In the city:

The next morning the three young friends were out in the city market. Walking around to different shops and looking at the street stands. Daine tried to get Nat to talk to her but he wouldn't. He kept looking at her like she had just killed someone. It was beginning to get to her. While Ellane was looking at armbands she walked up to him.

'Nat is something wrong?' She asked. He looked at her like she wasn't good enough for him, which was weird.

'Why don't you ask Master Numair Saliman?' He replied shortly.

'Oh, no.' She whispered. 'You won't tell Ellane will you?'

'I should. Thought I haven't yet.' He looked away.

'Nat please. Let me tell her?' She touched his arm.

'You're really going to tell her you slept with the one person who made her life miserable?'

'Nat-'

'Fine.' Nat walked away from her.

'Ellane!' Daine called.

'Yes?' She looked up.

'Come on lets go in here.'

Daine led them into her favorite shop in Corus. It was filled with silks, silver, gold, diamonds, and books. Daine walked along the familiar line of silk cloth that lead to the diamonds and gold jewelry. She sighed in contentment. She missed being able to walk in here get a new dress and charge it to the account Numair had started here for her. This way he knew and regulated what she bought. And so she didn't come in a buy every thing she wanted, which was the entire shop.

'Lady Saliman!' A voice cut across the room. Nat smiled and Ellane looked at her weird. She still didn't get what was going on.

'Hello Master Knoll.' She greeted the owner of the shop cheerfully.

'How are you this fine summer day. I would be expecting you to be with the animals.' He walked behind the counter that Daine was semi leaning on.

'I've decided just to stay around here this summer. I'm kind of tired of moving around.'

'I suppose you'll be dragged down south by your husband this winter.' Daine laughed at his comment.

'I think I'm the one that drags him down there.' She smiled.

'I have just the new cloth for you. It matches your eyes perfectly.' Master Knoll said walking around trying to locate it. 'I believe I saved some just for you. If you weren't in here soon I was going to show it to your husband.'

'I'm sure I was going to get it either way.' Daine replied gently.

'That reminds me. He should be in here any time to pick up some new shirts. I believe he ruined some doing experiments last month.' Daine winced.

'I wondered why I wasn't allowed in his workroom. The place must be a mess.' Daine rolled her eyes. Nat and Ellane watched in aw as she talked to the man like it was nothing.

'Here it is I truly hope you like it.'

Master Knoll set down a long piece of cloth in front of her. It was the color of her eyes. It was the perfect match. There was also some black embroidering placed every few inches on it.

'Would you like it in your usual style?' he asked.

'That would be wonderful.' Daine fingered it carefully it felt extremely good to touch. 'Numair will love it.'

'We always have to make sure of that!'

'Master Knoll, I have one more favor to ask of you.'

'Yes my lady?' He looked at her. Daine signaled for Ellane to come stand next to her.

'My friend needs a dress too.'

'Oh, Veralidaine, I really-' she stumbled with her words.

'Yes you do.' Daine said simply 'And I'm paying.'

'Of course.' Master Knoll said. 'Seeing as she's so pretty this shouldn't be hard at all!'

'Oh, I'm not that pretty.' Ellane blushed.

'Blond hair and light blue eyes.' Master Knoll was examining her. 'I think pink shall do just fine.'

'With silver lining?' Daine asked. Which was more of a hint.

'Nothing less.'

'Oh, it'll be so pretty.' Ellane exclaimed

'Good.' Daine squeezed her hand. Ellane smiled at her.

'Master Saliman, how are you?'

Numair came in to the shop. He looked like he was in a rush for something.

'Master Knoll have you seen my wife anywhere?' He asked.

'I'm right here.' Daine walked up to him and put her arms around him. Numair leaned down and kissed her.

'Thank the gods. I thought you were actually buying something that I wouldn't like.' Numair said. Giving a undertone complement to Master Knoll.

'Oh, I have your shirts Master Saliman, no need for complements.' He said with a smile.

'What are you getting sweet?' He let go of Daine and walked to the counter.

'Will you sign for it all at once?' Master Knoll asked him.

'Yes.' Numair took the quill from him and walked to the counter. He pinned Daine next to it so she was facing him.

'Pink?' He looked at her. 'Haven't you sworn against pink dresses?'

'It's for Ellane.' She said. Daine gave him a look that said to let her have it.

'Oh course, sweetling.' Numair signed and kissed her. 'I want you home by mid after noon. I'll be teaching.'

'Okay, I come see you when I get back.' Numair kissed her one last time and walked out.

Daine, Nat and Ellane left the shop after saying good by to Master Knoll. They walked along until the came to Daine's favorite jewelry store. She looked at Ellane with a smile. She began to walk into the store. She leaned next to Ellane as she bought some jewelry for her.

'What Numair doesn't know won't hurt him.'

The two young women looked at each other and laughed.