Part One:

Introductions All Around

1.

A Traveler Sets Up Shop, Another Arrives Amidst Clamor

"Did you see her?"

"No, did you?"

"Clairee told me about her. Not seen the girl myself."

"Well, I heard from Va'trisha. She says she's already been in the place."

"Bangaa's balls, she has not." There was a defiant sniff for emphasis.

"'S'truth, she swears. It's all velvet in there." A pause for awed silence.

"Come on, can't be."

"Blue velvet curtains, a satiny velvet spread on a table, whole damn thing is blue, blue, blue. Cost a king's ransom, to be sure."

"How in blazes can she know?"

"She did deliveries to the neighbors. Stuck her head in and left. Said it felt creepier'n hell."

The young healer sidled by the two gossipy Humes, her short legs shuffling her with surprising agility along the cobbled streets of Old Archades. A shrill voice gave her pause.

"Here, then, you a Nu Mou?"

Though phrased as such, she could tell it was not her race that was being questioned, but her purpose. She'd heard all about Archadia's attitude before the War, but strove to hope for the better. She turned and inclined her head politely to the tall Hume women. "I am as that I am, friends," she said with a gentle smile, her face upturned and eyes closed in respect, as she was taught to do. A long pause matched her response. She opened her eyes, keeping her smile. The paid continued to examine her. Puzzled, she continued. "My name is Ma'Shenzi."

The more rotund of the pair eventually shook herself of the silence. "Cor. What's with the robes? From Bur-Omisace?"

"You say it right. I am a healer, on a walkabout."

"To Archades?" The taller one looked aghast. "Lot's improved here, but not so much. Justice be done by us down in here in the oldtown better'n ever, but mark me well - Humes still rule the roost from their high towers now as much as ever."

Ma'Shenzi paused to contemplate. The information was a kindness from poor folk who did not think first to sell her info for better station in the city above. That alone lifted her spirits. Truly, truly then my path is right though the vision still unclear. Her smiled widened. "I have my hopes. Surely, sentiment or no, there are those who could use a healer's touch here below?"

The rotund one took over the conversation with a snort. "First trick's going to be getting anyone to let you set up shop. Second's gonna be getting sick Humes to put up with you – most'll be happier with the quacks, so long as their ears are aright and the legs straight and tall. Third'll be collectin' any pay even from the ones that take your offer."

"I'd ask no pay!" The assumption threw Ma'Shenzi. It was unthinkable to ask for payment at Bur-Omisace when the supplicant was in need. She saw immediately that the violence of her reply took the pair aback and she gentled her tone. "As to the first, my office is the open air. The second? Those that want my help can get it. Those that do not will go as the Light of Kiltia guides."

Rotund one gave her a look over. "And the foolish ones what might hurt you?"

Ma'Shenzi straightened up as much as a Nu Mou could and looked as benign as possible. "Let them come and try."

A raucous laugh came from the pair. "All right, then. Welcome to Old Archades, and Gods help you. I'm Chefia, and my fat friend here is Galis."

Galis thudded a palm against the arm of her tall companion. "Off with you, Legs. I'm in good health."

Healer's trained eyes looked the rotund woman over. "That you are," said Ma'Shenzi. "But a bit more meat and less bread balanced out will let the world know it."

"Guess which is more expensive, healer-thing."

"Of course. But a bit of meat goes a longer way than a lot of bread. The cost might balance. I am always willing to help with that as well. I of course mean no offense." Ma'Shenzi added the last as she realized that some Humes cared a great deal about their appearance and she did not want to accidentally cause an incident. Her worry was dispelled by a hearty belly-laugh.

"Might take you up on that. Mate'd be happier with a bit more meat anyway."

"Your mate'll give you hell for going to a non-Hume."

"He can shove it up his arse." Galis shrugged, unconcerned.

Ma'Shenzi couldn't help it. She gave a bell-like laugh and decided she liked the pair. "May I admit to my eavesdropping and ask after what you were discussing when I came by?"

Galis and Chefia looked at each other. "Oh that," said Chefia. "Some new Hume's come in town in the last few weeks. Set up some sort of curio shop up Westfire Bend that's apparently all velvety and blue inside. We've not laid eyes on her personally and she's not opened up yet."

Ah. Trinkets. Ma'Shenzi lost interest in the topic and inclined her head once more. "Thank you, and thank you for indulging my curiosity. If there is aught I can do in return, I have been advised to lodging at a place on Windspear. I am told it is run by a Seeq and will therefore not be turned away for my race?"

"You were told aright," said Galis. "Ten gil a night and don't let him charge you a gil more. He's fair enough, but a bit cranky and no patience for the meek. He'll do a discount for long stays, and if you can do anything for his irritability, the other residents of the area can probably pull together a fund for your lodging." Her light tone told a joke that was implicitly not really a joke. She raised her hand in a polite wave and Chefia followed in turn. Ma'Shenzi dropped a slight bow and returned to shuffling down the street.