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Day 3 ^� late morning


^�Tonio walked away, leaving Eriu to her own devices.  From past experience
he knew that she would be fine on her own.  After all, she had been without
his company for a fair amount of time while he was stationed back at
Falagand.  With a final glance as she disappeared, as well as the receding
trio of Merissa and company, ^�Tonio set back out to the bazaar, a mental
list of items he had seen circulating in his head.  Finances were of no
concern to the Knight, as his order always provided well for its members.
As a member of some distinction, ^�Tonio received a little more care than
others did, a fact for which he was grateful for now.  Having had to leave
in a hurry meant being parted with a large majority of his possessions, most
of which were thank you gifts from various parties whom he had helped.
While they were only material goods, the sentimental and emotional value
attached to each made ^�Tonio greatly saddened at the loss of each item.
Were he truly lucky, they would come back into his possession once again.

 The walk to the bazaar was short; the wind was cool, the river waters
softly making their way from the mountains and into the plains beyond.  As
it was still early, ^�Tonio entered to the sounds of people setting up shop,
preparing to sell their wares to the public.  Weaving his way amongst the
structures both temporary and permanent, he came upon a small stout
structure made of stone and mortar.  A solid looking door stood open,
beckoning people to enter.  A sign above the doorway proclaimed the
establishment to be Sableshoe Tailoring.  Lia and ^�Tonio had passed by the
place and Lia had mentioned that the person inside wasn^�t overly friendly
and that they would look elsewhere for clothes.  As she was the one leading
the tour at the time, ^�Tonio had bowed to her judgment.  As he was by
himself now, he figured he would see what the proprietor had to offer.  He
had always been told that the most valuable goods were ones that were
carefully hidden away.

 Walking into the doorway, he found the place to be well lit from within.
Stepping into the shop fully, he gazes around, amazed at what he saw.  Yards
of cloth of various colors and types were all neatly rolled and stacked,
placed in such a way that each bolt could be examined without moving the
others.  Off to the side stood several mirrors with rollers for easy
maneuvering as well as a few small stools, one of them with a wide base so
that a man or woman could stand upon it without risking harm to themselves.
^�Tonio marveled at the layout and was thus taken by surprise by a loud voice
coming from beyond the room, ^�What the hell do you want!^�

 ^�Tonio quirked an eyebrow, somewhat bothered by the rude reception, ^�I^�m
interested in purchasing some of your wares, good sir.^�

 A door opened and closed and an elderly man came out from behind a wall of
cloth bolts.  His hair and beard were unkempt, the white and gray hairs upon
his head and face sticking out every which way, reminding ^�Tonio of a bird^�s
nest just newly formed.  The man^�s blue eyes peered out from beneath the
mass of hair, glaring at the Knight with a mixture of contempt and
calculation, as if sizing him up to determine if he was deserving of doing
business with, ^�Really, and what would a dandy such as yourself be wanting
to buy, eh?^�

 Smiling, ^�Tonio walked over to a row where a selection of silks stood.
Taking a bit of the fabric in between his fingers, he felt the texture,
impressed with the smoothness of the material, ^�I was interested in having a
dress made for an acquaintance of mine.^�

 The tailor interjected at that point, loudly scoffing, ^�Bah, you^�re just
interested in winning the lady^�s affections.  Don^�t try to fool me, I know
what you^�re really after.^�

 ^�Tonio frowned at the man, ^�Good sir, I have nothing but the most honorable
intentions^�^�

 ^�Honorable intentions my ass.  That^�s what they all say, right before they
get what they want.  Then they leave them for another, younger, prettier
thing.  The whole lot of you are bastards,^� the old man cut in again
angrily.

 ^�Tonio was aware of such people.  They were the one^�s largely responsible
for giving the Knights a bad name.  They took from their clients, giving
nothing back.  ^�Tonio found himself sympathizing with the man, ^�I understand
your concern, good sir, but I would sooner die than allow any shame to come
to the lady, especially at my hands.  I simply wished to purchase something
for her as a thank you for introducing me to the bazaar and its denizens.
However, if you deem me unworthy of your wares, I will take my business
elsewhere, although I believe that the quality would not be as high.^�

 ^�Tonio began his way to the door when the elderly tailor^�s gravelly voice
stopped him, ^�Despite your flowery words, there is an element of sincerity
to it.  My name^�s Bremen Sableshoe, the owner of this rarely frequented
shop.  I cater to the well-intended and good of heart, of which there seem
fewer and fewer as of late.  Of course, if they are good people, they still
have to put up with me.^�

 ^�Why don^�t you change your brusque manner, Mr. Sableshoe, so as to bring in
more business.  Surely that would help,^� ^�Tonio offered.

