[Elora]

Lumiel and Uien were fortunate indeed to catch the horse trader before he left the inn for the nearby establishment of the Merry Bowman at Stonebow. He was in the process of packing his papers up neatly when the pair approached him. He cast an assessing gaze over them and smiled in manner he chose for all prospective customers. With his geasture to take a seat, the pair did so and returned the trader's smile.

His papers were spread before him, and he launched into a spiel about horses fit for Elven maidens. Never mind that there was a handsome price attached. He flashed the relevant certificates of ownership, each bearing one or more stamps of authenticity. It was a dizzying display and if you did not keep your head, you'd find yourself in possession of a team of the finest of horses aside from the Mearas ready to lead a carriage you didn't have.

Uien held up a hand when the trader took a breath and interjected, "They are fine, good sir, but for my part I am interested in a sturdy horse able to bear me many miles through the wilds."

Lumiel nodded, adding, "I also wish such a mount." The trader rubbed his chin as he peered at them.

"What business could take Elf maids into the Wilds. Fierce places are those... even Rangers tread lightly." He combed the crowd, looking for a Elven accompaniment, complete with sword and keen gaze. Sometimes they sent their women in, only to swoop when the trader was softened up by Elvish beauty and smooth voices. At least, so this horse trader thought.

"The business of the Master of Buckland," Uien replied simply. That got the trader's attention. So did her action of placing a stack of silver coins on the table. Lumiel followed suit. He blinked at the coins and hurridely sifted through his records to extract two papers which he set before them.

"Well now, here are two fine horses. One a gelding and the other a mare. The gelding is 4 years old, the mare is 5. Sturdy creatures, not simply carriage and show flowers. They're not sprinters. You'll not win a derby with them.

"But they're strong and they have a doughty constitution. They'll be going long after your pretty ones have gone to lather and foam. Serviceable horses, these. Both well trained and only occassional bite."

Uien laughed lightly to herself at that.

"I do not think it is the bite of a bad tempered horse that worries us most, sir. What price is on them?"

And that was when it got truly interesting. The haggling was energetic and intense. After ten minutes, they had a deal pending inspection of the horses.

"Done," said the trader with a grimace that was not entirely for show. "You drive a hard bargain, m'ladies." Whether or not they had an escort, he did have a soft spot for Elvish maidens. "They're yours for 10 silver a piece."

"We will wish to see them first, sir," Lumiel said. The trader nodded earnestly.

"Yes, yes, as I said. I'm a reputable trader, as good as my word. I'll bring them round for you mid afternoon."

"Until then, sir,' Uien replied, bowing her head in gratitude as did Lumiel. They watched the trader gather his papers and rise, hurrying out with a head filled with calculations on the profit. Twenty silver in, 14 to purchase them from the last owners, 2 to stable and feed them.... that made... only 4 silver in profit. The peace was terrible for business, that much was sure.

Uien turned to Lumiel with a faint smile. "That went well, I think." Lumiel nodded, returning the smile. "What else is to be done that I can assist with, Uien?" Uien dropped her pile of coins into her pouch.

"There is little else, aside from gathering more perhaps. The rest awaits us upon our road."

Uien gazed out the window, thinking at that moment of a man who was already on that road and how she wished the distance and time to fade so that she was with him. Through her wistful longings, Uien noticed the sun was out fully now and the stable was filled with horses.

"For now, though, I had best see to my dutied before Derufin sees fit to relieve me of them." Uien rose with a smile and set to her task of moving the horses to the day pasture before they ate the supply of hay and feed in the stables.