Chapter Thirteen

Wynne POV

In the hour the duo had been in the city, Arandir had spent almost an entire pouch of golden coin to bathe them, clothe them, and fill their bellies. Somehow, they had ended up wandering stalls in the city square, an extra bag on Arandir's back, and a smaller one attached to his belt for the bits and baubles he insisted Wynne purchase for herself. Being in a city of mostly dwarves, there were plenty of spectacular works to see and buy.

He'd taken Wynne to a particularly fine tailor's shop, handpicking the softest and prettiest fabrics to outfit her with a few dresses. He'd picked out leathers and cotton for travel clothes for the both, and he'd had the tailor assist in making them durable travel packs; ones equipped with runes that would return them to the owners when summoned. No more losing their gear. They'd gone to a blacksmith and had their weapons properly cared for. He even had a sword custom forged for Wynne, balanced perfectly for her weight and build.

When they were done with that, they found the local tavern, and paid for one night's room to be able to refresh themselves. They ate the stew the cook sent them, savoring the taste of the root vegetables and the hearty meat, blended perfectly with whatever spices the cook had deemed worthy to use. Arandir had convinced Wynne to drink a warm honeyed mead, and it had coated her tongue with the thick sweetness of the drink. Surprisingly, it's effects on her were minimal. It only eased the knots in her stomach, and helped instill a cheery mood in the woman. Beyond that, it had none of the effects of regular alcohol.

They ate their fill, and Wynne only partook in the one mug of mead. Arandir had dragged her from the tavern when they were finished, excitedly taking Wynne to see pieces of jewelry masterfully crafted by the metalworkers and artisans of the city. He insisted she pick out the pieces she liked the most, and gave the shopkeeps plentiful coin for whatever it was they purchased. Wynne had settled for a delicate platinum chain, with a pendant of purple Jasper, wire wrapped to appear as if the precious gem was being held by bear claws.

She also chose rings of a pale golden wire, woven into Celtic knots, around small lolite gems. With the pendant and the rings came a set of earrings, holding more of the purple jasper and lolite gemstones. They were encased in wound wire, again forming bear claws around the larger gemstones, and forming Celtic knots in a small chain til the jewelry met her ear. They were simple pieces, but their beauty was dazzling combined with Wynne's strawberry locks, emerald gaze, and lightly tanned skin.

Arandir helped her clasp the necklace around her fair neck, and put the earrings in her dainty lobes. Afterwards, he browsed through the containers, picking out other pieces he thought suited his mate, or things he fancied himself. He then handed another hefty amount of coin to the hearty dwarf at the stall, smiling widely as the man chortled. He gave a small wave, and Wynne moved to lightly rest her hand upon his arm.

"What else is there to see? Surely there are more wonderful things within this city. " Wynne said, tilting her chin up to gaze softly at Arandir. His lavender one met her own, and Wynne felt warmth spread through her as he looked at her. Finally breaking her gaze from his, Wynne took a long look around the shops and stalls, longing for a paint brush. "Arandir, is there an art shop anywhere here? "

The man chuckled at her question, and Wynne felt herself blush. "Perhaps, little one." He said, as he slowly began to lead her to one of the shops. Before they had entered though, Arandir paused and he gestured with his head; subtly pointing towards the guards approaching them. There were four of the burly dwarves, clad in armor with their weapons and shields upon their backs. None were taking any offensive action towards the pair, but it was quite obvious that they were heading their direction. When they stood before Wynne and Arandir, one cleared his throat. His deep voice rang out.

"Ser, madam, Her Royal Majesty Queen Bronwyn Bliain requests your presence at the Castle. Please, come with us. We were sent to escort you there." He said, and Wynne only stared st him in wonder. Perhaps this queen was the Cailleach that Arandir had told her of. She glanced up at him, looking for the confirmation that it was alright for them to go with the dwarves. Upon seeing Arandir's nod, Wynne clasped his hand, and the two followed the squad of dwarves back to the castle.

Nerys POV

When Queen Bronwyn had finished speaking with Nerys, she had left the throne room. Nerys usually found peace near the ocean, but they weren't in the kingdom of Autumnhaven; here in the mountains she couldn't look to the sea. So instead, she sought to retreat to the courtyards, to sulk. Nerys found herself looking out at the path to the castle, watching for the arrival of the pair the Queen had summoned. The woman hated being in the position she was in, seeking refuge in another kingdom; staying far away from the war threatening her people. It was her duty to protect them, and she was helpless to do so.

Bronwyn was nearly always right when she said something big was coming, and that fact had dread sinking in the pit of Nerys's stomach. But there was this niggling little voice in the back of her mind that there was a good reason for her to be there, and that she needed to stay. Even if it wasn't for much longer. Nerys took one last look out at the city, and seeing their guests arriving, began to retreat. She had no wish to be present as Queen Bronwyn grilled the pair on why they visited the city unannounced.