 Bremen waved a hand, ^�Pah, I^�m long since past the being nice to get
business stage.  I^�ve made enough money that it doesn^�t matter whether I get
lots of patrons or not.  I do this because I enjoy it, but I^�ll only do it
for the right people.^�

 Nodding his head, seeing that the man wasn^�t like to change his ways, he
walked back over to the silk, ^�Well then, I thank you for considering me a
good man, Mr. Sableshoe.  Shall we continue with business?^�

 Bremen ambled over, his wiry frame creaking with every movement, ^�Sounds
good to me, but call me Bremen.  Mr. Sableshoe sounds like your asking me
for my daughter^�s hand in marriage.  Since I don^�t have a daughter, it isn^�t
needed.  Judging by where you^�re standing, you^�re interested in silk?^�

 ^�Yes.  Judging by the feel of the silk, you only purchase the finest, am I
right?^�

 ^�Cut the flattery, it won^�t do you any good.  Just tell me what you need,
give me the measurements and I^�ll give you the cost as well as when it will
be ready.  I prefer to keep my transactions simple.  But, to answer your
question, I only buy the finest materials.^�

 Smiling broadly, ^�Tonio and Bremen set about conducting their business,
discussing colors, styles, cuts and material.  The discussion progressed
beyond their business and expanded out as they discussed tailoring in
general.  After a couple of hours, the business was done.  As ^�Tonio began
to exit, Bremen grinned slightly, ^�One more thing, ^�Tonio.  I take it you
want to keep your identity secret?^�

 ^�Tonio turned to face him, ^�My identity, Bremen?^�

 ^�Well, it^�s not everyday a Knight walks into my shop, ^�Tonio.  Seeing as
your group isn^�t looked upon highly by a number of people, I figured I^�d
keep that information to myself^�

 ^�If you would be so kind, Bremen.  It is good to know that there are those
who still hold us in high regard,^� ^�Tonio said, his tone sincere.

 ^�Her name was Lillian and she helped me become a great tailor.  She also
became my wife later on.^� Bremen explained.

 ^�Tonio^�s eyes widened, ^�You must have been an extraordinary man to have
captured the heart of a Knight, Bremen.  If there^�s anything that I may do
for you, do not hesitate to ask.^�

 Bremen nodded, ^�I shall remember that, ^�Tonio.  I^�ll have the garment made
within about two weeks.  I^�ll have word sent when it is finished.  Take
care.^�

 ^�Tonio bid the old tailor farewell, his mood uplifted by the man^�s tale.
He was a bit coarse, but there was something about him that ^�Tonio liked.

 **^�Tonio, you need to come quick!**

 <What is it, DeMarco?>

 **Nepherititi was practicing her flight and she crashed.  Her human is in
bad shape as well.**

 <Was Lia on her dragon when she crashed?>

 **No**

 <Good, I take it you are on your way?>

 In answer to his reply, ^�Tonio spotted the crimson dragon coming down to
land just outside the bazaar^�s limits.  Breaking into a run, ^�Tonio reached
the dragon and neatly vaulted into the saddle just as DeMarco took off.
Within a minute they had landed near the training site where a group of
concerned warrenfolk had already gathered.  Quickly dismounting, ^�Tonio
moved to try to get a good look at what was happening.  Out of the corner of
his eye he caught the approach of the warren healers as they moved across
the green.  As he got closer, he saw the inert form of the small queen
dragon with Lia beside her, arms wrapped around her neck.  Beside the two
stood a watchful slate gray dragon, a young, wiry rider beside the beast.
^�Tonio recalled the name of the wiry fellow as being Tinker, heard from
various conversations during last night^�s party.  <DeMarco, do you have any
more information?>

 **Of course.  It seems that Neph wasn^�t ready to land and Trefoil^�s human
asked him to bring her down.  Apparently Trefoil spooked her and she
crashed.**

