a few other similiarily dressed people standing in her way she moves quickly over to Captain Raven.

"Captain Isabella Ravena Reigns? Correct?" She plasters on a smile, "Hello, I'm Ellian. I work in Lady Civatas office. I have been told to come and see you..." She trails off as she fishes about in a small satchel at her side to produce a rolled up parchment. "Here we are. I have a form that needs your signature."

"What is this, ey?" Captain Raven cocks a brow.

"It is a release for your fairies. Lady Civata wanted me to deliver this to you as soon as you arrived. Word has already been sent that your fairies should be released back to you."

"Look at that. Ain't that great?" I nod to Raven. "Seems you were correct Mr. Plogz."

"Not the first time and certainly won't be the last, Darkson." Plogz chuckles with a pompous grin. He then turns to Captain Raven. "Did I not say that she get things sorted?"

Captain Raven makes a unconvinced scoffing sound. "Why were they confiscated to begin with, ey?"

"I'm not certain." The young woman shakes her head. "I was only told that I needed to get you to sign to say that your order was indeed received."

"Very well." Raven sighs.

The lass smiles and produces a inkpot and a small dip styled quill from her satchel which she then holds out expectantly toward Raven. The Airship Captain stares at it, then takes a long over exaggerated look around the courtyard.

"And where are my fairies, ey?"

"You simply need to go down to the guard station on Cedar Avenue to pick them up." She points to a roadway that edges out of sight around the side of the gardens headed in the direction of the RedTree. "As I said, they know that they are to released back to you. So you need only present them the form."

"Or." Raven holds up two fingers then points them at the girls chest. "You can take it there and I can wait for your return."

"There is no need to worry. It won't be a problem. Lady Civata has already signed the papers, you see." The flustered girl makes a show of indicating a elegant script at the bottom and a wax pressed seal.

"No! I am finished with jumping through the circles. I will sign nothing until my fairies are delivered." Raven crosses her arms sternly.

"Ah..." The young girl gets an exasperated look. "Well, I really am quite busy at the moment. We have this gala on tonight, you see…"

"Sounds like a personal problem." Kryst grins, eager to get in on the action of any sort of conflict. "So? Chop-chop, buttercup."

************

"Is that all for today, Sir?"

"I think I will take that necklace after all." I whisper, glancing back toward Cinnamon who is talking with the other clerk at the back of the store. Slyly, I hand him the previously quoted coin.

"A fine choice." He lowers his voice to match mine and reaches down to retrieve the necklace from beneath the glass counter.

I take a look back again to make sure Cinnamon didn't pick up on the transaction. She had shown a keen interest in the necklace. And it wasn't that expensive. Relatively. Beside, we were going to some kind of fancy party tonight and it would be nice to give her something nice to wear to... could I think of this like a date? The thought make my hands feel sweaty. I mean kinda, sorta, right?

Not only are we supposed to be getting dressed up but I'll be meeting, well, not her 'dad' but Geomaister Midnight was a patriarchal father figure. That makes my forehead bead to match my clammy palms.

I attempt to distract myself with a glance out the window to see if Ellian has returned yet. The designated meeting spot is a street curb style eatery that reminds me of a modern day coffee shop, though they only served teas and juices.

Kryst and Captain Raven had decided not to accompany Cinnamon and I to poke about in the stores while we wait and are instead sitting at one of the outside tables; looking quite out of place as they munch on pastries and sip from steaming china cups.

I'm a bit surprised at how much they seem to be enjoying the hot beverages. It certainly didn't seem like either of their styles. When Raven produces a flask from a hip pouch and pours a generous splash into each of their cups, however, it makes all the more sense.

"Will there be anything else you'd like to take a look at, Sir?" The shopkeep slides over a small rectangular wooden box full of the purchases that I've made. Some choice pieces of jewelry consisting of a few finger rings, a couple of bracelets, a variety of earrings ranging from simple to ostentatious, and now one rather beautiful looking necklace.

"Actually, yes. Would you happen to have any tools for sale?" I ask. "I do a bit of hobby work and the like."

"Of course." His eyes beam at the thought of a further sale. "I don't know what sort of crafting you are looking to do but…" He slips through a door into the rear of the store and, after a few moments of shuffling and sorting noises, returns with a selection of boxes and one leather bundle tied with a tassel of cord.

The clerk places each on the counter and opens them; rolling out the leather and laying the box tops flat to display the assorted instruments.

While he goes through the sales protocol, pointing out the fine construction and usefulness of each of the various tools I focus my attention on each kit.

(Travel) Jewelers Toolkit: These specialized tools are used to assist in the pursuit of a craft or trade. Jewelry: Gains a bonus when attempting to identify gemstones, or prove the validity of gemstones.

Jewelers Toolkit: +1 bonus to crafting based skill checks -These specialized tools are used to assist in the pursuit of a craft or trade. Jewelry: Gains a bonus when attempting to identify gemstones, or prove the validity of gemstones.

(Exceptional) Magitech Toolkit: +3 bonus to crafting based skill checks -These specialized tools are used to assist in the pursuit of a craft or trade. Magitech: Able to create and repair items with innate magical properties.

"This one." I cut him off mid-explanation indicating the Magitech toolkit as he points out the usefulness of a small pliers in the Jewelry kit. "How much is this?"

"Ah. Yes. That's an interesting set. You have a good eye, Sir. Now these are better for working with mechtanics and magics." He points to a collection of tiny gears and springs then lifts out a small magnifying glass etched with runes on its handle. "Not really my area of expertise, however, there is a bit of similarity at least in comparison with working with some of the more delicate aspects of jewelry and possible inlaid enchantments."

I can tell he is about to launch into another lengthy explanation of the quality of the tools before he hits me with the price tag. I cut to the chase.

"The price?"

The store keep pauses for a moment. "A hundred gold."

My mouth and tongue immediately dry to salt flat desert levels of dehydration. After my previous purchases I didn't even have a quarter of that.

I raise a finger to my lips as if lost in thought while simultaneously machine gunning off a stream of curses in my head. But talk about useful! I'm pretty certain that kit that would open up all kind of possibilities with my skills. I mean I was able to create my badass shades and repair Plogz leg with just my crappy tinkerers travel kit.

I go over my the checklist of funds in my mind. I had just under twenty five gold not including silver and copper. What did I still have to bargain with? There was the Naga skin, some Drayger hide, claws and teeth. But I had plans for some of that stuff.Would he even be willing to trade for some of it? It seemed doubtful. Judging by the wares in his store gemstones and precious metals were up his alley much more than ivory or bone.

"Is that the best price you can do? I can't imagine you getting much interest in your shop for a kit like this. Surely it's just sitting in the back collecting dust."

Trading vs Jeweler: Fail!

"That is already at a discounted price. True, it's not my usual stock, but it's not like the tools have an expiration on them. And with more and more highly qualified craftsmen like yourself coming to the city, I doubt that I will have too much trouble selling them later." He points at the G.U. ring on my finger. It would make sense that he would take notice of any jewelry we were wearing. "I guarantee you, Sir. You will not find a better price or quality here in the city."

That didn't work. If anything it may have made it worse! He did have a very good point. Any magitech crafter would be drooling over these.

I give a nervous glance out the window to the sunlit street. Plogz had left us to go deal with some business in the Citadel but I'm fairly sure had he been here he would have snapped the kit up for himself.

Reaching into my money pouch I mentally count the coins as I feel about. My fingertips touch something flat on one side and oval shaped on the other. I draw it into my palm.

And the world goes white.