 <I see.  Are you getting anything from Nepherititi yet?>

 **Not yet, ^�Tonio.  The crash must have knocked her unconscious.**

 <Keep me appraised of any changes.>  ^�Tonio thought back as he moved
forward, helping to clear the way for the healers who were arriving on the
scene, ^�Please, let^�s allow the healers some room to do their work.^�

 ^�Tonio wanted to aid in comforting Lia, but right now was not the time,
perhaps later in the day, when things had settled down a bit.  Looking over,
he saw his wingmate, N^�lin, with a forlorn look on his face.  The man looked
as though he was suffering from a crisis of conscience.  Walking over to the
trainer, he smiled at him, ^�N^�lin, come take a walk with me.^�

 N^�lin continued to fixate on the scene, ^�But^�^�

 ^�Tonio gripped his shoulder and began leading him away, ^�You need some
distance from the situation before you deal with it, my friend.  Beating
yourself up over what happened isn^�t going to help.^�

 Reluctantly, N^�lin went with ^�Tonio, occasionally looking back over his
shoulder to watch as Neph was taken to the healer^�s tent.  ^�Tonio guided him
to the dining hall, which was empty save for a few people.  Motioning the
trainer to sit, the Knight took a seat opposite him, ^�Now that we^�ve got
some distance from the situation, let^�s talk.  Tell me what happened.^�

<Tag, Bridget.  Time for the wingmates to bond, eh?>


 As N^�lin and ^�Tonio finished their talk, the queenrider came upon them.
^�Tonio stood and bowed, ^�Milady, I was expecting your arrival much sooner.
I take it you wish to speak with N^�lin?^�

 Merissa nodded, ^�You would be correct, ^�Tonio.  Lia is a little distressed
at the moment, which is why I am late.  Eleanora is with her now, so she
should be okay.^�

^�Tonio smiled, ^�I am glad to hear it.  I shall leave you two to your talk
then,^� he said with a bow before turning to smile at N^�lin reassuringly.
That being done, he exited the dining hall, making a beeline for the
healers.

[..]  Day 3 early afternoon

 Arriving at the healers, he found Lia and Eleanora there, the latter doing
her best to comfort the former.  ^�Tonio sat down beside the two ladies, ^�I
came by to offer my support.  If either of you should need anything, do not
hesitate to ask.^�

 Eleanora made a couple of motions with her hands, [Right now I think any
comfort you could offer would be appreciated.]

 ^�Tonio nodded in acknowledgement, [Then I shall stay for awhile.]

<Tag, KK>


Day 3 late evening

 ^�Tonio did not get back to his room until late, having spent the majority
of his day watching over both Lia and Neph, making sure that their needs
were tended to.  Hence he was completely surprised when he found Eriu
waiting for him in his apartment, a mischievous gleam in her eye, ^�Eriu, I
trust your day went well?^�

 ^�But of course, ^�Tonio.  I decided to explore the realm around Whiteriver
and see what contacts I could make.^�

 ^�So you^�ve already made initial contact with the Knight in this region?^�
^�Tonio inquired.

 ^�Naturally.  As usual, there aren^�t too many of us, but we^�re still doing
good deeds.  There will be a gathering coming up in the next month or two,
to discuss the usual matters,^� Eriu reported.

 ^�Good, perhaps we can arrange for the meeting to be near here, so that I
will be able to attend easier.  Besides, they might enjoy warrenlife a
little.^�

 ^�I know that I plan on enjoying it, partner,^�  Eriu said with a grin.
^�Lots of potential here.^�

 ^�I know,^� ^�Tonio said as he walked towards the shower, stripping as he
went, ^�which is why I need some rest.  The past few days have been rather
trying for me.^�

 Eriu followed the Knight, following suit with her clothing as well, ^�I^�m
sure it has been, but I^�m sure that you have enough energy for a lesson or
two.  The Knights here in the area have learned a few tricks that I^�m sure
would greatly interest you.^�

 ^�Tonio chuckled as he stepped into the shower, ^�I suppose I can muster some
energy to learn.^�

 Grinning broadly, Eriu joined him, ^�Good.^�

Submitted by
^�Tonio and DeMarco
Eriu
Bremen Sableshoe ^� ancient tailor
AKA
Chris Weeda

NRPG:  Okay, that takes care of day 3, now onto day 4^�..



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